Coca-Cola to pay $6 billion in IRS back taxes case while appealing judge's decision

The Coca-Cola logo adorns the side of a delivery truck May 15, 2024, in southeast Denver. Coca-Cola reports earnings on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Coca-Cola Co. said Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, it will pay a back tax bill amounting to $6 billion to the Internal Revenue Service while it appeals a federal tax court judge's latest ruling in a case dating back 17 years. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Coca-Cola Co. said Friday it will pay $6 billion in back taxes and interest to the Internal Revenue Service while it appeals a final federal tax court decision in a case dating back 17 years.

The Atlanta beverage giant said it will continue to fight and believes it will win the legal dispute stemming from taxes and interest the IRS maintains the company owes from 2007, 2008 and 2009.

“The company looks forward to the opportunity to begin the appellate process and, as part of that process, will pay the agreed-upon liability and interest,” it said in a statement. Coca-Cola spokesperson Scott Leith declined additional comment to The Associated Press.