[gigatexal]

If I was Apple or any other megacorp I would happily pay the taxes and pay them publicly because of all the goodwill and favors and all the greased politicians and folks it can buy.

It’s less hassle than lawyering and cheaper and instead you can focus on building relationships or getting other benefits than hoarding cash which Apple clearly can print like a central bank.

[londons_explore]

That might be the case for super local taxes (eg. Paying land tax to the town), but for nationwide taxes even a big company makes basically no difference. Therefore, politicians don't really care - it isn't their money and doesn't directly impact them.

[ant6n]

Seems like there would be cheaper ways to buy good will greased politicians.

[newZWhoDis]

Elon paid one of the largest (the largest?) personal tax bills ever.

How’s that working out for him?

[gigatexal]

Well he does enough self owning to erode any good will he’s ever earned. You can’t fix stupid. The man is a genius but socially very stupid.

[generic92034]

But someone would not have been promoted (or would not have gotten a huge bonus) without taking advantage of that perceived tax loophole! /s