Italy to seize $835m from Airbnb in tax evasion inquiry

An Italian judge has ordered the seizure of €779.5m from Airbnb over alleged tax evasion. 

Preosceuots says Airbnb failed to collect a tax from landlords on around €3.7bn of rental income.

Landlords in Italy are required to pay a 21% tax on their earnings. 

Airbnb told the BBC that it was “surprised and disappointed at the action announced by the Italian public prosecutor”.

The company’s spokesperson Christopher Nutly said the firm’s European headquarters had been working to resolve the matter with the Italian tax agency since June. 

Mr Nutly added “We are confident that we have acted in full compliance with the law and intend to exercise our rights with respect to this issue.”