The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has served actress Pearl Thusi with a final demand regarding an alleged tax liability of nearly R15 million, as reported by the Sunday Times.
The article states that this demand, which is dated 6 August and filed electronically on 2 September, refers to Pearl by her full name, Sithembile Xola Thusi, indicating that she has not fulfilled her tax payment obligations for one or more tax years or periods.
According to the Sunday Times, a certified statement that was included with the demand estimates her personal income tax debt to be around R9.8 million, along with an additional R5.2 million in interest and R20,000 in administrative penalties.
The documents reportedly do not detail which specific tax years the debt pertains to.
The Sunday Times further notes that SARS has given Pearl a period of 10 business days to either pay the owed amount or explore options such as applying for an installment payment plan, requesting a suspension of collections if she plans to contest the debt, or seeking a compromise on part of the total sum.
Should the issue remain unresolved, SARS may proceed with additional measures to secure recovery of the alleged debt.
These measures could involve appointing third parties, like banks or other organizations that possess or owe money to the taxpayer, to remit payments directly to SARS. SARS might also pursue a civil judgment and a warrant of execution, enabling a sheriff to seize and auction assets to recover the owed funds.
Interest may continue to accumulate while the disputed amount remains unpaid.
SARS representative Siphithi Sibeko refrained from commenting on Pearl’s situation, citing taxpayer confidentiality, as reported by the Sunday Times.
Pearl has confirmed to the publication her awareness of the situation and that she is in discussion with SARS.
She acknowledged that there is an outstanding amount, though she contests the sum mentioned in the demand.
Pearl stated that the amount presented is “grossly incorrect and therefore misleading” and emphasized her commitment to fulfilling her tax responsibilities, expressing a desire for a constructive resolution.
She also mentioned that the records SARS holds regarding her tax matters are confidential and are “not for public consumption.”
Pearl is recognized for her performances in Queen Sono, Quantico, and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
The final demand represents a phase in the tax collection process and should not be misconstrued as a judicial determination that Pearl owes the total amount claimed. Pearl’s remarks also indicate that she disputes the sum listed in the demand.
This situation arises as SARS intensifies its efforts to reclaim outstanding tax debts from both individuals and businesses.
