Appointment of Public Officers

Section 61 of the Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06] stipulates that every company which carries on a trade or has an office or other established place of business in Zimbabwe shall at all times be represented by an individual residing therein as a Public Officer. The Public Officer should be appointed within one month from the establishment of the company’s office or other place of business. Such individual shall be appointed by the company or by an agent or legal practitioner who has authority appointment authority and shall have to be approved by the Commissioner. If a company fails to appoint one, the Public Officer of such a company the managing director, director, secretary or other officer of the company as the Commissioner may designate a representative for that purpose.

Role of the Public Officer

• Receive all communications from ZIMRA including every notices, processes or proceedings which may be given, served upon or taken against the organisation, made to the attention of the Public Officer.
• A public officer can be an agent of such company, a person acting or appearing to act in the management of the business or affairs of such company.
• Anything done by the public officer while acting for the company is deemed done by the company which he/she represents. That is, Public Officer is answerable for any omission or commission done or to be done by the company in terms of the tax law.
• Every Public Officer shall be answerable for the doing of all such acts, matters or things as are required to be done by a taxpayer under the Income tax Act. In case of default by a taxpayer the public officer is also liable to the penalties.
• Public Officer acts as the voice or representative of the taxpayer/company/organisation regarding tax matters and represents the company in any meetings with ZIMRA.

ZIMRA Requirements for registration of public officers

All Public Officers must register with ZIMRA. The Authority has put in place instructions for its staff to discuss company tax matters with the Public Officers only, unless authorised by the Public Officer to handle the issues with any other person. Requirements for registration of public officers are as follows:

• Letter of appointment as public officer, stating the full name, identity number (ID) number, residential address and a statement to the effect that the public officer is a signatory to the company’s bank account
• Proof of residence in form of utility bills, support with affidavit if not in your name
• Certified copies of identity documents for Public Officer/ Representative.

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. 

Statutory Instrument 68 of 2019, Section 144(V) and SI 12 of 2020 provides for rebate of duty on motor vehicles imported under the Health Service Loan Scheme.

Who qualifies?

1. A Public Health worker in Zimbabwe below the Deputy Director grade.
2. A Public Health worker employed by the Health Service Board and Grant Aided Health Facilities for a period of not less than two years and is not under any disciplinary proceedings or on fulltime Manpower Development Leave.

The Motor Vehicle:

1. Should have been procured using a loan availed under the Health Service Vehicle Loan Scheme managed through CMED (Private) Limited
2. Should be aged less than ten years from date of manufacture at the time of importation
3. Should be admissible under the following Customs Tariff Codes:

• 8703.21.90 –Vehicle with Petrol Engine of cylinder capacity not exceeding 1000cc
• 8703.22.90 -Vehicle with Petrol Engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 1000cc but not exceeding 1500cc
• 8703.23.19 -Vehicle with Petrol Engine of cylinder capacity not exceeding 2000cc
• 8703.23.99 -Vehicle with Petrol Engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 2000cc but not exceeding 3000cc
• 8703.24.90 -Vehicle with Petrol Engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 4000cc
• 8703.31.90 –Vehicle with Diesel engine of cylinder capacity not exceeding 1500cc
• 8703.32.19 -Vehicle with Diesel engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 1500cc but not exceeding 2000cc
• 8703.32.99- Vehicle with Diesel engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 2000cc but not exceeding 2500cc
• 8703.33.90 - Vehicle with Diesel engine of cylinder capacity exceeding 2500cc
• 8703.40.00 – Vehicles with both Petrol Engine and Electric Motor Excluding those capable of being charged by plugging to external source of Electric power
• 8703.50.00 - Vehicles with both Diesel Engine and Electric Motor Excluding those capable of being charged by plugging to external source of Electric power
• 8703.60.00 - Vehicles with both Petrol Engine and Electric Motor capable of being charged by plugging to external source of Electric power
• 8703.70.00 - Vehicles with both Diesel Engine and Electric Motor capable of being charged by plugging to external source of Electric power.
• 8703.80.00 – Electric passenger vehicles
• 8703.90.90 – Any other passenger vehicles
• 8704.21.20 – Diesel Engine Double Cab of GVW not exceeding 5 tonnes
• 8704.21.30 – Diesel Engine Pick-up Truck of payload not exceeding 800kg
• 8704.21.40 – Diesel Engine Pickup truck of payload more than 800kg but not exceeding 1400kg
• 8704.21.50 – Diesel Engine Extended Cab Truck not exceeding 5 tonnes
• 8704.31.20 - Petrol Engine Double Cab of GVW not exceeding 5 tonnes
• 8704.31.30 - Petrol Engine Pick-up Truck of payload not exceeding 800kg
• 8704.31.40 - Petrol Engine Pickup truck of payload more than 800kg but not exceeding 1400kg
• 8704.31.50 - Petrol Engine Extended Cab Truck not exceeding 5 tonnes

