Apple 's tax liability in Ireland could be more than $ 20bn if it is unable to overturn a European Commission ruling , an economist has said . As we noted yesterday , the European Commission ruled that Ireland must recover up to € 13bn , plus significant interest , in " illegal tax payments " from the company . Apple 's effective tax rate in the EU was 0.005 % in 2014 . The European Commission wanted to make a splash," he said. Economist Seamus Coffey told CNBC that the final payment , taking interest penalties into account , could amount to 10 % of Ireland 's national income . Apple and the Irish government say they will appeal the decision .
Apple 's tax liability in Ireland could be more than $ 20bn if it is unable to overturn a European Commission ruling , an economist has said . As we noted yesterday , the European Commission ruled that Ireland must recover up to € 13bn , plus significant interest , in " illegal tax payments " from the company . Apple 's effective tax rate in the EU was 0.005 % in 2014 . Economist Seamus Coffey told CNBC that the final payment , taking interest penalties into account , could amount to 10 % of Ireland 's national income . Apple and the Irish government say they will appeal the decision .