Taxation

What is taxation?

Taxation is about making sure your business, and you as an employer or owner, calculate, report and pay the correct taxes to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), which is the government's tax collector.

It is not only about paying. It also covers registering your business for tax, keeping the right records, submitting tax returns (the forms that report your income and tax) on time, and making use of the deductions the law allows so that you pay what you owe and no more.

Why is it important?

• Avoiding penalties and interest: late or incorrect tax returns and payments can lead to charges that quickly add up.
• Paying the right amount: careful calculation means you claim every deduction you are entitled to and do not overpay.
• Staying in good standing: banks, large customers and tender processes often ask for proof that your tax affairs are in order, usually called a tax clearance.
• Fewer disputes: accurate, well-documented returns make problems with the tax authority less likely and easier to resolve.
• Better planning: knowing your tax obligations in advance helps you set money aside, so tax bills never come as a surprise.

What exactly do you assist with?

Tax comes with its own vocabulary, so here is what each part of this service means in plain language.

• Tax registration: getting your business officially registered with ZIMRA so that it has its own taxpayer number (TIN number) and can file returns.
• Income tax returns and quarterly payments (QPDs): companies pay tax on their profits. During the year, ZIMRA expects advance payments in instalments, and a full return is filed after the year ends. We calculate and submit both.
• PAYE (Pay As You Earn): the tax taken from your employees' salaries each month and paid over to ZIMRA by you as the employer. We calculate it and submit the returns.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): a tax added to the price of goods and services. We help with registration, regular VAT returns, and claiming back VAT on business purchases where the law allows.
• Withholding taxes: in some cases the law requires you to hold back a portion of a payment (for example to certain suppliers or contractors) and pay it to ZIMRA instead. We advise when this applies and handle the paperwork.
• Tax clearance: we help you apply for the document that shows your tax affairs are up to date, which is often needed for tenders, contracts and other dealings.
• Tax advice and planning: we explain which taxes apply to your business, including other taxes such as capital gains tax when certain assets are sold, and how to arrange your affairs legally to avoid paying more than necessary.
• Dealing with ZIMRA: if ZIMRA sends a query, an assessment or asks for information, we help you understand it and prepare the response.
• Noting dates and submissions: we keep track of every tax deadline so that returns and payments are made on time.

How the process works

1. Review. we look at your business, what it earns and whether it has employees, then work out which taxes apply.
2. Register. we register you with ZIMRA or update your existing registration.
3. Collect records. you send us your invoices, bank statements and payroll details.
4. We calculate and prepare. your tax is worked out and the returns are drawn up.
5. You approve. we explain the figures in plain language before anything is submitted.
6. Submit and confirm. we file the returns, tell you what to pay and by when, and keep proof of submission.
7. Ongoing support. we remind you of upcoming deadlines so you stay up to date.