1. Only one motor vehicle may be imported under rebate in terms of these regulations in any period of five years.

Maximum amounts per grade: Subsection (2) (a)

On application for rebate to the Commissioner Customs, the following documents should be submitted:

1. An application letter
2. Recommendation letter from the Secretary responsible for Health confirming employment
3. Approval letter from Secretary responsible for Finance and Economic Development;
4. Proof of source of funds where the Secretary has directed that the applicant furnishes such proof to him or her.
5. A copy of driver’s license;
6. A proforma invoice and a bill of lading for the motor vehicle being imported;
7. Approval letter from CMED (Private) Limited for the loan made in terms of subsection, in the case of funding from the CMED Health Service Vehicle Loan Scheme, intended solely for the private use of the serving health worker and not for commercial or trade purposes.

In consideration of an application for a rebate under this section, the Commissioner may:

1. only grant a rebate for motor vehicles purchased from traceable and registered car dealers;
2. request for proof of source of funds where the Secretary responsible for Finance and Economic Development has in terms of subsection directed that the applicant furnish such proof to him or her;
3. revalue the motor vehicle in line with the existing customs valuation regulations in cases where he or she suspects undervaluation of the motor vehicle;
4. disqualify any applicant that wilfully undervalues a motor vehicle imported in terms of this rebate.”

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. 

The importation and exportation of currency in and out of Zimbabwe is governed by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) in terms of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05] as read with Exchange Control Regulations Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996 as read with Statutory Instrument 20A of 2023.

IMPORTATION

The importation of any currency into Zimbabwe by travellers is not restricted. This implies that any person can bring in any amount of currency into Zimbabwe. Travellers are urged to complete an original Customs declaration (form 47) showing the amount of currency imported at the time of entry into the country.

The processed declaration form maybe used:

• To support re-export of any balance of currency (for non-residents) at the end of the visit to Zimbabwe should it exceed the allowed export thresholds which is currently ten thousand united states dollars or its equivalent in any other currency.
• For Acquittal of C.D.1 forms in the case of exporters of goods
• As proof of the source of funds in some instances where proof is required

EXPORTATION

Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996 section 20 states that: no person shall export or cause to be exported from Zimbabwe any currency whose value exceeds such amount as may be prescribed.

Statutory Instrument 20A of 2023 section 3 reads:

14. (1) The amount of Zimbabwean currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorisation in terms of section 22 of the Exchange Control Regulations, 1996, Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996, in the departure or transit lounge of an airport or other port of entry or exit, shall be an equivalent of one thousand United States dollars, at the prevailing interbank exchange rate, in the case of notes and coins in circulation, and not more than 100 pieces of each denomination, in the case of demonetised notes and coins.

(2) The amount of foreign currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorisation in terms of section 22 of the Exchange Control Regulations, 1996, Statutory Instrument 109 of 1996, in the departure or transit lounge of an airport or other port of entry or exit, shall be a total of ten thousand United States dollars or its equivalent in any other currency or combination of currencies, or gold coins worth ten thousand United States dollars or other currencies amounting to a total of ten thousand United States dollars.”.

