In a shocking revelation, Matthew Gilbert, widely known as “The Irish Viking” on OnlyFans, has been named in Ireland’s latest tax defaulters list. Gilbert, along with his company, Matty Irish Viking Limited, was found to have under-declared taxes totaling over €350,000. This exposé not only highlights the financial discrepancies but also raises questions about the responsibilities of online content creators in adhering to tax regulations.​

The Rise of ‘The Irish Viking’

Matthew Gilbert, hailing from Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, transitioned into the online content creation sphere after his barbershop closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Embracing the adult subscription platform OnlyFans, Gilbert quickly gained prominence, amassing millions of followers across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. By 2021, he reportedly earned over €50,000 per month, boasting 3,000 subscribers that year. ​

The Tax Evasion Unveiled

The Revenue Commissioners’ latest tax defaulters list, published on March 11, 2025, unveiled Gilbert’s significant tax discrepancies:

• Personal Under-Declaration: Gilbert under-declared his income tax, resulting in €61,374 in unpaid taxes. With additional interest of €8,895 and penalties amounting to €18,412, the total liability reached €88,681. ​
• Corporate Under-Declaration: His company, Matty Irish Viking Limited, based on Dame Street in Dublin, under-declared corporation tax, PAYE, PRSI, USC, and VAT totaling €191,464. Including interest and penalties, the company’s total liability escalated to €266,693. ​

Collectively, Gilbert and his company owed €355,374 to the Revenue Commissioners. Notably, all outstanding amounts have since been paid in full.​

The Implications for Online Content Creators

This incident underscores the imperative for online content creators to maintain transparency and compliance in their financial dealings:​

• Regulatory Scrutiny: As digital platforms like OnlyFans become lucrative avenues, tax authorities are intensifying scrutiny to ensure proper tax declarations.​
• Financial Accountability: Creators must recognize their earnings as taxable income, necessitating meticulous record-keeping and timely tax filings.​
• Professional Guidance: Engaging financial advisors can aid in navigating complex tax obligations, mitigating risks of under-declaration.​

Public and Media Reaction

The revelation of Gilbert’s tax evasion has sparked diverse reactions:​

• Public Sentiment: Some express disappointment, viewing the under-declaration as a breach of trust, while others sympathize, acknowledging the challenges of sudden financial success.​
• Media Coverage: News outlets have highlighted the case, emphasizing the importance of tax compliance in the digital economy.​

Matthew Gilbert’s case serves as a cautionary tale for online content creators, emphasizing the critical importance of tax compliance. As digital platforms continue to evolve, creators must proactively manage their financial responsibilities to uphold integrity and avoid legal repercussions.

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