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The Daily PollTHE GAELIC PLAYERS Association wants the new government to bring in a tax relief scheme for inter-county players.
The Sunday Independent reported yesterday that chief executive Tom Parsons had recently written to Finance Minister Jack Chambers, junior minister Alan Dillon and TD Michael Lowry about the issue.
This is not the first time the issue has been raised, with previous calls from 2018 suggesting that the government extend the retired sportsperson’s relief scheme to GAA players.
That tax relief applies to rugby players, athletes, boxers, cyclists, golfers, jockeys, tennis players and swimmers, but does not include GAA players.
However, the sportsperson’s relief can only be claimed on earnings from direct participation in the sport, not sponsorships, which has been cited as an issue for extending the scheme to amateur players.
So today we’re asking: Should inter-county GAA players receive some sort of tax credit?
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No. The GAA should give them a basic wage. Tax payer shouldn’t foot the bill on behalf of the GAA. The players should get something for their dedication to the sport. That should come from the sporting organisation, not the government.
@Eoin Jackson:
Anything the GAA give them would be taxed and would most likely be 50% as it would go on top of there wage.
Personally I would be more in favour of the GAA paying the players to promote and market the game.
As soon as you introduce pay for play then every player has a legal right to work for the county that pays him most..
@Jack Dermody: I’m not opposed to any scheme which gives the players a couple of quid, be it for playing the game or promoting the game etc. However, I believe if they were paid for playing the game then they would be subject to the same tax breaks as footballers and rugby players as this article touches on. Whereas there would be no relief for any payment in terms of promoting the game as this would be seen as income tax only. There already is sporting relief available to athletes for income they get to compete, this doesn’t extend to sponsorship deals etc. So if the GAA gave a basic wage I would expect this would get tax relief in the same manner as other sports. And when I say wage I mean paltry, I am not suggesting the GAA go full premier league football on it!
@Jack Dermody: and there is no legal right to work for the county that pays him most. It’s not a free employment market situation. County tied rules will still apply set by the GAA. The pay should be uniform, not down to the individual county boards. It should be managed at a GAA HQ level.
I reckon players should get some tax relief.After all, they are the only ones in the GAA set up not getting paid for the generally great entertainment they provide.It would not cost the exchequer a whole lot. We are talking about very few people, really, and it might just make life a little easier for their families.
@Gerry Conway: I reckon the GAA should just pay them or fund better allowances, both of which could be exempt from tax. The GAA can certainly afford it, so why should taxpayers foot the bill??
@NotMyIreland: what would they pay them with exactly Wicklow or Carlow have an average of 300 at most for the league and championship, and Wayetford footballers probably less. Even the Division One teams who play 7 games , apart from Dublin are only getting 4000 to 5000.
In total most county teams on play a maximum of 8 home games in the league and championship , with many small crowds.
They are amateurs, if they dont want to play , they dont have to play.
They all get expenses and it currently costs about 34 million a guest to train teams, although some days you would hardly know.
Revenue in the GAA is about 60 million a year which covers County teams, county ground development and lots mote
The GAA is heading in the wrong direction. Tax credits have nothing to do with playing ball or hurling for your county at amateur level. It’s getting was over commercialised and is being run as a super profit making business while leaving behind their loyal supporters.
Writing to Michael Lowry about tax credits? You couldn’t make it up!
Why GAA, if you’re making an argument for GAA players receiving it then all top amateur sports people should surely. There are only one or two sports played at fully professional level in the country, and you can’t really discriminate against them who are making the same sacrifices GAA players make….
@Sea Point: By them I mean the other amatuers, not the Pro’s who are being fully paid to play…
Definitely. They should get a tax credit for the cost of breaking hurlers over other people, especially in Limerick!
The GAA are way too powerful. Power corrupts.
Are the GPA actually engaging with Michael Lowry?
No.
Can The Journal spell out the details of the preferential tax treatment the Rugby guys gey
@Michaela Garvey: the revenue spell it out here
https://www.revenue.ie/en/personal-tax-credits-reliefs-and-exemptions/income-and-employment/sports-person-relief/about-the-relief.aspx
If it is given to other Sports than it’s only reasonable.
But Personally I don’t see the sense to give it to sporters at all.
A tax credit? On top of the get out of jail free card?
I’m saying it with years, inter county championship panelist’s should not be paying paye while their county is involved in championship, the revenue being generated by the games is more than covering what they would be paying.
@P O Farrell: why should panelists not pay Paye while involved in the championship? They get paid by their employer for working, they dont get paid by the GAA, they get an allowance to cover cost of travel to training, not sure how much.
They should be paid professionals cause the level they play is equivalent to professionals in other sports, but as we all know the GAA is a cheap outfit but times are a changing ??
Give them electronic payment tax-free, which can be verified, audited, and measured against player involvement in panels training and match day fee.
How about assault credit?
No. If it were to happen you would have other sections of society seeking a tax credit, and more besides. Lone parents get one, and an increase in the tax bracket.
Considering the level of dedication that’s needed to play in Inter-County GAA (all the driving/training etc.) I would not object to a tax credit.
I was amazed by the effort some of the people I used to work with put in.
have your say