In a previously unreported settlement with the UK Government, Vodaphone appears to have made a large payment to HMRC. The additional taxes related to the tax returns of an Irish subsidiary. Although the overall amount settled was not disclosed Vodaphone were required to reclaim approximately £57m from the Irish Government in tax that should have been paid in the UK.
For a four year period Vodaphone had used the Irish subsidiary to collect royalties from most countries and to remit more than one billion Euros of dividends to the low tax jurisdiction of Luxemburg. Vodaphone are reported as saying:
“In all respects and at every point, Vodaphone has conducted itself with the highest integrity and in full compliance with the law.
The settlement with HMRC related to a number of technical factors regarding inter-group transfer pricing arrangements.”
HMRC added:
“We do not comment on the affairs of individuals or companies, but we do ensure that multinationals pay the tax which is due under the law.”
