Shingirai Vambe
HARARE- Zimbabwe Revenue
Authority (Zimra) commissioner general Faith Mazani last week addressed members
of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) on tax policy, saying
businesses were free to engage the taxi authority to negotiate simpler payment
terms.
Authority (Zimra) commissioner general Faith Mazani last week addressed members
of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) on tax policy, saying
businesses were free to engage the taxi authority to negotiate simpler payment
terms.
She said out of
300 registered tax payers, only an estimated 40 percent was fully complying
with their tax obligations.
300 registered tax payers, only an estimated 40 percent was fully complying
with their tax obligations.
She encouraged
everybody to pay their taxes, saying she was however well-aware of Zimra’s own
shortcomings in such areas as the inefficiency of some systems, poor public
relations and corruption at the borders.
everybody to pay their taxes, saying she was however well-aware of Zimra’s own
shortcomings in such areas as the inefficiency of some systems, poor public
relations and corruption at the borders.
“Yes many have
criticised me for being stern on the issue of penalties, but we have resolved
to start afresh and give people a breather so that they can come on their own
and prepare a payment plan which is flexible to them,” Mazani said.
criticised me for being stern on the issue of penalties, but we have resolved
to start afresh and give people a breather so that they can come on their own
and prepare a payment plan which is flexible to them,” Mazani said.
Stakeholders
raised serious concerns with the system of engaging whistle-blowers, saying the
practice was in a way damaging whatever goodwill that existed between Zimra and
taxpayers.
raised serious concerns with the system of engaging whistle-blowers, saying the
practice was in a way damaging whatever goodwill that existed between Zimra and
taxpayers.
ZNCC Harare
branch chairperson, Mike Makamure said whistle-blowing was now a full time occupation
for some people whom he alleged had formed unethical collaborations with Zimra
insiders to share information.
branch chairperson, Mike Makamure said whistle-blowing was now a full time occupation
for some people whom he alleged had formed unethical collaborations with Zimra
insiders to share information.
Zimra pays 10
percent to any whistle-blower who gives critical information leading to the
recovery of tax money and custom duty from evaders and smugglers.
percent to any whistle-blower who gives critical information leading to the
recovery of tax money and custom duty from evaders and smugglers.
“I urge all
those in business to go and engage Zimra, create partnerships and if there is any
query, contact us immediately. We encourage registered tax payers to comply
with tax policies and, if possible, come forward and talk to us before
whistle-blowers pounce,” said Mazani.
those in business to go and engage Zimra, create partnerships and if there is any
query, contact us immediately. We encourage registered tax payers to comply
with tax policies and, if possible, come forward and talk to us before
whistle-blowers pounce,” said Mazani.
She emphasised
that everyone regardless of position in society was required to pay tax and
custom duties as per the law. She said some people were in the habit of abusing
their political connectedness and powerful offices to avoid paying duty at the
border.
that everyone regardless of position in society was required to pay tax and
custom duties as per the law. She said some people were in the habit of abusing
their political connectedness and powerful offices to avoid paying duty at the
border.
