Paralympic Champion Natalie du Toit Faces Tax Demands from Sars
Natalie du Toit, the celebrated Paralympic medallist, is facing a serious financial challenge as the South African Revenue Service (Sars) has issued her a letter of demand for over R1 million in outstanding taxes. The revenue collector has given the 41-year-old ten business days to either pay the full amount or arrange a payment agreement. Failure to comply could result in Sars auctioning her personal assets or appointing third parties to collect the debt owed to her.
In a letter dated 5 December, Sars made it clear that Du Toit has neglected to pay her tax obligations for one or more tax years. The letter specifies that if she does not take action, her personal assets could be placed on public auction.
“According to the records of the SA Revenue Service, you have failed to pay your tax debt for one or more tax years and tax periods … you are requested to make full payment within days from the date of this letter of demand,” the letter stated. Sars also outlined that Du Toit has the option of paying the amount in full or establishing a payment agreement with the revenue collector.
The correspondence underscores the severity of the situation, warning Du Toit about potential legal actions as a result of her failure to address the tax breach. “Failure to make full payment or use the above remedies may result in the following actions and possibly others: Sars may appoint any third party who presently or in the future will owe you money or hold money for you to settle your tax debt with this money,” the letter cautioned. It further states that a civil judgment could be entered against her, which may lead to the Sheriff of the Court attaching and selling her assets.
Sars spokesperson Siphithi Sibeko commented on the matter, stating that the organisation is barred from discussing private taxpayer information with third parties. “Sars is prohibited by Chapter 6 of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 from revealing confidential taxpayer information,” he said.
Du Toit is best known for her impressive athletic achievements, including gold medals at the 2004 Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Games. Notably, she was one of only two Paralympians to compete at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, becoming the third amputee to qualify for the Olympics, where she finished 16th in the 10km swim.
Local tax consultant Lesego Ndaba weighed in on the challenges faced by taxpayers, noting that issues often arise when individuals do not regularly monitor their tax affairs. “People categorised as freelancing contractors need to check their status regularly because the amount of income they generate fluctuates,” she explained. Ndaba added that it is crucial for taxpayers to notify Sars if there are any changes to their residential address or contact details. “You should always make sure that you are reachable, and any changes should be communicated to Sars,” she advised.
Attempts to contact Du Toit for a comment were unsuccessful, as her known phone numbers did not connect, and she did not respond to written queries sent to her.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the importance of tax compliance for all individuals, regardless of their status or achievements. Du Toit’s case serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting tax obligations, even for celebrated figures within society.
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