Tax experts say SARS could make good on threats to disclose Lucky Montana's tax info in dispute over debt

Some tax experts say the South African Revenue Service (SARS) could make good on threats to disclose former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) boss Lucky Montana’s confidential tax information amid a heated public dispute over tax debt.

The unprecedented ultimatum comes after Montana accused SARS of fraud, claiming that officials at the tax collection agency doctored a fake court judgment ordering sequestration proceedings against him.

This relates to his personal tax affairs, where he’s believed to be more than R50 million in arrears.

SARS gave Montana 24 hours on Tuesday to withdraw allegations that the court order that led to sequestration proceedings was fraudulent.

A sequestration application allows a court-appointed trustee to temporarily take control of a person’s assets until they have paid money that is owed.

In a statement this week, SARS disputed Montana’s claims of maladministration, abuse of power and a politicallymotivated witch hunt.

Tax executive at ENS, Charles de Wet, said: "Typically, it’s not something, but when it has developed to this level and there are false accusations being made, then the law does contemplate circumstances like this where SARS could go to the press with as many details as they like."

It’s understood that the debt relates to capital gains tax arising from the sale of two properties.