Controversial businessman and alleged underworld kingpin Mark Lifman must pay the taxman an outstanding amount of R352 million.
The money is owed by Lifman and 36 closed corporations, companies and trusts in which he held an interest.
On Tuesday, Western Cape High Court Judge Elizabeth Baartman said Lifman had been opportunistic in attempting to suspend a Sars (SA Revenue Services) execution.
Lifman has persistently claimed that he is a victim of Sars’ High Risk Investigations Unit.
According to court papers, Sars had in 2014 launched an investigation into suspected non-
compliance by Lifman and his businesses.
A fine of R180 000 was imposed on Lifman for his alleged failure to, among others, supply information.
Midway through the enquiry some applicants had submitted outstanding income tax and VAT returns, and Sars had levied a tax liability of R13.2m against six of the applicants.
In March 2015, Sars had issued letters to the applicants.
The applicants had 21 days in which to respond, but they did not, and on 1 April 2015 Sars had obtained warrants against the applicants’ movable property.
“The assessments are undisputed, final, due and payable... This application appears to be an abuse of the process,” the judgement read.
Lifman, who is currently abroad, said he would apply for leave to appeal by end of week, reports the Cape Times.
According to Lifman his assets value did not exceed R100 million.
“How will I pay nearly R400 million? We are definitely appealing,” Lifman said.