The annual Sunday Times Tax List has unveiled the United Kingdom's most significant fiscal contributors, with gambling magnates, pop icons, and literary giants all featuring prominently. This year's compilation reveals a substantial increase in total payments, highlighting the evolving landscape of wealth and taxation under current government policies.
Betfred Brothers Ascend to Top Spot
For the first time, the rankings are led by the billionaire siblings behind betting behemoth Betfred. Fred and Peter Done, who established their Warrington-based enterprise in 1967, made an estimated tax contribution of £400.1 million over the past year. This represents a dramatic increase of nearly fifty percent from their previous year's payment of £273.4 million, propelling them to the summit of the list.
Overall Contributions Surge
The list demonstrates a significant uplift in total revenue collected from the nation's highest earners. The top 100 taxpayers collectively paid £5.758 billion in tax, a notable rise from the £4.985 billion recorded the previous year. This surge is attributed in part to recent fiscal adjustments, including changes to corporation tax rates implemented by the Labour Government to bolster welfare expenditure.
Robert Watts, the compiler of the prestigious list, commented on its growing diversity. "This is an increasingly diverse list, with Premier League footballers and world famous pop stars lining up alongside aristocrats and business owners selling pies, pillows and baby milk," he observed. "This year there's been a big jump in the amount of tax we've identified – largely because of higher corporation tax rates."
High-Profile New Entries and Notable Names
The 2026 list welcomed several prominent new faces. Former One Direction star Harry Styles made his debut appearance, contributing an estimated £24.7 million in tax. The sporting world was also represented by new entrants, with Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland appearing at number 72 with a £16.9 million payment and Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah believed to have a bill of £14.5 million.
Among the established names, Harry Potter author JK Rowling maintained her position as a major contributor, ranking at number 36 with a tax payment of £47.5 million. Acclaimed musician Ed Sheeran also featured prominently at number 64, with a contribution of £19.9 million.
Financial Sector Heavyweights
Following the Done brothers, the list was dominated by figures from the financial world. Financial trading entrepreneur Alex Gerko secured second place with a substantial payment of £331.4 million. He was closely followed by hedge fund manager Chris Rokos, who contributed £330 million to the Exchequer.
Offshore Residency Trends Emerge
A noteworthy trend identified in this year's list is the number of significant taxpayers who have chosen to relocate from the UK. Six individuals feature on the ranking despite having left the country over the past year, amid reports of wealthy individuals moving to avoid higher taxes or due to the removal of the non-dom status.
These include Revolut founder Nik Storonsky, Wren Kitchens founder Malcolm Healey, and prominent sports promoter Eddie Hearn. Their new residences span locations such as Morocco, Dubai, Switzerland, Cyprus, Portugal, the United States, and the Channel Islands.
Mr Watts provided insight into this development, stating, "One in nine of the people who make the tax list are no longer listed as resident here in the UK. Clearly the tax listers who have moved offshore are still delivering huge sums to HM Treasury through their businesses, but the Chancellor would no doubt be raising even more money from these people had they chosen to stay put and remain liable for personal tax here."
The Sunday Times Tax List continues to serve as a revealing barometer of wealth, contribution, and mobility among the UK's highest earners, reflecting broader economic policies and personal financial strategies in an increasingly globalised landscape.
