Pretoria medics’ assets tied to R52m tax debt
A general view of a SARS building
Photo Gallo Images/Jacques Stander
Two diagnostic radiologists had their practice assets seized by the High Court Sheriff over overdue tax returns and a huge tax debt of R52 million, SARS said on Friday evening.
The two radiologists, who run a practice in Pretoria, asked SARS for a compromise, which was refused, the tax agency said in a statement.
According to SARS, the refusal letter and a final letter of formal notice were ignored. The debt arises from submitting various returns to SARS, including corporation tax, Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) returns, and value-added tax (VAT), with no payment over a period of three years, SARS said.
SARS also said the sheriff auctioned the assets of a Gauteng electrical contracting firm, valued at around R20 million, for non-compliance that lasted two years.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the “overwhelming majority” of taxpayers were honest.
“However, willful and criminal non-compliance, regardless of the source, will not be tolerated. SARS will use every legal instrument at its disposal to make it difficult and costly for these taxpayers and merchants,” said the commissioner at SARS.
On Thursday, Fin24 reported that two SARS employees had been arrested after they allegedly demanded 150,000 rand to cancel an unpaid tax bill.
We live in a world where fact and fiction collide
In times of uncertainty, you need trusted journalism. For only R75 per month, you have access to a world of in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, better opinions and a range of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest in the future today.