Durban : The taxman is putting pressure on former deputy president Jacob Zuma to disclose what he has earned over the past few years. A warrant of arrest has been issued - but stayed - twice against Zuma by a Durban magistrate this year while his lawyers attempt to negotiate with SA Revenue Service officials over a charge it has laid against him.

So far, Zuma's lawyer, Michael Hulley, has appeared in the tax court twice on his behalf. According to the charge sheet, Zuma faces one count of contravening the Income Tax Act, in that he "failed to comply with a written request for information".

SARS had written to Zuma in July 2005 and again at the beginning of June 2006, demanding that he provide further information and documentation to back up his tax returns. It had issued a final demand at the end of June after Zuma ignored the request. The contravention carries a penalty of a fine or up to 24 months' jail.

According to the charge sheet, summons was served on December 15 last year for Zuma to appear in court in February. On February 7, it notes, "the accused was in default at 11h48".

The magistrate noted that Hulley had appeared and stated that Zuma had had a commitment that day, organised prior to the service of the summons. Hulley had said that the summons had been served on him following an arrangement with the investigation officer.

"(Zuma) could constantly not be found for personal service," the magistrate noted. Hulley had told the court that Zuma had been aware of that trial date and he undertook to inform Zuma of the next trial date.

The warrant of arrest was authorised, but its issue stayed until February 21.

On February 21, the only entry made on the charge sheet reflected that the warrant had again been stayed, this time until April 11.

While SARS has declined to comment, sources revealed that the tax issue had nothing to do with the ongoing Scorpions investigation into possible corruption charges against Zuma.

Hulley could not be reached for comment.

With acknowledgement to Tania Broughton and Cape Times.