Jeremy Clarkson Admits He Doesn’t Know How to Avoid Tax in Exchange With Fans Online
Jeremy Clarkson has once again sparked headlines after admitting that, despite his public profile and successful career, he has no idea how to avoid paying tax. The 65-year-old presenter, best known for fronting Top Gear and The Grand Tour, made the remark in a light-hearted exchange with fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Clarkson, who has lived in Oxfordshire for several years, has reinvented himself in recent times as both a farmer and a publican. In addition to running the 1,000-acre Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, he also owns a pub in the Cotswolds. Since taking on the responsibilities of farming in 2019, he has become increasingly outspoken on rural issues, including the challenges of food production, environmental regulations, and government policy. His Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm has brought those struggles to a wide audience, showcasing both the triumphs and frustrations of agricultural life.
But farming hasn’t dulled his sharp tongue when it comes to politics. Clarkson has frequently criticised the current Labour government, which swept to power in the summer of 2024. In particular, he has targeted ministers he feels are out of touch with the realities of rural Britain. His latest comments were aimed at Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, after she admitted in an interview that she did not fully understand the intricacies of the UK’s tax system.
On Wednesday, Clarkson took to X to deliver his verdict. “Crikey. The deputy prime minister of the UK has admitted she doesn’t understand how tax works,” he wrote. “I wonder what else she doesn’t understand.”
The post quickly gathered momentum, attracting thousands of likes and replies. Among the responses was one fan who jokingly suggested that Clarkson himself must be familiar with the art of tax avoidance. “Oh, Clarkson, you know how tax works and how to avoid it,” the commenter teased.
Clarkson, however, was quick to set the record straight with his trademark bluntness. “I wish I did,” he replied, confessing that despite his celebrity status and various business ventures, he lacks the financial manoeuvres that some wealthy individuals are known to employ.
The conversation didn’t end there. Another user chimed in, suggesting that Clarkson must have tax-saving tricks up his sleeve given his role as a farmer. But Clarkson shot that down too, quipping: “The only tax savings I’ll ever enjoy are when I’m dead.”
Not all the replies revolved around money. One follower took a playful jab at Clarkson’s on-screen persona, writing: “Wait there, Jeremy, last night on television you couldn’t work out the price of nettle soup.” Clarkson acknowledged the point with good humour, responding: “True. But I’m not the deputy prime minister of the UK.”
The exchange is typical of Clarkson’s online presence: a mixture of sarcasm, wit, and an ability to stir lively debate. While some see him as grumpy or provocative, others value his directness and refusal to shy away from controversial subjects.
Away from social media, Clarkson remains busy with the next chapter of his farming journey. Filming for series five of Clarkson’s Farm is currently underway in Oxfordshire, continuing the story of Diddly Squat Farm that has become a global hit for Amazon Prime. The upcoming season was confirmed by Clarkson last year, much to the delight of fans eager to see what fresh challenges — and disasters — await him, his partner Lisa Hogan, and the now-famous farm team, including Kaleb Cooper.
Whether railing against politicians, battling TB outbreaks in cattle, or wrestling with tax bills, Clarkson shows no signs of toning down his candid style. And if his latest comments are anything to go by, he seems content to keep entertaining audiences — while paying his taxes in full.
