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Anthony Joshua, JK Rowling and Mohamed Salah have been named among the UK’s 100 largest taxpayers, according to The Sunday Times Tax List 2026.
For the first time, the list was topped by Fred and Peter Done, the billionaire brothers behind betting firm Betfred. The Warrington-based founders, who launched the business in 1967, paid an estimated £400.1m in tax over the past year — nearly a 50% rise from £273.4m the previous year.
Financial trading entrepreneur Alex Gerko ranked second after contributing £331.4m, closely followed by hedge fund manager Chris Rokos, whose tax bill stood at £330m.
Singer Harry Styles was a new entrant, placing 54th with an estimated £24.7m in tax payments. The former One Direction star is expected to release his fourth solo album in March.
Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley came ninth on the list with £175m paid in tax, while inventor Sir James Dyson and Revolut co-founder Nik Storonsky also featured prominently.
Two Premier League footballers appeared on the list for the first time. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland ranked 72nd with a tax bill of £16.9m, making the 25-year-old the youngest person on the list. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah followed in 81st place, paying an estimated £14.5m.
Author JK Rowling placed 36th after paying £47.5m, while Ed Sheeran ranked 64th with £19.9m. Boxer Anthony Joshua appeared at number 100, contributing £11m.
Wetherspoons founder Sir Tim Martin ranked eighth, paying £199.7m in personal tax contributions.
Overall, the top 100 taxpayers paid a combined £5.758bn — up from £4.985bn the previous year. Many saw their tax bills increase following government changes to corporation tax and other levies aimed at funding higher welfare spending.
Robert Watts, who compiled the list, said the rankings reflect a growing mix of celebrities, athletes, entrepreneurs and traditional business figures, noting that higher corporation tax rates were a major factor behind the rise in total contributions.
Despite leaving the UK over the past year, six individuals — including Wren Kitchens founder Malcolm Healey and boxing promoter Eddie Hearn — still appeared on the list, amid reports of wealthy figures relocating following tax reforms and the removal of non-dom status.
