When we think of our favorite celebrities, we often picture their glamorous lives, the red carpets, and the dazzling spotlight. But behind the scenes, there’s a quiet, yet powerful, story unfolding. These aren’t just actors, directors, or sports stars entertaining you. They are also some of the nation’s biggest financial contributors. The question is, who are these titans of the Indian economy, and what kind of fortune do they really funnel back into the country’s coffers?
In India, box office hits and brand endorsements translate directly into a massive financial responsibility. This isn’t just about paying their dues. Instead, it’s about a level of contribution that shapes national development and infrastructure. While the media focuses on their latest projects, we’re here to pull back the curtain on the highest tax-paying celebrities in India and reveal the staggering amounts they pay.
Keep on reading as we break down the financial might of these stars. Let’s learn the true impact of the highest tax-paying celebrities have on India.
Who Paid The Most Tax in 2024-25? 10 of the Highest Tax-paying Celebrities in India
The person who paid the most tax in 2025 was none other than Big B. Amitabh Bachchan is the highest tax-paying citizen of this country.
Here’s a small table of the 10 highest tax-paying citizens and their financial contribution to the country:
| Rank | Celebrities | Tax Paid |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amitabh Bachchan | ₹120 crore |
| 2 | Shah Rukh Khan | ₹92 crore |
| 3 | Thalapathy Vijay | ₹80 crore |
| 4 | Salman Khan | ₹75 crore |
| 5 | Virat Kohli | ₹66 crore |
| 6 | Ajay Devgn | ₹42 crore |
| 7 | Mahendra Singh Dhoni | ₹38 crore |
| 8 | Ranbir Kapoor | ₹36 crore |
| 9 | Sachin Tendulkar | ₹28 crore |
| 10 | Hrithik Roshan | ₹28 crore |
1. Amitabh Bachchan
Age: 82 years
Tax Paid: ₹120 crore
Networth: Approximately ₹3,555 crore
Source of Income: Movies, TV Hosting, Brand Endorsements, Investments & Business Ventures
The “Shahenshah of Bollywood,” Amitabh Bachchan, is not just a cinematic icon but also a financial titan. For the fiscal year 2024-25, he reportedly became the highest tax-paying celebrity, with a payment of ₹120 crore on an income of ₹350 crore. This is a testament to his enduring career, which includes blockbuster films, numerous brand endorsements, and his long-running role as the host of the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
2. Shah Rukh Khan
Age: 59 years
Tax Paid: ₹92 crore
Networth: Around ₹7,125–7,438 crore
Source of Income: Acting and Film Production, IPL Cricket Team, Brand Endorsements, Real Estate
Shah Rukh Khan’s triumphant return to the box office with hits like Pathan and Jawan wasn’t just about breaking records; it also made a monumental financial contribution. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the “King of Bollywood” reportedly paid an impressive ₹92 crore in taxes. His stardom isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about a financial power that helps build the nation that adores him.
3. Thalapathy Vijay
Age: 51 years
Tax Paid: ₹80 crore
Networth: Estimated ₹600 crore
Source of Income: Acting, Singing & Music Royalties, Brand Endorsements
Thalapathy Vijay’s journey from charismatic star to a formidable political leader is a testament to his immense influence. His recent cinematic blockbusters have not only shattered box-office records but also positioned him as one of the highest tax-paying celebrities in India. The actor-politician reportedly made an advance tax payment of ₹80 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24, demonstrating the significant economic impact of his work and brand.
4. Salman Khan
Age: 59 years
Tax Paid: ₹75 crore
Networth: Between ₹2,900 to 6,270 crore
Source of Income: Movies, TV Shows, Brand Endorsements, Apparel brand “Being Human”.
Beyond his larger-than-life persona, Salman Khan is a significant contributor to the Indian economy. Known for his blockbuster films and successful ventures, including his television hosting role on Bigg Boss, the “Bhaijaan” of Bollywood reportedly paid an advance tax of ₹75 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. This places him firmly on the list of the highest tax-paying celebrities in India.
5. Virat Kohli
Age: 36 years
Tax Paid: ₹66 crore
Networth: About ₹1,050 crore
Source of Income: Cricket Contracts, IPL Salary, Brand Endorsements, Co-owner of FC Goa (ISL), Owns restaurants
Virat Kohli’s influence is just as strong off the pitch. His brand endorsements and business ventures have turned him into a financial juggernaut, making him one of the most profitable athletes in the world. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the cricketing legend reportedly paid an impressive ₹66 crore in taxes. This proves how his dedication and hard work transcend the sport and contribute to the nation’s growth.
