Sunak’s tax disclosure highlights £1.8 million capital gains, amid accusations of being out of touch

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s recently published tax returns shed light on his financial affairs, revealing that he paid over half a million pounds in taxes on an income of £2.2 million last year. With an effective tax rate of 23 percent, Sunak’s tax payments amounted to £508,308.

The bulk of Sunak’s income, totaling £1.8 million, stemmed from capital gains on assets during the 2022/23 fiscal year, showing an increase from £1.6 million in the previous year. This substantial figure was supplemented by his £139,000 salary as a Member of Parliament and minister, along with additional income from investment shares.

Notably, all investment income and capital gains were derived from a US-based investment fund held within a blind trust. Sunak, a former resident of California, also disclosed paying $6,847 in US taxes on $45,646 of dividends, which were taxed separately in the US during 2022.

The publication of Sunak’s tax returns comes amidst heightened scrutiny of his financial affairs, especially considering his estimated combined wealth of £529 million with his wife, Akshata Murthy. Sunak had committed to disclosing his tax returns, a move intended to promote transparency.

This disclosure comes at a time when Sunak has faced criticism for being out of touch, particularly following a £1,000 bet on the commencement of Rwanda flights before the upcoming election. Additionally, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also released his tax documents, revealing tax payments of £117,418 on an income of £416,605.