What is TaRMS?

Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) is a new tax administration system that ZIMRA has introduced to replace the previous system. Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) is for Domestic Taxes.

 What are the benefits of TaRMS in terms of payments?

• TaRMS system eliminates the challenges that were encountered during payments processing in the previous system e.g. unallocated deposits
• The Taxpayer transfers funds to the ZIMRA single account using his/her selected bank for tax purposes The Taxpayer submits the tax returns and the system handles payments allocations, assessments and refunds.

How does the Single Account Concept work in TaRMS?

• ZIMRA have opened bank accounts in 15  banks in the country except for those that failed to meet ZIMRA requirements. These bank accounts are named ZIMRA Commissioner General Single Account. In each bank, there are two ZIMRA Single Bank Accounts, one for ZWL and another for USD. Any other foreign currencies are converted by the bank to USD at point of payment.
• From the list of banks with ZIMRA Single Accounts that ZIMRA availed, the Taxpayer is expected to choose ONE BANK for Tax payment purposes. (i.e. for both ZWL and USD payments). Taxpayers cannot have a USD single account in one bank and a ZWL Single Account in another bank; they both have to be within the same bank for ease of administration.
• The TaRMS system automatically keeps a balance of the Taxpayer’s funds in the ZIMRA Single Account in that bank. This record is kept in TaRMS in what is called the Taxpayer’s Single Account. The taxpayer can deposit or transfer money for tax payments only to the ZIMRA Single Account within their chosen and registered bank.
• A taxpayer cannot use a bank that is not linked to ZIMRA Single Bank Account for tax payments purposes.
• The Taxpayer’s bank account used to fund the Zimra Single account can be used for any other transactions as before. It is not restricted to the ZIMRA payments.
• The taxpayer is allowed to change from one bank to another. To change the taxpayer’s Bank account for tax purposes, the taxpayer should send an application to ZIMRA and reset the account in the current bank, then choose the other bank with the support of a ZIMRA Single Account. The balance in the Taxpayer’s Single Account should be nil before effecting these changes.
• Taxpayer has an opportunity to transfer money back from the single account to own bank account. For this transaction, the taxpayer is required to fill an online application form for the transfer. The application is automatically approved after checking set parameters. The amounts from the single account are automatically transferred to the taxpayer’s bank account within one working day.

How is the Taxpayer going to make payments in ZIMRA Single Account?

Payments into the ZIMRA Single Bank Account can be done by way of Cash deposits and internal transfers directly through Taxpayer’s bank, the bank will validate the payment before posting the transaction. The validation parameter is the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Taxpayer’s Name; hence, it is of paramount importance that the TIN is captured correctly all the time.

Are taxpayers able to make Customs payments using Single Bank Accounts?

The ZIMRA Single Bank Accounts are specifically for Domestic Taxes payments. Customs & Excise duty payments use the old ZIMRA bank accounts. In both Domestic Taxes and Customs payments, the TIN is required

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has announced that beginning 1 January 2024, Tax Clearance Certificates (ITF263s) will be accessible only through the new Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) to compliant taxpayers.

In order for clients to access their Tax Clearance certificates, Taxpayers already in the ZIMRA master database should have claimed the Taxpayer Identity Number, TIN, and register in TaRMS through the Self Service Portal (SSP). The tax authority also urged taxpayers who have never been issued with a Business Partner number, to register in TaRMS in order to access their Tax Clearances.

All taxpayers are required to be up to date with their tax obligations which include payment of tax and returns submission in order to be able to obtain their Tax Clearance certificates. The on-boarding to the TaRMS platform by taxpayers who had BP numbers prior to 12th October 2023 is currently in progress and should be completed by 15th November 2023 to allow smooth migration of transaction data from the current system to TaRMS.

Taxpayers are urged to use the E-Taxes and E-Services platforms to submit all their returns up to the 27th of November 2023, after which these two platforms will be shut down to allow migration to TaRMS. All facilities will be offered in TaRMS from 1 December 2023.

All Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their nearest ZIMRA Offices should they face registration or ITF 263 issuance challenges. Taxpayers can also get in touch with the ZIMRA Contact Center on 585.  The new TaRMS system, which was launched on the 12th of October 2023, will mean that transaction data from the old systems will be migrated by the end of November 2023 and the old systems will be shut down for all transactions the Authority has said. The submission of tax returns and refund claims will only be done through TaRMS via the Self-Service Portal.

FLAT RATES OF ASSESSMENT

1. 1. What is a flat rate?

