Sunday Times Reveals Salford Billionaires as UK’s Top Tax Contributors

The latest Sunday Times Tax List reveals a striking shift in the UK’s tax contributions, highlighting Salford billionaires Fred and Peter Done as the nation’s top taxpayers. The founders of Betfred have garnered attention for their significant contributions, totaling an estimated £400.1 million in taxes for the fiscal year. Their commitment to tax payments has set them at the pinnacle of the 2026 tax rankings.

Key Figures from the 2026 Tax List

The Sunday Times Tax List 2026 not only showcases the Done brothers but also highlights notable contributions from various wealthy individuals across the UK. The total tax liability for the top 100 taxpayers reached £5.758 billion, which marks an increase from £4.985 billion from the previous year. To appear on this prestigious list, individuals or families must have paid at least £11 million in taxes, up by £500,000 from 2025.

Noteworthy Tax Payments

• Fred and Peter Done: £400.1 million
• JK Rowling: £47.5 million (ranked 36)
• Harry Styles: £24.7 million (ranked 54)
• Ed Sheeran: £19.9 million (ranked 64)
• Anthony Joshua: £11 million (ranked 100)
• Erling Haaland: £16.9 million (ranked 72)
• Mohamed Salah: £14.5 million (ranked 81)

The calculations include various taxes, such as corporation tax, income tax, and capital gains tax, reflecting the overall wealth generated by these individuals and their companies.

Impact of Tax Policies on Businesses

Fred Done has expressed concern over potential tax hikes on gambling, which he warned could jeopardize thousands of jobs at Betfred shops. In past statements, he mentioned that a significant increase could risk the closure of 1,287 shops and affect around 7,500 employees. His anxieties coincide with recent comments from Chancellor Rachel Reeves about ensuring gambling firms fulfill their tax obligations.

The Diversification of Tax Contributors

Robert Watts, the compiler of the Sunday Times Tax List, underscored the growing diversity among top taxpayers. The list now includes a mix of football stars, pop icons, aristocrats, and everyday entrepreneurs. This reflects both the changing landscape of wealth in the UK and the increasing tax contributions from previously underrepresented sectors.

In summary, the 2026 Sunday Times Tax List not only highlights the substantial contributions from the Done brothers but also sheds light on a dynamic group of individuals contributing significantly to the UK’s economy. As tax policies evolve, the significance of these contributions is likely to remain a crucial part of the national conversation surrounding wealth and responsibility.