Google Korea Wins 154 Billion Won Tax Case

South Korea's Supreme Court finalized a ruling in favor of Google Korea, canceling a 154 billion won ($118.46 million) corporate tax assessment. The dispute, which began in 2020, centered on whether ad revenue remitted to Google Asia Pacific was taxable royalty income or business income.

• Supreme Court dismissed the appeal without a hearing on the merits on Oct. 8
• Disputed amount was 154 billion won ($118.46 million) in corporate and local taxes
• Courts at all three levels ruled the remittances were business income, not royalties
• Dispute began in 2020 with the Yeoksam District Tax Office