The Sunday Times Tax List 2026 shows the capital remains the main base for the country’s highest earners, despite signs some are moving overseas…reports Asian Lite News
London hosts more than a fifth of the UK’s biggest taxpayers, according to the latest Sunday Times Tax List, underlining the capital’s continued dominance in the country’s wealth and financial landscape. The annual ranking shows that 21 of the top 100 individual and family taxpayers are based in London, more than in any other region, with a further 11 living in the south east of England.
Collectively, the top 100 taxpayers paid an estimated £5.758 billion in tax over the past year, an increase on 2025. The rise has been attributed largely to higher corporation tax and dividend taxes, as well as strong profits in finance and business. The figures include estimated payments across income tax, corporation tax, dividend tax, capital gains tax and other business-related contributions, based on publicly available accounts and company filings.
Among those with strong London links is boxing champion Anthony Joshua, who appears at number 100 on the national list after paying £11 million in tax. Joshua grew up in Watford, trained at Finchley Amateur Boxing Club and previously lived in Golders Green, before establishing himself as one of Britain’s most successful sports stars. His inclusion highlights the growing role of sport and entertainment alongside finance in shaping the country’s top earners.
Pop singer Harry Styles is ranked 54th nationally, with an estimated tax bill of £24.7 million. The former One Direction member rose to fame while living in Hampstead and remains one of the UK’s most globally recognised cultural figures. His position reflects the scale of earnings generated by music and touring, which now rival some traditional corporate incomes.
Barry and Eddie Hearn also feature on the list, jointly paying £22.9 million. The father-and-son sports promoters are from Dagenham, where Matchroom’s roots in snooker and boxing began, before expanding into a global sports promotion business. Their inclusion further illustrates how London’s sports industry has become a significant contributor to national tax revenues.
At the higher end of the rankings, long-established business figures continue to dominate. Sir Tim Martin, founder of pub chain JD Wetherspoon, ranks eighth nationally with a tax bill of £199.7 million. His first pubs were in north London, although the company is now headquartered in Watford. The figure reflects strong trading across the hospitality sector, which has recovered following years of disruption.
Financial traders and hedge fund managers based in London remain particularly prominent at the very top of the list. Alex Gerko, founder of trading firm XTX Markets, is the highest-ranked Londoner at number two nationally after paying £331.4 million in tax. He is followed closely by hedge fund manager Chris Rokos, who contributed £330 million. Their positions underline London’s role as a global hub for high-frequency trading and investment management.
The compiler of The Sunday Times Tax List, Robert Watts, said the rankings reflected London’s unique mix of global finance, entrepreneurship, sport and culture. He also noted growing concerns about a rising number of top taxpayers choosing to live overseas, which could affect future contributions to the UK’s tax base. The list suggests that while London continues to attract and retain wealth, competition from other global cities is intensifying.
Despite such concerns, the figures indicate that the capital remains central to the UK’s public finances. With more than a fifth of the top taxpayers and a large share of the highest individual contributions, London continues to play a disproportionate role in funding government revenues, reinforcing its position as the country’s economic engine.
