Betfred Founders Top UK's Tax List, with Styles and Joshua Among High-Profile Contributors
The founders of betting giant Betfred have been named the UK's biggest individual taxpayers, heading a diverse list that includes pop superstar Harry Styles, heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, and author J.K. Rowling.
Brothers Fred and Peter Done, who built their gambling empire from a single shop in Warrington, lead The Sunday Times Tax List for the first time. Their estimated contribution of £400.1m over the past year underscores the vast scale of their business success.
The total tax paid by the top 100 individuals surged to £5.758bn, a significant increase from £4.985bn the previous year. Compilers attribute this jump largely to the rise in corporation tax from 19% to 25%, implemented in 2023 by the then-Conservative government, alongside higher rates on dividends.
Harry Styles, making his debut on the list, contributed an estimated £24.7m. Other notable entries include footballer Erling Haaland (£16.9m), the list's youngest contributor at 25, and boxer Anthony Joshua (£11m), who rounded out the list at 100th place. Veteran author J.K. Rowling paid an estimated £47.5m.
"This list reflects a changing Britain," said Robert Watts, compiler of the list. "It's no longer just inherited wealth. Here we see self-made entrepreneurs, global sports figures, and entertainers contributing enormous sums to the public purse."
However, the list also highlights a trend of relocation, with six taxpayers having left the UK in the past year. This follows reports of wealthy individuals moving abroad amid the abolition of the non-dom tax status and higher overall tax burdens.
Reactions & Analysis:
"As a small business owner, seeing these figures is staggering. The Done brothers' story is inspirational, but it also highlights the immense tax revenue generated by successful entrepreneurship. This money funds vital services we all rely on," said Michael Thorne, 42, an accountant from Leeds.
"It leaves a bitter taste. While it's good they're paying tax, we're celebrating people who made billions from a industry that ruins lives. And let's not forget the six who just left to avoid paying their share. The system is still rigged," argued Sarah Chen, 38, a community organiser from Glasgow.
"The diversity is fascinating—from sports to spells. It shows the UK remains a powerhouse for generating wealth across sectors. This level of transparency is healthy for the tax debate," noted David Pembroke, 55, an economics lecturer from Bristol.
The list's publication comes amid ongoing national debates about fiscal fairness, wealth inequality, and the funding of public services. While HMRC does not comment on individual tax affairs, the list provides a rare public snapshot of the contributions from the UK's highest earners.