EU reportedly won't investigate Google tax issues
But Europe's competition chief is still knee-deep in antitrust cases regarding Google search and Android.
EU regulators say they won't investigate Google taxes.
Looks like Google is getting a pass from the European Commission on possible tax issues -- at least for now.
The Commission's antitrust chief, Margrethe Vestager, is currently investigating whether or not Alphabet, Google's parent company, abuses its market dominance in search and mobile software to edge out competitors. But the Commission will not be extending its probe to address questions of back taxes, according to a report Monday by Reuters.
In January, the Scottish National Party reportedly sent a sent a letter to the European Commission regarding a Google £130 million -- or $160 million -- back tax deal with British tax authorities. In August, the Commission ordered Apple to pay 13 billion euros to Ireland in unpaid taxes.
Vestager on Monday also apologized for the Commission's cases against Google taking so long. "I am as sorry as you and everyone else that antitrust work is taking a lot of time," she said, according to Reuters.
One case is specifically investigating whether or not Google prioritizes its own properties -- particularly when it comes to shopping results -- unfairly ahead of third-party competitors. The crux of the other case is Google's Android mobile software, and whether or not business deals with manufacturers unfairly force them to use and highlight Google services.
Google declined to comment. A European Commission representative did not return a request for comment.