France demands $1.7 billion from Google in back taxes

French authorities have demanded that US Internet giant Google pay $1.7 billion in back taxes, a source close to the matter said today.

"In regards to France, a 1.6 billion euro adjustment has been imposed on the company," the source said.

The French finance ministry told AFP the amount Google would have to pay was subject to "fiscal confidentiality".

Google is one of several multinational corporations that have come under fire in Europe for paying extremely low taxes by shifting revenue across borders in an often complex web of financial arrangements.

France refused to negotiate the amount of back taxes it would request, unlike Britain which requested $185 million, from Google.

A panel of British lawmakers have denounced that settlement as ridiculously low given Google's size and earnings.

Italy is also demanding Google pay over 200 million euros in back taxes following an inquiry by the financial police.

The European Commission has cracked down hard on companies, including US icons such as Apple, Starbucks and Amazon, who have worked out arrangements with countries allowing them to slash their tax bills.

Swedish furniture giant Ikea has also been accused of underpaying taxes by one billion euros by using tax loopholes in certain European countries.

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