R19,000 fine for man who ignored tax returns for 16 years
Image: File
The Rustenburg Magistrate's Court has fined a 48-year-old man R19,000 for failing to submit tax returns.
This is despite the South African Revenue Service's (SARS) attempts to remind him to do so between 2007 and 2023.
Paulo Silvino Dos Santos appeared before the court, facing 19 counts of contravening Sections 234(d) and 234(i) of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 for failing to submit Personal Income Tax returns.
His offences relate to the period from 2007 and 2008, during which he failed to comply with statutory obligations and directives issued by SARS.
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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in the North West Division, Sivenathi Gunya, said despite numerous telephonic reminders and written notices, Dos Santos failed to comply.
Gunya said the court appearance of Dos Santos was a result of the diligent work of the NPA's Specialised Tax Unit, which is tasked with promoting accountability and compliance by taking legal action against individuals and entities who wilfully disregard tax obligations.
'The NPA welcomes this outcome, as it underscores the importance of tax compliance in ensuring effective revenue collection and upholding public confidence in SARS's enforcement capabilities,' Gunya added.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, emphasised the critical role of enforcing South Africa's tax laws in maintaining a fair and functional tax system.
She said the NPA, in collaboration with SARS and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), remains committed to combating tax non-compliance under the Honey Badger Project.
'The hefty fine imposed on Dos Santos for failing to submit tax returns sends a strong message that such offences will not be tolerated,' Dr Makhari said.
Additionally, she said the outcome underscores the seriousness with which the state treats tax non-compliance and reaffirms the legal obligation of all taxpayers to submit returns, an essential function that enables effective revenue collection to fund vital public services.
Meanwhile, SARS has announced the official start of the 2025 filing season, which would effectively start from July 07, 2025, to October 20, 2025.
In its statement, SARS said taxpayers who are automatically assessed would receive a notification from them from July 7-20.
'Taxpayers who do not receive an auto assessment notification from SARS and are required to file a tax return can do so from July 21,' read the statement.
Additionally, SARS urged all taxpayers to prepare their documentation early to check their assessments and to avoid last-minute delays when submitting an income tax return.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za
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