Mayo GAA issue statement on Cúl Camp tax liability

Mayo GAA have said it has ‘no certainty’ regarding how long an ongoing audit from the Revenue Commissioners will take.

The Revenue Commisioners is currently engaging with Mayo GAA over outstanding tax liabilities from its Cúl Camp’s programme in 2018 and 2019.

As part of that process, Mayo GAA made a voluntary disclosure of €119,778 to the Revenue Commissioners in relation to the potential tax liability for the Cúl Camp’s programme. 

The Revenue Commissioners requested further information from Mayo GAA for the 2018 and 2019 period following this disclosure. 

“In light of this request, Mayo GAA began its own voluntary review of the tax treatment it applies across a range of expenses paid in subsequent years, from 2020-2024. Mayo GAA took it upon itself to engage proactively with Revenue on this wider review,” read the statement from Mayo GAA issued this evening.

The statement added that “while we have no certainty on how long it will take, it is hoped that the process will conclude in the coming months.”

Mayo GAA siad it will prepare and release its financial statement in advance of the county convention. The convention - which was originally scheduled for December 8, takes place in the Great National Hotel in Ballina on December 18. 

“Mayo GAA will prepare and release its Financial Statement to its clubs in advance of convention without any provision for a potential liability. As Mayo GAA is not currently in a position to accurately assess with certainty the final potential liabilities that may arise from our engagement with Revenue, the principal officers of county board have decided to not sign the Financial Statements for the year ended 30th September 2024 until the outcome of the ongoing Revenue Commissioners Risk Review is completed and any additional liabilities arising from same are quantified and agreed. 

“Our Auditors are in agreement with this approach and this approach is supported by Mayo GAA Management Committee and the County’s Audit & Risk Committee. Overall, the finances of Mayo GAA are in robust shape after another strong financial year in 2024.

“To prevent similar issues highlighted by Revenue from arising in the future, Mayo GAA has commenced a review of the payment of all expenses going forward to ensure they are fully compliant with Revenue guidelines.

“Mayo GAA will continue to update club delegates and officials as the Revenue’s intervention progresses.”

The Revenue Commisioners’ intervention was first made public last December when Mayo GAA Treasurer Valerie Murphy read a brief statement on the matter at the Mayo GAA convention. 

The matter was discussed by delegates who attended tonight’s county board meeting, which the media were asked not to attend. 

Up to seven county boards are currently being audited by the Revenue Commissioners.

Mayo GAA Chairman, Séamus Tuohy, said that the county board remains fullly compliant with the ongoing audit. 

“The issues that have been identified by the Revenue Commissioners relate to expense payments made. It is therefore clear that these potential tax liabilities identified by Revenue may also impact every other county board in Ireland,” said Tuohy.

“As Mayo GAA continue to work constructively with Revenue on these issues, I would urge the wider GAA community to proactively engage on these issues and ensure all county boards have clear guidelines going forward around the tax treatment of all expenses that are incurred in the running of our association.”