E-commerce Giant’s Economic Impact and Investments Revealed

  • Amazon UK paid £648m in direct taxes last year
  • Revenues increased by 14% to £23.19bn
  • Indirect taxes collected amounted to £2.13bn
  • Tax credit of over £1m received from HMRC due to ‘super-deduction’ scheme
  • Amazon invested £11.4bn in the UK, creating 25,000 jobs and building four new fulfilment centres
  • Total European workforce exceeds 200,000 with over 65,000 jobs created across Europe

Amazon UK has reported a significant increase in its tax contribution, paying £648 million in direct taxes last year as revenues surpassed £23 billion. The company attributed the growth to headcount expansion and real estate development. Additionally, Amazon confirmed contributing £2.13 billion in indirect taxes collected from customers, employees, and other third parties due to its UK business activities. This includes VAT and PAYE payments. Despite receiving a tax credit of over £1 million from HMRC as part of the ‘super-deduction’ scheme, Amazon has invested heavily in infrastructure and job creation across Europe, totaling more than €100 billion since 2010.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Amazon’s tax payments, revenue growth, and job creation in the UK, as well as its investments in infrastructure. It also clarifies that corporation tax is based on profits rather than revenues. However, it could have provided more context on the ‘super-deduction’ scheme and the specifics of Amazon’s losses in Europe.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Amazon’s tax payments and contributions to the UK economy, as well as its investments in infrastructure and job creation. It also addresses the company’s loss due to expansion efforts. The information is supported by data and evidence from the accounts filed for the Luxembourg-based division.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Amazon’s tax payments impact the company’s financial performance and reputation
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Amazon UK’s increased tax payments, which can affect its financial performance and public perception. It also mentions the company’s investments in infrastructure and job creation, which may impact the overall economy.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk