Technology companies have been accused of making a “shameless” attempt to exploit the coronavirus pandemic to avoid paying tax after the industry lobby group urged the government to delay a new levy.
TechUK, which represents hundreds of technology companies including Facebook, Google, Apple and Amazon, claimed that the government should “look again” at the digital services tax and “give companies a bit more breathing space” by delaying liabilities for a year.
Tech giants have been accused of dodging payments by moving profits offshore. The new tax came into force this month but affected companies said that payment should be delayed, claiming that its scope had been extended at a time when the coronavirus outbreak was stretching their resources and casting doubt on future revenue.
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