France to appeal Google tax ruling

PARIS

The French government will appeal a court ruling that US internet giant Google is not liable for 1.12 billion euros ($1.27 billion) in taxes claimed by the state, Budget Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Thursday.

“We will appeal this ruling to safeguard the interests of the state,” Darmanin told parliament. The court ruled Wednesday that France could not claim tax on revenues generated by Google in France that were transferred to its Irish subsidiary GIL.

Taxes are far lower in Ireland, a legal loophole prized by many multinationals in Europe. The French claim was the latest in a series against the California-based group, with Britain and Italy agreeing settlements over the Irish tax arrangement.