Pearl Thusi Faces Nearly R15m SARS Tax Demand, Disputes Amount as “Grossly Incorrect”
- SARS issued a demand to Pearl Thusi for nearly R15 million in outstanding tax, interest and penalties
- The demand warned that failure to pay could result in asset attachment and recovery through third parties
- Thusi acknowledged an outstanding amount with SARS but challenged the accuracy of the figure cited in the demand
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SARS has come knocking on Pearl Thusi's door with a hefty bill. The revenue service issued a formal demand to the actress for close to R15 million in unpaid tax, interest and penalties, and the clock is ticking for her to respond.
The document, which was issued on 6 August and electronically filed on 2 September, identifies Thusi by her full name, Sithembile Xola Thusi. According to the demand, the breakdown includes nearly R9.8 million in personal income tax, approximately R5.2 million in interest, and a separate administrative penalty of R20,000. The documents do not specify which tax years or periods are involved, nor do they explain what triggered the debt.
SARS gave Thusi 10 business days to either settle the outstanding amount or take steps to address it. The options available to her include paying in instalments, suspending the debt while formally disputing it, or applying for a compromise arrangement in which SARS might accept a reduced settlement under specific conditions.
What could happen if Thusi does not pay
The warning in the demand is serious. SARS could pursue the debt through third parties who owe Thusi money, now or in future. The revenue service could also obtain a civil judgment against her, which would allow a sheriff to attach and sell her assets. Interest on any unpaid balance will continue to accumulate.
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SARS spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko declined to comment on Thusi's specific tax affairs, citing taxpayer confidentiality.
Pearl Thusi responds to R15m SARS tax demand
Speaking to the Sunday Times, the Queen Sono actress confirmed that she is aware of the matter and has been in direct communication with SARS. However, she pushed back firmly on the amount cited in the demand.
"While I acknowledge that there is an amount owing to SARS, the figure quoted is grossly incorrect and therefore misleading. I believe it is important that the matter is reported accurately," she said.
The actress-turned-DJ also stressed that she intends to resolve the matter properly.
She further questioned why her tax affairs had become public at all, pointing out that SARS is legally required to keep individual taxpayer information confidential.
Source: Getty Images
Pearl Thusi lands role in international series
Away from her tax issues, Briefly News previously reported that Pearl Thusi landed a role in Season 2 of Average Joe, which premieres globally on 19 August 2026 on Paramount+.
South African stars Katlego Lebogang and former Isidingo actor Tsepo Maseko also feature in the new season.
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Source: Briefly News
