Historical trend
Trend summary
Tax burden was 36 % GDP in 2025-26, up from 35 % GDP in 2024-25.
Trend
- Over the available record (1948-49–2025-26), it has ranged from 28 % GDP in 1960-61 to 37 % GDP in 1948-49.
- The latest reading is above the record average of 32 % GDP.
Context
- ONS and HMRC publish tax revenue statistics; the ratio to GDP is calculated using ONS GDP estimates.
- The OBR publishes a tax burden forecast alongside each Budget; the March 2025 figure is a provisional outturn.
Generated from the published series — describes direction, magnitude and range only, with no editorial judgement or forecasts.
OECD comparison
🇫🇷 France
46 % GDP
🇮🇹 Italy
43 % GDP
🇩🇪 Germany
39 % GDP
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
36 % GDP
🇨🇦 Canada
35 % GDP
🇯🇵 Japan
31 % GDP
🇺🇸 United States
28 % GDP