The Sunday Times Tax List has revealed that the UK's 50 wealthiest individuals and families collectively paid approximately £2.5 billion in tax last year. The list is topped by Denise Coates, founder and joint chief executive of Bet365, who paid £276 million.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling placed 19th, contributing £48.6 million in tax on around £100 million of royalties and other earnings. Sir James Dyson and his family came fourth with a tax bill of £103 million.
Second on the list was sportswear boss Stephen Rubin, who paid £143.9 million, down from £181.6 million the previous year. Sir Philip Green, despite transferring his business to his Monaco-based wife, contributed £44.4 million through his Arcadia Group, placing 23rd.
Robert Watts, who compiled the list, noted that while the wealthy are often criticised as tax avoiders, many contribute significantly to public finances. He warned that an exodus of super-rich individuals could weaken public services or require higher taxes from others.
The Tax List accounts for corporation tax, dividend tax, capital gains tax, income tax, and payroll taxes. The Coates family's total tax liability included £113.2 million from Bet365's corporation tax and National Insurance, £130 million from Denise Coates's income, and £32.8 million from dividends.
