Pearl Thusi says reported R15m SARS demand is ‘grossly incorrect’

Actress and media personality Pearl Thusi has questioned a reported demand from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for nearly R15 million, saying the figure published is inaccurate as she works with SARS to resolve an outstanding amount.

What the documents reportedly show

According to a report by the Sunday Times, cited by TimesLIVE, SARS issued a final demand that identifies Thusi by her full name, Sithembile Xola Thusi. The demand is dated 6 August and was electronically filed on 2 September.

The report says a certified statement accompanying the demand reflects:

• About R9.8 million in personal income tax
• R5.2 million in interest
• R20,000 in administrative penalties

The documents do not specify which tax years or periods the alleged debt relates to.

Options and potential recovery actions outlined by SARS

The report says SARS gave Thusi 10 business days to either settle the outstanding amount or pursue available remedies. Those remedies include applying for an instalment payment arrangement or seeking suspension of the debt if she intends to formally dispute it.

If unresolved, SARS could take further recovery steps, the report says, including seeking a civil judgment and a warrant of execution that may allow a sheriff to attach and sell assets. The revenue service could also approach third parties holding or owing money to Thusi in an effort to recover the alleged debt.

Thusi’s response and SARS comment

Pearl Thusi told the Sunday Times she accepts that there is an amount owing to SARS but disputed the figure being reported. In her words:

“While I acknowledge that there is an amount owing to SARS, the figure quoted is grossly incorrect and therefore misleading.”

She added that she takes her responsibilities as a taxpayer seriously and is engaging directly with SARS to resolve the matter.

SARS spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko declined to comment specifically on Thusi’s tax affairs, citing taxpayer confidentiality.

What is clear

Only the points above are reported in the Sunday Times story: a final demand dated 6 August and filed 2 September, the certified-statement figures, the absence of specified tax years, the 10-business-day timeframe and the possible recovery actions and Thusi’s statement that the quoted figure is “grossly incorrect” while she engages with SARS.