Priests damn Google on tax

ITS SEARCH ENGINE may boast almighty powers to divine our every move, but Google has come under attack from an order of Catholic priests over its tax arrangements.

The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, established in France two centuries ago, has called on Google to hand more of its profits to the taxman

In a proposal to be put to a vote at the annual shareholder meeting in May, the priests say Google must stop using offshore tax havens.

The internet giant saves hundreds of millions of pounds a year by routing profits from big markets such as Britain to Bermuda. The priests say these tax shelters facilitate “financial opacity and illegal activities”.

Google has advised shareholders to reject the proposal. “We have structured our operations in a manner consistent with all applicable tax laws,” it said.

Credit: The Sunday Times