Not to discredit Matt or his point, but I think the illustration of percentages does very little in illuminating valid points when it comes to taxation because most people don't understand the mechanisms and the theory behind tax law at this level.
I agree with Matt that the focus on Google is unfair, but the use of these one off statistics without an in depth review of the companies named above for the last 10 years is also unfair (Yes it takes a review of the past 10 years to establish a proper understanding of a company's tax position).
But, I will qualify that GE has an amazing tax team and the oil and gas industries are a beastly at lobbying.
I agree with Matt that the focus on Google is unfair, but the use of these one off statistics without an in depth review of the companies named above for the last 10 years is also unfair (Yes it takes a review of the past 10 years to establish a proper understanding of a company's tax position).
But, I will qualify that GE has an amazing tax team and the oil and gas industries are a beastly at lobbying.