• Flat rates assessments are the rates of duty that are applied on importation of goods for private and personal use to simplify classification of goods and calculation of duty.
• Flat rates increase efficiency and speed up clearance of travellers.
• Flat rates are covered in Chapter 98 of the Zimbabwe Customs and Excise Tariff handbook (S.I. 203 of 2022).

2. 2. When is it used

An importation shall be treated as not for Sale and not of a commercial nature –

• If it is occasional and
• it consists solely of goods for personal or family use by the consignee or traveller, and may, in the case of goods imported by a traveller, include goods intended as gifts; and
• The goods are such of a kind or quantity that there is no indication that they are imported for commercial purposes.

3. 3. Examples of flat rates applied on private importation includes:

• 55% ad valorem on audio, television and video equipment.
• 40% ad valorem on other goods
• 40% plus USD3 per kg on clothing
• 40% plus USD1 per pair on footwear
• 5% on Books
• 90% on wines
• 110% on clear beer.

4. 4. Benefits to ZIMRA

• Easy to calculate.
• Revenue collections can be increased considering that flat rates can be higher than specific rates of duty
• Speedy clearance is done .

5. Benefits to Clients

• Clients do not spend much time at the ports of entry
• Reducing of congestion
• Convenient to the client as they do not have to engage services of an agent.
• Speedy clearance is done.

3. Exemptions

However, flat rates of assessment do not cover goods imported for sale or of a commercial nature.

Flat rates of assessment do not apply to the following goods which are sent in consignment to private individuals or imported by a traveller upon his person or in his personal baggage:

1. i) literature published in braille.
2. ii) braille typewriters

iii) vehicles of tariff headings 87.01, 87.02, 87.03, 87.04, 87.05, 87.06, 87.09, 87.10, 87.11 and 87.13

1. iv) apparatus especially designed to assist physically handicapped persons to drive motor vehicles
2. v) contact lenses of tariff subheading 9001.3000;
3. vi) frames for corrective spectacle lenses;

viii) spectacles of tariff subheading 9004.1010 and 9004.9010;

1. ix) the goods of tariff heading 9021;
2. x) braille watches.

It is important to note that flat rates of duty do not apply if the person entitled has, requested that they be subjected to the specific tariffs appropriate to them. In that case the whole consignment shall be subjected to the appropriate tariffs.

Goods assessed at flat rate shall be exempt from surtax.

According to the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) process is a structured examination, after Customs has released cargo of relevant commercial data, sales contracts, financial and non-financial records, physical stock and other assets of traders. The purpose is to measure and improve the traders' compliance. The WCO further states that PCA has proved to be an essential tool ensuring that Customs controls are effective in many aspects, including compliance with the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. It plays a role in the implementation of an effective Customs risk management strategy. Through the application of a risk-based post-clearance approach, Customs Administrations are able to target their resources more effectively, create win-win partnerships with traders, who will be prompted to comply fully and voluntarily with the rules as this will facilitate clearance procedures, and hence trade.

PCA involves measures by which Customs Authorities satisfy themselves as to the accuracy and authenticity of declarations through systematic examination of client’s records and business systems. PCA is a Customs control measure used to promote trade facilitation that rely on risk management. An on-site visit gives Customs an opportunity to assist the client by educating or advising on procedures and regulatory requirements relating to Customs & Excise.

The legislative provision for Post Clearance Audit in Zimbabwe is contained in Customs & Excise Act [Chapter 23:02]. This legislation provides the obligations applicable to our clients in relation to Post Clearance Audits, and includes such requirements as the retention of clearance documentation for a period of 6 years, the need to produce such documentation on request by a ZIMRA officer, and the right of an officer to conduct the PCA. The legislation also provides the client with certain rights during the PCA which include the right to confidentiality, and the right to be informed of the results of the PCA.

The PCA process is designed to educate the client in areas where they may have some deficiencies and allows for the correction of systems, controls and processes within the clients work processes. It also provides the client with an opportunity to rectify any discrepancies noted during the clearance process some of which may not have any implications on the levels of duty paid on clearance. PCA also gives the client a platform to assess the capabilities of their clearing agents.

A visitor to Zimbabwe bringing in a foreign registered private vehicle may be issued with a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) by ZIMRA upon entry into Zimbabwe.

Who is a visitor?

A visitor is any person who is not resident in Zimbabwe but travels to Zimbabwe for a specified period from their arrival. This includes Zimbabweans working or living in other countries and with valid residence or work permits of the respective countries.

Types of vehicles eligible for Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

• Passenger type motor vehicles commonly known as saloon cars or sedans and station wagons
• Goods carrying motor- vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5 tonnes such as pick-ups and double cabs
• Passenger carrying motor vehicles with a seating capacity not exceeding 15 people including the driver
• Trailers and caravans pulled by the above vehicles.

