Lawmaker accuses Google of dodging taxes
Lawmaker accuses Google of highly contrived efforts to dodge taxes
FILE - In these images taken from TV, Google executive Matt Brittin gives evidence to a parliamentary Public Accounts Committee on tax avoidance, in the Boothroyd Room, London in this May 16, 2013 file photo. Brittin defended his company's complicated structure before Britain's Parliament, denying charges that it was misleading authorities to dodge paying tax. Committee chair, Margaret Hodge accused search giant Google of dodging its taxes on Thursday, June 13, 2013 issuing a scathing report that accuses the U.S. Internet company of taking on highly contrived arrangements serving no purpose other than to avoid paying its fair share (AP Photo/PA, File) UNITED KINGDOM OUT
GOOGLE ACCUSED: An influential committee of British lawmakers accused search giant Google of dodging its taxes.
TAX AVOIDANCE: In a scathing report, the committee said the company took on highly contrived arrangements serving no purpose other than to avoid paying its fair share.
ARGUMENTS REJECTED: The report came after testimony by Google Vice President Matt Brittin, who tried to persuade members of parliament's Public Accounts Committee that his company was transparent and fair. Committee chair Margaret Hodge rejected arguments that Google's advertising sales take place in Ireland and not the U.K. Hodge said the government needs to act to shut down loopholes.
