Italy to seize $835M from Airbnb in tax evasion inquiry
Italy to seize $835M from Airbnb in tax evasion inquiry
Prosecutors say the firm failed to collect a 21% tax from landlords on rental income.
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This is the best summary I could come up with:
Airbnb spokesperson Christopher Nutly said the firm's European headquarters had been working to resolve the matter with the Italian tax agency since June.
Mr Nutly added "We are confident that we have acted in full compliance with the law and intend to exercise our rights with respect to this issue."
The firm argued that Italy's requirements on taxation contravened the European Union's principle of freedom to provide services across the 27-country bloc.
In recent years, Italian authorities have increased scrutiny of the tax practices of major companies like Airbnb, which has been operating in the country since 2008.
The co-ruling Forza Italia party said the country would move to introduce a national identification code for short-term rentals.
"That code will bring out the revenue of those who rent flats without declaring them," Forza Italia leader and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani told reporters.
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