Doctor Convicted on Non-Submission of Returns for Tax Evasion

In a significant tax evasion case, Dr. Fabian Royston Tun has been found guilty of failing to submit tax returns on income exceeding R17 million. The Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court convicted Dr. Tun on Tuesday for eight counts of failing to submit personal income tax returns and 42 counts of failing to submit VAT returns between 2015 and 2022.

Dr. Tun, who operated as a sole trader at Dr Tun’s Practice, did not declare his taxable income to the South African Revenue Service (SARS), despite receiving substantial sums over the eight-year period. The state argued that his failure to file tax returns thwarted the proper assessment and collection of taxes due.

The Sentence

He was sentenced to two years imprisonment for failing to submit his personal income tax returns, suspended for five years on condition that he is not found guilty of a similar offence. This was despite the fact that Dr Tun had submitted all outstanding returns to SARS prior to sentencing.

On the charge of failing to submit VAT returns, Dr Tun was sentenced to a fine of R10,000 or four months imprisonment per charge, of which a R5,000 fine or two months imprisonment was suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of a related offence during this time.

The Message to Submit Tax Returns Timely

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) highlighted the conviction as a stark warning to individuals and businesses about the legal consequences of neglecting tax obligations. Dr. Tun pleaded guilty to all charges after evidence was presented against him, leading to his conviction. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with tax laws and the vigilant enforcement efforts by SARS and the NPA to uphold fiscal responsibility.