ED Sheeran paid a staggering £12.5million in tax over the past year – making him the highest celebrity payer for a second year running.

The Shape Of You singer also topped list last year after shelling over £28.5million.

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Ed Sheeran paid a staggering £12.5million in tax over the past yearCredit: Rex
Ed’s bill this year after he took a £21.35m dividend payment from his music sales business, incurring a dividend tax bill of more than £8.1m.

On top of that, Ed, 30, was hit with a £4.4m corporation tax bill.

Closely behind Ed in second place are Queen, who were handed a £9.1m bill following the success of their 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody.

Queen Productions paid out over £15.1m in dividends to Brain May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon – giving them a bill of over £5.8m and £3.3m in corporation tax.

David and Victoria Beckham came in third with a £7.2m bill, followed by the Beatles at £4.5m and Anthony Joshua at £3.8m

Harry Styles and rapper Stormzy were in at ninth and tenth with a £1.3m and £1.1m bill respectively.

Robert Watts, who compiled the list for The Sunday Times, said: “We’ve all read a lot about celebrities embroiled in tax scandals over the years. But we can see there are many stars from the worlds of sports, music and entertainment who steer clear of offshore structures and avoidance schemes.

“It’s not just the large sums of tax Ed Sheeran and Anthony Joshua pay that are impressive. Both are more transparent about their finances than many celebrities – good habits for others to follow.”

New figures released today in the fourth edition of The Sunday Times Tax list also revealed the amount paid by the 50 biggest taxpayers climbed by £500m in the past year.

Topping the list of the overall highest payers were Denise, John and Peter Coates, the family behind the Bet365 gambling empire who dished out £481.7m

Financier Chris Rokos is second place with £300m while Stephen Rubin, whose family is behind the JD Sports high street business and several of the leading sportswear brands, including Speedo, Berghaus and Kickers, forked out £256.1m.

The most notable of the ten new entries in this year’s Tax List is Lord Alan Sugar.

The host of The Apprentice ranks sixth this year off the back of his £163.4 million tax bill.

Queen Productions paid out over £15.1m in dividends to Brian May, above, Roger Taylor and John DeaconCredit: Getty – Contributor

David and Victoria Beckham came in third with a £7.2m billCredit: Rex