Britain’s wealthiest individuals contributed a combined £5.758 billion to the Treasury over the past year, according to the Sunday Times Tax List 2026 published today.
Betfred founders Fred and Peter Done claimed the top spot for the first time, with an estimated £400.1 million payment. The brothers established their Warrington-based betting empire in 1967.
The annual ranking features a notable sporting contingent, with boxer Anthony Joshua appearing at number 100 after paying £11 million.
Premier League stars Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah also secured places among the nation’s highest contributors.
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The total represents a significant increase from £4.985 billion recorded the previous year.
Financial trading entrepreneur Alex Gerko secured second position with a £331.4 million contribution, closely followed by hedge fund manager Chris Rokos at £330 million.
Stephen Rubin, chairman of Pentland Group, and his family ranked fourth having paid £325.6 million. The Coates family behind Bet365 came fifth with £227.1 million.
Hargreaves Lansdown co-founder Peter Hargreaves contributed £210 million, while Home Bargains’ Tom Morris and family paid £209.1 million.
JD Wetherspoon founder Sir Tim Martin appeared eighth on the list with an estimated £199.7 million payment.
JD Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin is a major contributor in taxes
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PARetail entrepreneur Mike Ashley followed at ninth with £175.9 million, and the Perkins family behind Specsavers completed the top ten at £121.7 million.
Harry Potter author JK Rowling maintained her regular presence on the list, ranking 36th with a £47.5 million tax bill.
Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran appeared at 64th position, contributing £19.9 million to public coffers.
Former One Direction star Harry Styles made his debut on the ranking this year, having paid £24.7 million in tax.
Heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua rounded out the century of top contributors at number 100, with an £11 million payment.
The Done brothers nearly doubled their previous year’s contribution of £273.4 million, with many on the list paying more following Labour’s corporation tax changes aimed at supporting increased welfare spending.
Anthony Joshua was the 100th biggest contributor of taxes this year
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PAManchester City striker Erling Haaland became the youngest individual to feature on the ranking at just 25 years old, securing 72nd place with a projected £16.9 million tax payment.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is estimated to have a £14.5 million bill.
Robert Watts, who compiled the list, said: “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.”
Mohamed Salah is estimated to have paid around £14.5million in taxes
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ReutersHe added: “This year there’s been a big jump in the amount of tax we’ve identified – largely because of higher corporation tax rates.”