Dutch gov't: companies on state aid must end tax avoidance

Companies that have "undesireable tax constructions" will not be allowed access to state aid in the future, and those that have them and receive aid must wind them down, the Dutch government said on Friday. It said that companies based in countries with a tax rate below 9%, or that are on the European Union's 'black list' would not be eligible for aid.

Companies that have "undesireable tax constructions" will not be allowed access to state aid in the future, and those that have them and receive aid must wind them down, the Dutch government said on Friday. "We wish to support large companies that come knocking during the coronavirus if they are important to Dutch society," deputy Finance Minister Hans Vijlbrief said in a letter to parliament.

"But it is not appropriate to ask for taxpayer money and at the same time to avoid taxes." The letter did not name individual companies affected. It said that companies based in countries with a tax rate below 9%, or that are on the European Union's 'black list' would not be eligible for aid.