Any other vehicles which do not fit the above descriptions, for example a passenger carrying vehicle with seating capacity exceeding 15 people, would require a Commercial Temporary Import Permit (CTIP) covered by a Commercial Vehicle Guarantee obtainable from a Zimbabwean registered clearing agent with the relevant bond.

Conditions Governing the TIP

1. The vehicle should be for the personal use of the visitor
2. With the exception of vehicles surrendered to the Commissioner, the vehicles shall be exported at the time of the visitor’s first departure from Zimbabwe after the grant of the rebate, or within three months of their importation, or such shorter period as the Commissioner may  specify or they shall be entered for consumption and the full duties shall be payable thereon.
3. No visitor shall sell, offer, or display for sale, lease, hire, lend, pledge or dispose of the vehicle in any other manner to any resident in Zimbabwe without prior written authority of the Commissioner General of ZIMRA and payment of full duty applicable at the time the vehicle was imported into Zimbabwe
4. In the event of extended stay of the visitor, the TIP holder should approach the nearest ZIMRA office for extension of the TIP upon payment of Carbon Tax and insurance.
5. No extension shall be granted beyond three months after the grant of the rebate.
6. In the case of a breakdown or an accident, the holder of the TIP should report to the nearest ZIMRA office immediately over and above making a report to the Police.

Points to Note

• Drivers of the foreign registered vehicles should read and understand the declaration and undertaking at the bottom of the TIP before signing it and ensure all details entered are true and correct.
• Post-clearance checks may be done at any given time by ZIMRA Officials to check on compliance. These can be in the form of roadblocks and patrols.
• Any breach of the conditions governing the temporary importation of visitors’ vehicles will result in the vehicle being liable to seizure
• Beware of touts, seek the assistance of ZIMRA Officers at the points of entry.

What is TaRMS?

Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) is a new tax administration system that ZIMRA is introducing to replace the current tax payment and administration system being used for Domestic Taxes or inland revenues.  The new TaRMS will result in new business partner accounts for all Domestic Taxes paying clients as well as those paying for Excise licensing fees.

Why TaRMS?

• The system will replace the current system (SAP TRM) in Domestic Taxes, which was causing a series of system challenges thereby affecting service to taxpayers.
• New system will improve operational efficiency in the collection of taxes and service delivery to users.
• TaRMS has enabled many processes to be automated, thereby removing human interface and bureaucracy in the tax administration system.
• It will reduce the need by taxpayers to frequently visit the ZIMRA offices for services
• In terms of payments, the TaRMS system will eliminate a host of challenges that were encountered during payments processing. The tax payer only needs to worry about transferring funds to the ZIMRA single account at his/her chosen bank and submitting the returns and the system will handle payments allocations and assessments including refund processes.

The following processes will be effectively managed by TaRMS for the convenience of clients or tax payers;

• Taxpayer Registration
• Tax Returns Processing
• Tax Payments
• Refunds
• Revenue Accounting
• Taxpayer Accounting
• Debt Management
• Tax Agents Management
• Audit and Risk Management
• Case Management
• Reporting

How are taxpayers identified in TaRMS?

Taxpayers in TaRMS are identified by a TIN, which refers to Taxpayer Identification Number. This will replace the current business partner numbers that taxpayers are currently using.

For existing Taxpayers

TINs will be automatically assigned to existing taxpayers by the TaRMS and sent to the registered email addresses of the taxpayers.

For new Taxpayers

New taxpayers will be allocated TIN upon successful registration in TaRMS. The Registration process is an online process which tax payers will be able perform from their devices and gadgets that include laptops, desktops, tablets, cellphones etc. The following are key requirements for registration;

National ID number for individuals or Company Registration numbers for corporates and organizations, National ID number and email address of the Public Officer and the taxpayer email address.

How does one open a bank account for use in TaRMS?

Opening of new bank accounts by a taxpayer no longer requires obtaining a Bank Advice Note from ZIMRA for registered taxpayers. The TIN number allocated upon application in the ZIMRA Self-Service Portal (SSP) is sufficient for the taxpayer to open a bank account. However, a tax payer does not necessarily need to open a new bank account for the purpose of TaRMS, as existing bank accounts can be utilized.

How does the Single account Concept work in TaRMS?

