Wexford refs must reveal PPS numbers

Wexford referees have been told they must provide their Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers to the county board or they won’t be considered for future games.

Although some counties such as Tipperary say referees can furnish the PPS numbers voluntarily, county boards benefit from a reduced tax liability on the referees’ expenses of almost 20% (25.5% from 45.25%) if they are provided with such details.

Wexford referees chairman John Rossiter confirmed that match officials will be overlooked if they don’t submit their PPS numbers.

“I can only comment on Wexford but if they (referees) don’t provide the Wexford County Board with their number the county board will have to pay a higher tax liability,” he said.

A former Revenue employee, Rossiter is assured referees won’t face any tax liabilities under the new system.

“Again, I can only speak for Wexford but there are no tax implications for the referees because they are deemed as expenses.

Along with Wexford, Longford’s referees had threatened to withdraw their services earlier this year in protest at the new guidelines which had been touted as a €13.71 flat rate along with mileage of 50 cent per mile.

Longford referees co-ordinator Joe O’Brien confirmed their match officials will receive the same €40 fee as they did last year although they will have to file more paperwork.

“The understanding is if the mileage doesn’t cover the €40 fee then the county board takes up the tax liability on what is owed, basically the shortfall.

“The system has been discussed at provincial level and it has received the broad approval of Leinster’s co-ordinators.”

Although there has no similar ultimatum given to Longford referees regarding PPS numbers, O’Brien said they should do what they can to help the county boards ease their tax burden.

However, the impact of the new expenses structure for referees on welfare benefits/entitlements is not as clearcut.

As is their policy, the Department of Social Protection wouldn’t comment on GAA referees specifically.

But they stated that a referee in receipt of benefits would be subject to inspection to ensure their expenses are above board.

“In general, cash income is assessable as means for the purposes of social welfare means tested payments. Expenses necessarily incurred in carrying out an activity are normally not assessable or are allowed as an expense.

“The social welfare position of individual referees would have to be examined on a case by case basis and documentary evidence may be requested to validate that any payment is being made solely to compensate a person for costs incurred.”