Schalk Burger Snr. and Welbedacht Wines Face Tax Troubles
Former Springbok rugby player Schalk Burger Snr. and his renowned wine business, Welbedacht Wines, have found themselves in hot water with the law. The Paarl Magistrates Court recently handed down fines after Burger and his company failed to submit a series of crucial tax returns.
According to reports, the issues involved Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and personal income tax returns, with some dating back more than a decade. This lengthy period of non-compliance has resulted in significant legal repercussions for both Burger and his business.
Details of the Fines
Welbedacht Wines received two fines of R6,000 each. These fines were specifically for failing to submit a VAT return for February 2023 and an employer declaration for March 2023. Schalk Burger Snr., on the other hand, faced a total of 14 charges. These included the same company offences and the failure to submit his personal income tax returns from 2011 to 2022.
The court ordered Burger to pay R6,000 or serve 12 months in prison for each charge. However, R2,000 (or four months) of each sentence was suspended for five years under specific conditions. This leaves Burger with a hefty R56,000 to pay or a total of 112 months in prison if he fails to do so. Furthermore, he faces a suspended amount of R28,000.
Plea Agreement and Payment Plan
In a plea and sentence agreement with prosecutors, Burger admitted that he and his company were registered with SARS in Paarl for VAT, PAYE, and personal income tax. However, they had neglected to submit the required returns. It's important to note that the outstanding returns were eventually filed after the commencement of criminal proceedings and the issuance of a summons.
Recognising the financial strain, Burger applied for a deferred payment arrangement. He will be paying the fine in monthly installments of R6,000, with a final payment of R8,000.
Son Also Faced Charges
Adding another layer to the saga, Burger's son, Christiaan Francois Burger, who is 40 years old, also faced similar charges. He was accused of not submitting personal income tax returns for the period between 2011 and 2022. As a result, he was fined R48,000 or 96 months in prison, with a further R24,000 or 48 months suspended for five years.
SARS's Message
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila made a statement, reminding everyone that tax season is currently underway.