Please note that the amount of currency that a person who is about to leave Zimbabwe may possess, without authorisation in the departure lounge of an airport or any other port is a total of USD$10,000 in any currency or combination of currencies or gold coins.

There is no general exemption in respect of the exportation of any foreign currency from Zimbabwe. However, permission for the exportation of foreign currency more than the prescribed limit may be granted by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ).

• By Non-Zimbabwean Residents

Non-Zimbabwean residents who have currencies above allowable threshold may be allowed to export the amount equal to or the balance of declared currencies upon arrival. Any excess currency found in possession of travellers without authority shall be seized and may be forfeited to the State.

• By Zimbabwean Residents

Zimbabwean residents who have currencies above allowable threshold may be allowed to export currency only with the authorization from The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. In the event that the traveller does not have such an authorisation, no exportation maybe allowed regardless of the fact the currency was declared upon arrival.

All travellers leaving Zimbabwe are urged to strictly adhere to the limits. Any excess currency found in possession of travellers without authority shall be seized and may be forfeited to the State.

The importation of drones by air, road or post requires a license from Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ)?

How to clear the drones

Clearance of Drones can be done individually or commercially using registered clearing agents. In both cases, the client needs to register the goods with the relevant Authority. In this case, one needs to visit Civil Aviation Authority Zimbabwe (CAAZ) for registration and clearance with the make, model and serial number of the drone. The Civil Aviation Act (CAP 13:16) regulates the importation of drones.

The Civil Aviation Act (CAP 13:16), defines an “aircraft” to include— (a) all flying machines, airplanes, sea-planes, flying boats, helicopters, gliders and other aircraft designed to be heavier than air; and (b) all airships, balloons and other aircraft designed to be lighter than air;

Section 42 of the same Act vests control of aviation in Zimbabwe in CAAZ in that;

(1) Subject to this Act, no person shall cause an aircraft to— (a) arrive in Zimbabwe; or (b) depart from Zimbabwe; or (c) overfly Zimbabwe; except with the Authority’s permission and in accordance with any terms and conditions specified by the Authority.

(2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level seven or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

Commercial imports are cleared on a Bill of Entry Form 21 through a registered clearing agent. If the goods are less than US$1,000 (one thousand Untied States Dollars), they can be cleared on a commercial Form 49 with the use of the services of a clearing agent.

Private imports of drones can be cleared at the counters without the use of clearing agents. At the post offices, the drone can be cleared on a charged parcel docket Customs officers upon production of the clearance letter.

Which documents are required for clearance?

• Invoice from the supplier
• Consignment note/freight statement (where applicable)
• Permits/licences from BAZ and POTRAZ for radio and television broadcasting drones
• CAAZ Clearance Letter for drones.

Please Note:

• Drones have to be properly declared and entered for clearance by Customs at the point of entry.

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. 

Section 9JJ of the Customs and Excise Suspension Regulations SI 257 of 2003, (Suspension of duty on specified new buses imported by Tour Operators) was amended by SI 10 of 2022. The new amendments provide for the following:

A “Tour Operator”- means a person or organisation registered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe for a period of not less than two years or as approved by the Minister.

“Specified bus”- means a new bus of commodity code 87:02 or 87:03 with a carrying capacity of  eight (8) to  fifty-five (55) passengers including the driver imported or taken out of bond by the tour operator.

