Pearl Thusi Disputes R15 Million SARS Tax Demand, Calls Figure Misleading

• Pearl Thusi confirmed she is engaging with SARS over an outstanding tax debt but pushed back on the reported amount
• The demand reportedly includes R9.8 million in personal income tax, R5.2 million in interest and R20,000 in penalties
• SARS declined to comment on her individual tax affairs, citing taxpayer confidentiality

Pearl Thusi is at the centre of a heated tax dispute after reports emerged that the South African Revenue Service sent her a demand for close to R15 million in outstanding tax debt. The actress and media personality has acknowledged owing SARS money but firmly rejected the headline figure, describing it as "grossly incorrect and therefore misleading."

According to reports that surfaced on Sunday, 13 September 2026, the demand breaks down into roughly R9.8 million in personal income tax, R5.2 million in interest, and R20,000 in penalties. It also allegedly warned that SARS could move to attach her assets or pursue recovery through third parties if payment was not made.

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What Pearl Thusi Said About the SARS Demand

Thusi did not deny that she has an outstanding balance with the tax authority. Instead, she confirmed she is actively engaging with SARS to resolve the matter while contesting the specific amount that has been widely circulated. Her pushback centres on the accuracy of the reported figure rather than the existence of the debt itself.

SARS, for its part, refused to comment on the specifics of her case, citing its standard policy of taxpayer confidentiality. The demand is part of an administrative collection process and does not constitute a court ruling that Thusi owes the full sum in question.

Mzansi Reacts to the SARS Dispute

The story has sparked fierce conversation online, with many South Africans questioning both SARS's methods and the scale of the figures involved. Here is what some had to say:

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@OnePablo20:

"SARS is a criminal enterprise for the state. I never thought I would say this, but I hope Pearl wins this dispute."

@MegaFunTweets:

"Does SARS include girlfriend and boyfriend allowances in this figure or is the tax payment obligation levied against the person sending the money?"

@whiteriot321:

"SARS will humble you."

@UnityInSA:

"SARS charging R5.2m interest is legalised theft. There is no justification in charging interest on taxes. It's difficult to figure out why Pearl Thusi owes the R9.8m as we do not have the facts, but I would sympathise with freelance and contractual workers as they are not always employed and sometimes they need money to carry them through periods when they don't work."

Source: Briefly News