Apple co-founder Wozniak says the company should be paying more tax

Steve Wozniak told the BBC he believed all companies, including the one he started with the late Steve Jobs and Ronald Wayne in 1976, should pay a 50pc tax rate as he did.

Apple has been criticised over its tax affairs and accused of using tax shelters in order to protect its revenues.

The firm has been accused of using Ireland and Luxembourg to get tax breaks, allegations being investigated by the European Commission.

Chief executive Tim Cook called the move "political crap" in a recent interview.

Mr Wozniak left Apple in 1985 and has since gone on to focus on charity projects ensuring computer access in schools.

Speaking to Radio 5 Live's Wake Up To Money, the tech entrepreneur said: "I don't like the idea that Apple might be unfair - not paying taxes the way I do as a person.

"I do a lot of work, I do a lot of travel and I pay over 50pc of anything I make in taxes and I believe that's part of life and you should do it."

When asked if Apple should pay that amount, he replied: "Every company in the world should."