Harry Styles and Anthony Joshua among UK’s top tax payers

The Done brothers, founders of the Warrington-based bookmaking empire in 1967, have seen their tax contribution nearly double from £273.4 million last year, reflecting the robust performance of their business and potentially the impact of recent fiscal policy changes. Starting with a single betting shop in Salford, their enterprise has grown into one of the largest independent bookmakers in the world, encompassing online operations, retail outlets, and a substantial presence in the sports betting market. Their formidable tax payment underscores the immense profitability generated by their diverse gambling interests and their significant personal wealth derived from the company’s success, which includes dividends and other income streams. This substantial contribution places them at the pinnacle of the list, a testament to decades of business acumen and expansion.

Among the celebrated figures making their mark on the list for the first time is Harry Styles. The former One Direction member, who has transitioned into a globally acclaimed solo artist, paid an estimated £24.7 million in tax. Styles’ inclusion highlights his meteoric success, driven by chart-topping albums like "Fine Line" and "Harry’s House," sold-out world tours such as "Love On Tour," and burgeoning acting career with roles in films like "Don’t Worry Darling." His diverse income streams, including music royalties, touring revenue, merchandise sales, and high-profile endorsements, contribute to a substantial tax liability in the UK, solidifying his status as a financial powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

Another prominent name from the world of sports, Anthony Joshua, finds himself at the 100th position on the list, having paid an estimated £11 million in tax. The former unified world heavyweight champion’s earnings are primarily derived from lucrative fight purses, sponsorship deals with major global brands, and various business ventures. Despite recent ups and downs in his boxing career, Joshua remains one of the most commercially valuable athletes in the UK, with his global appeal ensuring significant revenue generation that translates into substantial tax contributions.

The list also features other familiar faces from the worlds of literature and music. J.K. Rowling, the beloved author of the Harry Potter series and a consistent presence on the tax list, ranked 36th with an estimated £47.5 million tax bill. Her enduring literary legacy continues to generate immense wealth through book sales, film rights, theme park attractions, and merchandise, demonstrating the long-tail economic impact of a global cultural phenomenon. Musician Ed Sheeran, another chart-topping artist, came in at 64th position, contributing an estimated £19.9 million. Sheeran’s success is fueled by massive global tours, album sales, and a prolific songwriting career that yields significant royalties.

The sporting arena contributed further with two of the Premier League’s biggest stars. Manchester City’s Norwegian striker, Erling Haaland, made his debut as the youngest person on the list at number 72, with a projected £16.9 million tax payment. Haaland’s colossal earnings stem from his high-value contract with Manchester City, as well as numerous lucrative endorsement deals with global brands, reflecting his status as one of football’s most marketable talents. Liverpool’s Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah, also featured, believed to have contributed £14.5 million. Salah’s iconic status at Anfield, combined with his substantial contract and significant commercial partnerships, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, underscores the vast financial rewards for elite footballers operating at the pinnacle of the sport.

Beyond the realm of celebrity, the list highlights significant contributions from established business leaders. Sir Tim Martin, the outspoken founder of the popular pub chain Wetherspoon’s, appeared eighth on the list with an estimated tax contribution of £199.7 million. His inclusion reflects the scale and profitability of his extensive pub empire, a mainstay of the UK’s hospitality sector. Financial trading entrepreneur Alex Gerko secured the second spot on the list, contributing an impressive £331.4 million in tax. Gerko, the founder of XTX Markets, a leading quantitative trading firm, exemplifies the immense wealth generated within the high-frequency trading and financial technology sectors. Close behind him was hedge fund boss Chris Rokos, who paid an estimated £330 million, further illustrating the substantial tax contributions from the UK’s thriving financial services industry.

Collectively, the top 100 taxpayers on this year’s Sunday Times list paid a staggering total of £5.758 billion, a significant increase from the £4.985 billion recorded in the previous year. This substantial jump in contributions is largely attributed to higher corporation tax rates introduced by the Labour government. These policy changes were implemented as part of a broader strategy to increase government revenue, aimed at supporting higher welfare spending and other public services. The enhanced tax rates on corporate profits have directly impacted the personal tax liabilities of business owners and shareholders, as company earnings are often distributed as dividends or realized through capital gains.

The compiler of the list, Robert Watts, commented on the evolving nature of the UK’s wealthiest taxpayers, noting, "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. This year there’s been a big jump in the amount of tax we’ve identified – largely because of higher corporation tax rates." His observation underscores the broad spectrum of industries and professions that contribute significantly to the national coffers.

Intriguingly, the list also sheds light on the growing trend of wealthy individuals relocating from the UK. Six taxpayers featured on the list despite having left the country in the past year. This phenomenon is reportedly driven by a desire to avoid higher taxes and the impending changes to non-domicile (non-dom) status. Notable individuals among these relocators include Revolut founder Nik Storonsky, Wren Kitchens’ Malcolm Healey, and sports promoter Eddie Hearn. The government’s decision to abolish the long-standing non-dom tax status, which allowed UK residents whose permanent home was outside the UK to avoid paying UK tax on their foreign income and gains, is a significant factor. This policy shift is intended to create a more equitable tax system but has prompted some wealthy individuals to seek jurisdictions with more favourable tax regimes, raising questions about the potential impact on the UK’s overall tax base and its attractiveness as a hub for global talent and wealth.

It is important to note that the figures presented in the Sunday Times Tax List are estimates, compiled using publicly available information such as company accounts, property records, and other disclosed financial data. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not comment on individual tax affairs, and therefore, the exact amounts cannot be independently verified by the BBC or other news outlets. Nevertheless, the list provides a compelling snapshot of the immense financial contributions made by the UK’s most successful individuals and businesses, highlighting both the scale of their wealth and their role in funding public services. The ongoing debate around wealth, taxation, and economic contribution remains a central theme, as the nation navigates its fiscal landscape and seeks to balance revenue generation with economic competitiveness.