Apple paid $17 billion in taxes to Ireland last year, which is 40% of its $43 billion worldwide total (via the Financial Times). The figures were disclosed for the first time under new EU rules requiring large companies to break down their finances by country. The figures were disclosed for the first time under new EU rules requiring large companies to break down their finances by country.

Apple reportedly paid Ireland roughly $17 billion in taxes last year-a major figure that constituted about 40% of its total global tax liability. This presents a clear case of one firm dominating a...