JK Rowling and Harry Styles Shine as Billionaire Brothers Lead 2026 Tax List
The annual Sunday Times Tax List has unveiled significant insights into the UK’s top taxpayers for 2026. Highlighting notable figures like JK Rowling and Harry Styles, the list reveals fascinating trends in wealth and taxation.
Top Tax Contributors of 2026
This year, gambling entrepreneurs Fred and Peter Done have claimed the top spot on the list. Their business, established in 1967 and headquartered in Warrington, has contributed an impressive £400.1 million in taxes. This amount represents a substantial increase from the previous year’s £273.4 million.
- Fred and Peter Done: £400.1 million
- Alex Gerko: £331.4 million (2nd place)
- Chris Rokos: £330 million (3rd place)
In total, the top 100 taxpayers contributed £5.758 billion, marking an increase from £4.985 billion last year. These figures are largely attributed to changes in corporation tax rates and adjustments made by the Labour government aimed at increasing welfare spending.
Notable Celebrities on the List
Among the prominent names, Harry Styles makes his debut with a tax contribution of £24.7 million. Additionally, footballers have left their mark on the list:
- Erling Haaland: £16.9 million (ranked 72nd)
- Mo Salah: £14.5 million
Meanwhile, JK Rowling ranked 36th, contributing £47.5 million, while musician Ed Sheeran secured the 64th position with a tax bill of £19.9 million.
The Exodus of Wealthy Individuals
The 2026 Tax List also reveals a trend of wealthy individuals departing the UK. Six taxpayers featured on the list are no longer residents, opting for locations like Morocco and Dubai to avoid higher taxes. This includes notable figures such as:
- Nik Storonsky – Founder of Revolut
- Malcolm Healey – Founder of Wren Kitchens
- Eddie Hearn – Sports promoter
Robert Watts, who compiles the list, noted that one in nine taxpayers listed no longer reside in the UK. Although these individuals continue to deliver substantial sums to HM Treasury through their businesses, a greater tax yield would be realized if they remained in the UK.
As the disparity in tax contributions grows, the influence of fiscal policies on the decision-making of wealthy individuals becomes increasingly apparent. The 2026 Tax List serves as a snapshot of the current economic landscape and the evolving patterns among the UK’s wealthiest taxpayers.