• ZIMRA will open bank accounts in all Commercial banks in the country except for those that fail to meet the minimum configuration requirements. These bank accounts will be named ZIMRA Commissioner General Single Account. In each bank, there will be two ZIMRA Single Bank Accounts, one for ZWL and another for USD. Any other currencies on the multicurrency basket will be converted by the bank to USD at point of payment. From the list of banks with ZIMRA Single Accounts that ZIMRA will avail, the Taxpayer is expected to choose ONE BANK for Tax payment purposes. (i.e. for both ZWL and USD payments). Taxpayers cannot have a USD single account in one bank and a ZWL Single Account in another bank, they both have to be within the same bank for ease of administration. The TaRMS system will automatically keep a balance of the Tax payer’s funds in the ZIMRA Single Account in that bank. This record is kept in TaRMS in what is called the Taxpayer’s Singe Account. The taxpayer can deposit or transfer money for tax payments only to the ZIMRA SINGE Account within their chosen and registered bank.
• The taxpayer’s bank account in the chosen bank can also be used by the taxpayer for making any other transactions that are not ZIMRA related; it is not restricted to the ZIMRA payments.
• A taxpayer cannot use a bank that is not linked ZIMRA Single Bank Account for tax payments purposes. For example, a Taxpayer who is linked to ZIMRA Single Bank Account at Bank A cannot make a deposit at any of the ZIMRA Single Bank Accounts held at any other bank other than Bank A that the client has elected to use for tax payment purposes.  There is no cross transfer of funds from one Bank to another under the single account concept.
• However, the taxpayer is allowed to change from one bank to another bank. The taxpayer can submit an application form to change from one bank to another and approval is granted for as long as there are no unutilized funds in ZIMRA’s Single Account for that tax payer in the currently selected bank (i.e. a nil balance in the taxpayer’s Single Account in TaRMS)
• A taxpayer has an opportunity to transfer money back from the ZIMRA Single Bank Account to own bank account. For this transaction, the taxpayer is required to fill an online application form for the transfer. The application is automatically approved upon validation of set parameters.

 How is the Taxpayer going to make payments in ZIMRA Single Account?

• The Taxpayer can make a payment into ZIMRA Single Bank Account in three ways:
• Cash deposits and internal transfers – Taxpayers are also able to make cash deposit or do internal transfer directly through their banks; the bank will validate the payment before posting the transaction. The validation parameter is the TIN hence it is paramount that the TIN is captured correctly all the time. NB. The banks will provide new and appropriate forms for TaRMS purposes and there will be mandatory fields on the forms which include taxpayer’s name and taxpayer identification number (TIN)
• When making payment, a taxpayer does not need to indicate the tax obligation being settled. Only the TIN and taxpayer name are required, and validation of the taxpayer TIN will be done by the bank through its integration with TaRMS upon which the transaction is then credited to the ZIMRA Single Bank Account.

Deposits of other currencies other than USD and ZWL?

• Taxpayers who have currencies other than USD and ZWL for example ZAR; EUR, GBP, will be required to convert them at their bank into USD or ZWL at the prevailing rate on the date of payment. Tax liabilities and payments will be just in two currencies that is, ZWL and USD.

Are taxpayers able to make Customs payments using single bank accounts?

The ZIMRA Single Bank Accounts are specific for Domestic Taxes payments only. Customs & Excise duty payments will for now remain on the current platform and our current ZIMRA bank accounts will remain available for this purpose.

SI 154 of 2001 (Customs & Excise General Regulations), section 144(U) & (V) as read with Statutory Instrument (SI) 124 of 2022, promulgated on July 2022 provide for a rebate of duty on motor vehicles imported or taken out of bond by Civil Servants and members of the Independent Service Commissions SI 124 of 2022 of 1 July 2022 replaces SI 52 of 2019 which came into effect from 01 January 2019.

The age restrictions of the eligible vehicle is ten years from date of manufacture; the respective customs tariff codes and other conditions of the rebate are as stipulated in S.I 124 of 2022.

Qualifying civil servants are required to submit the following documents to the nearest ZIMRA offices for processing of the rebate:

• A duly signed application letter that has full description of the vehicle (year, make, and model of the vehicle, chassis number, engine number and colour) for one to be considered as a beneficiary.
• A pro-forma invoice/commercial invoice/bill of lading/ certificate of conformity or any other document pertaining to the acquisition and transportation of the vehicle
• A letter from the responsible Permanent Secretary of the applicant’s line ministry confirming employment.
• Recommendation letter from the Public Service Commission/ Independent Commissions (Police Service Commission / Defence Forces Service Commission/ Prison Service Commission)
• Treasury (Secretary for Ministry of Finance) concurrence letter.
• A copy of the driver’s license for the public servant.
• A copy of the Applicant’s national Identity Card
• A letter of approval from CMED Private Limited for the loan, in the case of funding from CMED Transport Purchase Fund.
• Current pay slip
• Current proof of residence

Documents can be submitted to ZIMRA in person or via ZIMRA email at the ZIMRA office where the rebate will be granted. According to the ZIMRA client charter, we promise the following upon submission:

• Acknowledgement of receipt of the submitted correspondence shall be done within 2 working days.
• Response to the application for rebate of duty shall be done within 14 days.
• All information will be handled in strict confidence and privacy shall be maintained.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) advises all Taxpayers that migration of taxpayer master data to the New Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) is now functional and open to the public for registration only. Taxpayers that have not yet registered in the new system should do so without further delay.

