Lifetime tax bill at £668,000

Date: 3rd October 2008

The average amount of tax a British household can expect to pay in a lifetime has risen to £668,000, according to lobbyists.

Statistics released by the Taxpayers' Alliance reveal that the lifetime tax bill has increased by a rate of about six per cent since 2007.

The UK's poorest families can expect the biggest rise, of 13 per cent, with their bill increasing from £233,000 to £264,000.

In a statement, the pressure group said: "The credit crunch has put families in a situation where they are having to economise at home.

"They expect politicians to do likewise and cut back on government spending and give them some of their money back through tax cuts."

A poll which accompanied the group's research showed that 64 per cent of people believe that government spending was too much.

HM Revenue and Customs has reminded taxpayers that they have until October 31st to file their paper self-assessment tax return, or until January 31st if submitting online.