Celtic’s tax bill uncoveres what it cost Hoarding cash mountain.

Celtic have paid a substantial price for their recent financial success, with corporation tax charges totalling £23.56 million across the last three financial years.

The Scottish champions recorded corporation tax charges of £7.37m in 2023, £4.44m in 2024 and a sizeable £11.75m in 2025. The latest figure represents a significant increase and underlines just how profitable the club has become.

However, the figures also raise a broader question about how Celtic are using the wealth they have accumulated.

There is, of course, nothing unusual about a profitable football club having to pay tax. It is also important to distinguish between the tax charge reported in a set of accounts and the amount of money actually paid to HMRC during that financial year.

Likewise, Celtic could not simply spend every pound of available cash and expect its tax liability to disappear. Transfer costs are normally spread over the length of a player’s contract in the accounts, while spending on buildings and infrastructure is governed by separate accounting and tax rules.

Nevertheless, Celtic’s level of profitability inevitably invites questions about whether enough of that financial strength is being channelled back into the club.

The 2025 accounts demonstrate that significant investment did take place. Celtic spent £37.8m on intangible assets, with player registrations making up the majority of that figure, while a further £11.7m went towards property, plant and equipment.

Yet, even after that expenditure, Celtic had £77.3m sitting in cash at the end of June 2025. The accounts recorded an £11.75m tax charge and confirmed that £12.43m was actually paid in tax during the year.

That leaves supporters entitled to ask whether the club could be more ambitious with the resources available to it.

The obvious area is the playing squad, where Celtic still need improvements, but investment should not stop with transfers.

The condition and quality of Celtic Park and the wider matchday experience also deserve attention.

For some supporters, particularly those using parts of the main stand, basic facilities remain underwhelming. Food options can be limited, with pies served through basic openings rather than a modern concession experience, while some toilet facilities have reportedly lacked even hot water.

Such issues might appear insignificant compared with the millions spent on footballers, but they matter to supporters who spend heavily to attend matches and contribute to the club’s revenues year after year.

That is why improvements aimed primarily at premium hospitality areas, such as the Number 7 Restaurant, may do little to convince the wider fanbase that their needs are being prioritised.

Celtic chief financial officer Chris McKay will understandably have a far more detailed grasp of the club’s financial position than any supporter. He will also know that maintaining a sizeable cash reserve while supporters identify shortcomings around the stadium and the squad will inevitably lead to questions.

The previous accounts provide further evidence of Celtic’s growing financial strength. Corporation tax charges stood at £7.37m in 2023 and £4.44m in 2024, while the club’s cash position increased from £72.3m to £77.2m during 2024 despite spending on areas including Barrowfield, Lennoxtown and stadium maintenance.

The tax burden was naturally lower during the pandemic when Celtic’s revenues and pro