As advised in previous public notices regarding the new Tax and Revenue Management System, taxpayers are further advised as follows;

1. Tax Clearances - Taxpayers Requesting for Issuance of Tax Clearance Certificates
   1. Where a taxpayer has an existing BP number, the tax clearance is accessed through E-Services.
   2. Where the taxpayer does not have a BP number in TRM but has a TIN in TaRMS, the taxpayer should complete a REV1 and be registered in the old system for the purpose of issuing tax clearance certificates only.
   3. The validity period for tax clearance certificates issuance will not exceed 31 December 2023 for all taxpayers.
   4. Full year Tax Clearance will be issued in TaRMS to only TaRMS registered Taxpayers, so do not be left out. Move with the times.
   5. The same clients who are VAT registered operators should be compliant with Fiscalisation Data Management System (FDMS) to receive a Tax Clearance.

2. Filing of Tax Returns and Payments –Old System

Filing of Tax Returns and payment of taxes has been extended in the old system through e-taxes and e-Services platforms from 28 October 2023 to allow for uploading of outstanding returns and payments of taxes in the old system to 27 November 2023.

3. Existing Taxpayer (Taxpayers with BP Numbers)

1. Existing Taxpayers can access their TIN through the self-service portal by using their current BP Number.
2. All Taxpayers are expected to, and can now create their user accounts on the Self-Service-Portal (SSP).

4. New Registrations (Taxpayers without BP Numbers)
   1. New Taxpayer Registration is now possible and open to the public in TaRMS.
   2. New Taxpayers will be allocated a TIN upon registration through the Self Service Portal (SSP). NO NEW REGISTRATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH THE OLD e-SERVICES platform.
   3. There shall be NO Manual taxpayer registrations from now onwards.

5. To get started, follow the instructions below:

1. Visit the official Self Service Portal – SSP at mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw
2. Create an SSP user account by clicking on the "Sign Up" hyperlink and follow the steps to get your Username and Password.
3. Log into the system using your username and password and follow the steps as directed.
4. If you are an existing taxpayer, click on the "Register with an Existing BP Number" hyperlink and follow the instructions.
5. If you are a new taxpayer, choose the appropriate option from “Register as an Individual” or “Register as an Organisation” or “Register as a Representative of a Deceased Taxpayer” and follow the steps.
6. Select your preferred bank to link to the ZIMRA Single Account located in that bank. Note that, you should be an account holder in that bank to facilitate tax transactions.

6. Taxpayers who need physical assistance on TaRMS registration can utilise the ZIMRA Self Service kiosks at every ZIMRA station. For more information on Kiosks; please see contact centre details below. Kiosks will now be open from 8.00am to 8.00pm to assist all Taxpayers who need assistance in registration

ZIMRA would like to appreciate all Taxpayers and the Public for their patience with the Authority during this transitional period. All Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their nearest ZIMRA Offices should they face challenges or get in touch with the ZIMRA Contact Center on the details provided below.

All taxpayers were advised to urgently update their Master Data with Public Officer Details in preparation for registration in the new Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMs) through recent ZIMRA Public Notices. Further to that, the Commissioner Domestic Taxes advises as follows:

1. No new taxpayer registrations and updating of master data will be possible from 9 to 11 October 2023.
2. During this period (9 to 11 October 2023), already registered taxpayers will receive New Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs).
3. New registrations and master data update will only be possible in the new system with effect from 12 October 2023.
4. Taxpayers in receipt of their new TIN will be able to access the new system (TaRMS) and open user accounts from 12 October 2023 (further guidance will be provided).
5. Filing of tax returns and payment of taxes shall continue in the current system until 28 October 2023, thereafter, taxpayers will be required to file returns and pay their taxes in the new system.

All Taxpayers are encouraged to contact their nearest ZIMRA offices should they face challenges or get in touch with the ZIMRA contact centre on the details provided below.

My Taxes, My Duties: Building my Zimbabwe!!