6. Ajay Devgn
Age: 56 years
Tax Paid: ₹42 crore
Networth: Estimated ₹550–600 crore
Source of Income: Movies, Production Houses, Brand Endorsements, Owns prime real estate
With a career spanning decades, Ajay Devgn has built a reputation for both his intense on-screen performances and his consistent presence as a top-tier star. The actor, who famously portrayed an honest income tax officer in the movie Raid, is a real-life example of a significant taxpayer. Ajay Devgn reportedly paid an amount of ₹42 crore in advance tax in 2025. This impressive figure places him among the highest tax-paying celebrities in India.
7. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Age: 44 years
Tax Paid: ₹38 crore
Networth: Around ₹1,000 crore
Source of Income: Cricket Salaries & IPL, Brand Endorsements
As “Captain Cool,” Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s influence extends far beyond the cricket pitch. Even after his retirement from international cricket, his brand value remains unshakable, thanks to his continued presence in the IPL and numerous brand endorsements. Dhoni reportedly paid an advance tax of ₹38 crore, making him one of India’s highest tax-paying celebrities.
8. Ranbir Kapoor
Age: 42 years
Tax Paid: ₹36 crore
Networth: Approximately ₹345 crore
Source of Income: Movies, Brand Endorsements
Known for his versatility and compelling performances, Ranbir Kapoor has solidified his position as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. His recent box office triumphs, particularly with films like Animal, have not only earned him critical acclaim but also placed him in the elite club of the highest tax-paying celebrities in India. For the fiscal year 2023-24, Ranbir Kapoor reportedly paid an advance tax of ₹36 crore, a clear indication of his rapidly increasing earning power. He is one of the most sought-after actors in the industry right now.
9. Sachin Tendulkar
Age: 52 years
Tax Paid: ₹28 crore
Networth: Approximately ₹1,400 crore
Source of Income: Investments in sports business, restaurants, and technology companies.
A man who needs no introduction, Sachin Tendulkar’s legacy as the “God of Cricket” continues to resonate years after his retirement. While he no longer graces the pitch with his bat, his business ventures and powerful brand endorsements ensure his financial innings are still going strong. His business ventures and brand collaborations have added him to the list of the highest tax-paying celebrities in India. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the Master Blaster reportedly paid an advance tax of ₹28 crore.
10. Hrithik Roshan
Age: 51 years
Tax Paid: ₹28 crore
Networth: ₹3,100-4,500 crore approx
Source of Income: Movies, Brand Endorsements, HRX activewear brand
Known for his incredible dance moves and chiselled physique, Hrithik Roshan is a true superstar whose influence is as strong in the financial world as it is in Bollywood. His brand value and high-profile endorsements make him one of the highest tax-paying celebrities in India. For the fiscal year 2023-24, Hrithik Roshan reportedly paid an advance tax of ₹28 crore.
Conclusion:
After investigating the impressive tax contributions of India’s biggest celebrities, it’s clear that their impact extends far beyond the realm of entertainment and sports. The staggering figures they contribute year after year are not just a measure of their immense success but also a crucial financial lifeline for the nation. These stars are not only entertaining millions but are also helping to fund the very infrastructure, development, and social services that keep the country moving forward.
The list of highest tax-paying celebrities in India serves as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between fame and national responsibility. Their earnings are directly reinvested into the nation’s progress. In a way, every time you watch a movie or cheer on your favourite player, you are witnessing the engine of an economy at work. And this engine is fuelled by the financial power of the highest tax-paying celebrities in India.
FAQs
1. Who is the highest tax-paying celebrity in India for the fiscal year 2024-25?
According to reports, Amitabh Bachchan has emerged as the highest tax-paying celebrity in India for the fiscal year 2024-25, with a reported tax payment of ₹120 crore.
2. Why do celebrities pay such high taxes?
The high tax payments of celebrities are a direct reflection of their massive earnings. Their income from films, endorsements, and other businesses often runs into hundreds of crores, leading to a substantial tax liability.
3. Is the amount of tax paid a public record?
The Income Tax Department does not officially release individual tax payment data to the public. Most of these figures are often reported by the media based on sources within the industry and the government.