• The suspension of duty shall be approved by the Minister responsible for Tourism together with the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe.
• Approved tour operators are allowed to import new buses of a sitting capacity of at least eight (8) to fifty-five (55) including the driver for the next two (2) years beginning 1^st of January 2022 under suspension of duty.
• Specified buses under suspension of duty shall be cleared at the port nearest to the premises of the tour operator or at such other port as the Commissioner may approve.
• When effecting entry on importation or on removal from bond, the tour operator should submit a bill of entry together with signed declaration stating that the specified bus is new and is to be used only in the tour operator’s business.
• The transfer of the specified buses whose duty had been suspended, to another place of business of the same tour operator can be authorised by the Commissioner.
• Disposing of the specified bus is prohibited within five (5) years of importation unless written authority from the Commissioner is obtained and payment of the duty suspended has been made.
• If the specified bus cannot be economically used for the purpose which it was entered under the suspension, disposal may be authorised by the Commissioner on payment of duty not exceeding the amount of duty suspended as determined by the Commissioner.
• If the bus is accidentally damaged before being used, duty may be remitted if the Commissioner is satisfied that all precautionary measures were taken to prevent the damage.
• The tour operator should provide the below listed to the satisfaction of the Commissioner for the specified buses to be admitted under suspension:
• Complete specifications of each model of specified bus indicating the make, model, engine number and chassis number and
• A completed suspension of duty application in the form specified by the Commissioner.

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. 

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) wishes to advise its valued clients on changes in withholding tax on tenders in terms of Section 80 of the Income Tax Act (Chapter 23:06)

Withholding tax on tenders is deducted from all persons who fail to furnish the paying officer with a Tax Clearance Certificate and the paying officer must furnish the payee with a certificate showing the amount so withheld.

The Commissioner shall retain the amount withheld and remitted until the income tax of the payee has been assessed for the year of assessment. The amount so withheld shall be allowed as a credit against the income tax so payable by the taxpayer.

What is the new rate and threshold of withholding tax on tenders?

The rate of withholding tax on tenders has been increased from 10% to 30% and the threshold was reviewed upwards to ZWL$130,000.00 or US$ 1,000.00 during the year of assessment effective 1 January 2022.

When is 30% withholding tax on tenders remitted to ZIMRA?

The withholding tax is remitted to ZIMRA in the currency in which the goods and services concerned were purchased on or before the 10^th of the month, following that in which the payment was made. The payment should be accompanied with a schedule showing all names of the persons from which the amount was deducted and attached to the Rev 5 Form.

What are the circumstances where withholding taxes cannot be withheld?

Withholding Tax is not applicable on the following contracts/amounts:

1. Amount paid as an agreement for the settlement of a delictual claim against the State or a statutory corporation
2. Amount paid in terms of an employment contract
3. Amount on a sale effected in any shop in the ordinary course of the business of such shop or any other consumer contract for the sale or supply of goods or services or both in which the seller or supplier is dealing in the course of business and the purchaser is the final user or consumer. This excludes contract for the sale, letting or hire of immovable property.

Please Note: Withholding Tax Returns should be scanned and emailed to the applicable/relevant email address selected from the list below:

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. 

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority engaged members of the media fraternity by hosting editors from different media houses on 30 March 2022 in Harare to equip them with knowledge of tax and customs strategic issues and their impact in the economic and social development matrix of the nation.

Speaking at the engagement workshop, ZIMRA Acting Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa expressed satisfaction with the media coverage that the Authority gets in the media particularly on issues to do with corruption, smuggling, operations at the ports of entry, road side blitz among other issues.

“We are happy that as our media partners, you have lived up to the journalism principles and observed the sacrosanct philosophies of reportage which are the truthful, objective and fair coverage of stories supported by facts.

However, we believe the media should also consider going deeper in other critical areas that require in-depth analysis and interpretation such as revenue leakages, transfer prices, base erosion and the importance of compliance by individuals and corporates given the broad impact of such moves to the revenue mobilisation agenda,” said Mrs Chinamasa.

She also urged the journalists to do everything necessary when reporting on critical issues to do with ZIMRA to better educate the public from an informed position.

The editors were drawn from the Zimpapers, AMH, AB Communication, Financial Gazette, New Ziana media houses as well as Xinhua News Agency and online newspapers.

