US steps up fight against EU tax crackdown on Apple

MIAMI BEACH, FL - APRIL 26: An Apple computer store is seen on April 26, 2016 in Miami Beach, Florida. Investors reacted negatively to the news that Apple Inc. reported adjusted quarterly earnings of $1.90 a share, below the $2 a share expected by analysts. Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

WASHINGTON: The US stepped up its fight against the European Commission’s crackdown on tax avoidance by Apple and other multinational companies, accusing the commission of unilateralism and overstepping its mandate. 

In a white paper, the US Treasury said the EC probe into alleged special tax treatment that certain EU countries gave Apple, Amazon, Starbucks and Fiat Chrysler “undermines the international tax system.”