Is Amazon Based in Luxembourg?
Amazon, the global e-commerce giant and one of the largest companies in the world by revenue, has experienced rapid growth since its founding in 1994. But where exactly is Amazon based? Is it headquartered in Seattle, Washington, like many thinks? Or, does it have a more international presence than that? We look at why some countries are claiming Amazon as their own and how that affects you as an Amazon customer.
Why is Amazon headquartered in Luxembourg
Amazon is a global online retailer. Its headquarters are in Seattle, Washington. It employs more than 230,000 people in over 50 countries worldwide. Amazon offers great opportunities for employment and is considered one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2017. What most people don’t know is that Luxembourg is home to Amazon. The company hires hundreds of employees here and has locations scattered throughout Luxembourg City and its suburbs.
Do other companies have headquarters there
While Amazon has a European headquarters in Luxembourg, it is not headquartered there. It has tax reasons for having a presence in Luxembourg (as do other companies), but it remains based elsewhere. The company’s global headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington. This allows them to take advantage of a lower tax rate while also having easier access to their international offices. It’s possible that Amazon will move its headquarters sometime soon as well – rumors abound regarding a move to either Toronto or New York City.
Is Amazon just like Apple, Microsoft and Facebook
Amazon operates at a similar size to Microsoft, Apple and Facebook. Amazon is on a roll and is one of several tech companies seen as untouchable by governments, but that doesn’t mean Amazon couldn’t be targeted by regulatory bodies one day. In fact, people have already called for regulation, but does Amazon need to worry about an Apple- or Microsoft-like tax bill from European or U.S. governments anytime soon?
How does it affect your privacy
A European Union ruling forces online retailers to disclose what countries they’re based in. This can affect your privacy, and possibly your online identity. How? An EU law recently went into effect that requires all online retailers and other companies who do business within EU borders to disclose their location. They have 30 days to update their terms of service with a link to their legal registration information, which is meant to allow customers better access to consumer rights laws for cross-border shopping.
Should you really be concerned about your private data being shared with the government?
A whistleblower has recently gone public with the fact that the U.S. government is giving your data to third-party contractors, such as Microsoft and Amazon, who then sell it to advertisers.
Are all American tech companies doing this
Many American tech companies are basing themselves overseas to avoid high taxes and regulations. The most popular location for these businesses is Ireland, where only 12.5% of income is collected in corporate tax. However, this has led some American businesses—most notably Apple—to be targeted by European regulators for overly aggressive tax-reduction schemes. The UK has also attempted to draw large tech companies like Google and Facebook into paying more taxes through stricter rules.
What can I do if I am unhappy with what’s happening
According to our research, everyone needs a way to vent their frustration, particularly when dealing with companies that are difficult to contact. If you’re unhappy with what’s happening and want to let it be known, try contacting a company’s Facebook or Twitter account. Sometimes, a public message can get your issue resolved quicker than an email would.