Pearl Thusi Faces SARS Demand Over Alleged R15 Million Tax Debt
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has issued actress Pearl Thusi with a final demand over an alleged tax debt of nearly R15 million, according to the Sunday Times.
The publication reports that the demand, dated 6 August and electronically filed on 2 September, identifies Pearl by her full name, Sithembile Xola Thusi, and states that she has failed to pay tax for one or more years or periods.
According to the Sunday Times, a certified statement accompanying the demand puts the alleged personal income tax debt at about R9.8 million, with a further R5.2 million in interest and R20,000 in administrative penalties.
The documents reportedly do not specify which tax years the alleged debt relates to.
Sunday Times reports that SARS gave Pearl 10 business days to settle the amount or make use of available remedies, including applying for an instalment payment arrangement, seeking suspension of collection if she intends to dispute the debt, or applying to compromise part of the amount.
If the matter is not resolved, SARS can take further steps to recover the alleged debt.
These may include appointing third parties, such as banks or other entities holding or owing money to the taxpayer, to pay SARS directly. SARS may also seek a civil judgment and a warrant of execution, which could allow a sheriff to attach and sell assets to recover the money.
Interest may continue to accrue while the alleged debt remains unpaid.
SARS spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko declined to comment on Pearl’s case, citing taxpayer confidentiality, according to the Sunday Times.
Pearl confirmed to the publication that she is aware of the matter and is engaging with SARS.
She acknowledged that an amount is owing but disputed the figure reported in the demand.
Pearl said the amount quoted is “grossly incorrect and therefore misleading” and that she takes her tax obligations seriously and wants the matter resolved constructively.
She also said SARS records concerning her tax affairs are confidential and “not for public consumption.”
Pearl is known for her roles in Queen Sono, Quantico and The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
The final demand is a step in the tax-collection process and should not be presented as a court finding that Pearl owes the full amount alleged. Pearl’s comments also indicate that she disputes the figure contained in the demand.
The matter comes as SARS continues efforts to recover outstanding tax debt from individuals and businesses.
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