JK Rowling and Harry Styles named among UK’s biggest taxpayers as Betfred founders top Sunday Times list
JK Rowling and Harry Styles have been listed among the UK’s biggest taxpayers, according to new figures highlighted from the annual Sunday Times Tax List. The rankings, which estimate tax contributions from the country’s highest individual payers, show a mix of business owners, musicians and footballers contributing hundreds of millions to the Treasury.
The Northern Echo reported that Betfred founders Fred and Peter Done topped the list for the first time, with an estimated tax contribution of £400.1 million over the past year, while the top 100 taxpayers paid a combined £5.758 billion in tax.
The report said Mr Robert Watts, who compiled the list, attributed the jump in identified tax contributions largely to higher corporation tax rates. Financial trading entrepreneur Mr Alex Gerko was listed second with £331.4 million, followed by hedge fund boss Mr Chris Rokos on £330 million.
Among new entries, Styles was said to have paid £24.7 million, while footballers Mr Erling Haaland and Mr Mohamed Salah were also included for the first time with estimated tax payments of £16.9 million and £14.5 million respectively. Rowling was listed with a reported £47.5 million tax bill. Britpop News has previously covered Rowling’s public controversies, including when she addressed the Harry Potter boycott debate in response to online criticism.
The list also included six taxpayers said to have left the UK over the past year, amid broader discussion about where high earners choose to live and how policy changes affect revenues. Compilers noted that those who have moved can still generate substantial tax through UK-based businesses, even if personal tax liabilities shift.