ZIMRA undertook this opportunity to share with the media, the ZIMRA Strategy from 2021 to 2025, a key roadmap that gives an indicator of how ZIMRA programs and projects pan out against the National Development Strategy 1 targets and the strides the Authority is making in the digitalisation and transformation of processes to enhance the ease of doing business.

The editors sought clarity on several strategic projects and ZIMRA’s services which were addressed by the executives.

The media engagement is part of ZIMRA 4Ps strategy with one of the Ps being building strategic Partnerships with stakeholders in raising awareness to the public on ZIMRA operations and the media being one of the stakeholders.

Victoria Ruzvidzo, Editor of Sunday Mail

Terrence Mapurisana from ZBC Classic 263 radio

Income Tax Act (Chapter 23:06) Thirteenth Schedule requires an employer to withhold and remit employees tax (PAYE) in accordance with the tax deduction tables as prescribed. The current tax tables are published by ZIMRA annually as well as periodically when  necessary and can be downloaded using the link:  https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables

The tax tables make it easier for taxpayers to compute PAYE with examples indicated on each and every tax table.  The following are important guidelines to select specific rates and to withhold the correct amounts of PAYE:

• • Currency
• • Tax period
• • Frequency
• • Taxable income

CURRENCY

For the year 2022, there are separate PAYE Tax Tables for Foreign (USD) and Local Currency (ZWL$).  The currency of remuneration determines the Tax Table to be used by the taxpayer. Highlighted below are brief insights of the US$ and ZWL$ tax tables:

• Foreign Currency (US$) Tax Tables for 2022.
• Tax Free Threshold remains at US$1200 per annum or USD100 per month
• Exempt Bonus USD700 per annum

• Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL$) Tax Tables for 2022.
• Tax Free Threshold is now ZWL$ 300,000.0 per annum or ZWL$ 25,000 per month
• Exempt Bonus is now ZWL$100,000 per annum

TAX PERIOD

The 2022 Tax tables were implemented with effect from 1^st of January 2022.

FREQUENCY

The tax tables have daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly and annual categories. The specific category to be used depends on the frequency of remuneration.

TAXABLE INCOME

The specific tax bracket should be used under the selected category depending on the employee’s taxable income. It is thus important to accurately compute the taxable income from employment as guided by the relevant legislative provisions. 

Once the aforementioned indicators are applied correctly, one can go ahead and follow the examples shown on the right side of each tax table. For more information and illustrations,  click and download respective tax tables on the following links:

1. Foreign Currency (USD) Tax Tables for 2022: https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables?download=1846:usd-tax-tables-2022

2. Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL$) Tax Tables for 2022:  https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables?download=1845:rtgs-tax-tables-2022

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. 

What is Business Partner Master Data?

A business partner master data stores information related to the taxpayer such as name, physical address, identification number, bank account details, industry classification, Public Officer and email address. Master data provides valuable information necessary to identify the taxpayer in all aspects, to enable effective communication in administration of tax legislation.

What is data integrity?

Data integrity refers to the correctness, accurateness and completeness of data at any given moment. Henceforth, maintaining data integrity becomes a core focus of the Authority.

Who is responsible for updating the business partner master data?

A taxpayer has an obligation to notify the Authority of any changes to information previously given and providing missing information on the master data. On the other hand, ZIMRA has an obligation of notifying taxpayers on the state of their master data and to request submission of the missing information by the taxpayer.

Why is it necessary to update the master data and to provide correct information?

• Low administrative costs
• Tax Clearance (ITF 263) can only be emailed to valid email addresses of compliant clients
• Engagements and other queries are attended to with much ease.
• Less time is taken to complete compliance checks and audits.
• Tax updates, invitations to attend workshop and Public Notices are received by taxpayers on time.
• VAT refunds payments are made on time.

When is it due?

Master data update is an ongoing process; clients are encouraged to complete REV 2, which is found on ZIMRA website:  https://www.zimra.co.zw/, and make necessary changes and updates pertaining to the taxpayer and send the completed REV 2 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Disclaimer

This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.