House of Commons Library · 2025-26
Where does UK tax come from?
UK public sector current receipts are £1,232.0bn in 2025-26. Income tax and National Insurance together raise more than the next five taxes combined.
- Total current receipts
- £1,232.0bn
- 2025-26
- Largest source: Income tax
- £330.0bn
- 26.8% of receipts
- Second: National Insurance contributions
- £204.0bn
- 16.6% of receipts
UK tax receipts by source, 2025-26
- Income tax£330.0bn
26.8% of total receipts
- National Insurance contributions£204.0bn
16.6% of total receipts
- VAT£183.0bn
14.9% of total receipts
- Corporation tax including energy profits levy£103.0bn
8.4% of total receipts
- Council tax£50.0bn
4.1% of total receipts
- Business rates£30.0bn
2.4% of total receipts
- Fuel duty£24.0bn
1.9% of total receipts
UK tax receipts: common questions
How much tax does the UK government collect?
Public sector current receipts are £1,232.0bn in 2025-26 (House of Commons Library tax statistics overview).
Which tax raises the most money in the UK?
Income tax raises the most at £330.0bn, 26.8% of receipts, followed by National Insurance contributions at £204.0bn.
Does this include council tax?
Yes. Council tax is shown separately at £50.0bn and funds local councils rather than central government.
Is the total just the sum of the taxes listed?
No. The listed taxes are the largest sources. Smaller taxes and other receipts make up the rest of the total.