Meta, X, and LinkedIn have appealed a major VAT claim from Italian tax authorities.

The claim involves €887.6 million (US$1 billion) from Meta, €12.5 million (US$14.5 million) from X, and €140 million (US$163 million) from LinkedIn.

Italian authorities argue that offering free user accounts in exchange for personal data qualifies as a taxable transaction.

This marks the first time Italy is pursuing a full judicial tax trial against tech firms instead of settling.

The companies filed their appeals after receiving a tax assessment notice in March.

Meta disagreed with the claim, LinkedIn declined to comment, and X did not respond.

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