A recent survey has unveiled a strong sentiment among UK taxpayers advocating for increased taxation on major technology firms like Meta, Google, and Amazon. The poll, conducted by the Fair Tax Foundation, indicates that an overwhelming 67% of respondents believe the government should hike the current 2% digital services tax levied on multinational tech companies to ensure they contribute more to the UK economy.
Widespread Support for Digital Services Tax
The Fair Tax Foundation’s findings, published on Monday, highlight a growing consensus among Britons regarding corporate tax fairness. The digital services tax, introduced in 2020, applies to firms with UK revenues exceeding £25 million or global sales surpassing £500 million. While this levy has generated around £800 million for the Treasury in the 2024-25 period, it has faced criticism for potentially leading to increased costs for consumers.
Despite this, the foundation’s chief executive, Paul Monaghan, remarked, “This research demonstrates that the UK is still at its core a fair tax nation.” He emphasised that the public is increasingly concerned about tax justice and expects more action from the government to ensure all businesses, regardless of size, meet their tax obligations.
Public Opinion on Corporate Taxation
The survey also revealed a notable preference among the public for businesses that demonstrate commitment to fair taxation. Approximately 75% of respondents expressed a desire to either work for or shop with companies that can substantiate their tax contributions. This consistent demand for corporate accountability underscores the importance of ethical business practices in the eyes of consumers.
Polling data over the past decade shows that support for the digital services tax has remained stable, with 69% backing it in 2025 and a slight drop to 67% this year. Monaghan pointed out that “never less than 70% of Brits have wanted to work for a fair tax company,” indicating a longstanding prioritisation of tax fairness among the populace.
Backlash from Across the Atlantic
The UK’s approach to taxing tech giants has not gone unnoticed internationally. The United States, particularly under the Trump administration, has voiced strong opposition to the digital services tax, threatening the imposition of tariffs on the UK unless the tax is rescinded. This geopolitical tension highlights the complexities surrounding international corporate taxation and the challenges faced by nations attempting to regulate global firms.
In the UK, companies like Amazon have also attracted scrutiny. With Amazon’s UK operations recently reporting profits of £355 million while receiving a £7.6 million tax credit, the disparities between corporate earnings and tax contributions have fuelled further calls for reform.
Why it Matters
The call for increased taxation on large tech companies resonates deeply with the British public, reflecting broader concerns about corporate accountability and economic fairness. As pressure mounts on policymakers to address these issues, the results of this survey could influence future tax legislation. With a significant portion of the population prioritising tax justice, the government may need to respond to these demands to maintain public trust and ensure a fairer economic landscape for all.
