Apple: iPhone Apps Can't Be Used for Business

Posted 08/25/2009 at 6:47am | by Paul Lilly

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Shame on you if you purchased one of the 78 business apps from the iTunes store with the intent on using it for your...business? As quirky as that sounds, it's the exact stance Apple is taking.

This isn't a new policy on Apple's part, but it's garnering attention now after a Swedish customer named Martin posted his customer support exchange on his blog. Upon requesting an apps invoice that breaks down VAT (Value Added Tax) charges, a Tier 1 support representative informed Martin that he was simply out of luck.

"The iTunes Store sells only to customers as end-users for personal, noncommercial use in ther respective countries of residence. The amount you see on your receipt is a total (including tax) with this purpose in mind," the support rep wrote in an email to Martin.

The unnamed rep went on to explain that any attempts to claim purchases for tax reasons would be in violation of the terms of sale, which is true. But when Martin pointed out that "Swidish law requires you to specify sales tax, REGARDLESS of if you sell to a business or a private person," the rep made a pitch to Martin to leave iTunes Feedback to enact change with Apple's policy.

Read the full exchange here.