Story by Stanley James
Zimbabwe’s domestic resource mobilisation drive has received a major boost after 50 000 new taxpayers were registered this year, with authorities setting a US$7 billion revenue target for 2025.
Taxpayers who paid their taxes and custom duties in full were honoured in Harare Wednesday night.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Commissioner General Ms Regina Chinamasa revealed an increased taxpayer base this year.
“The year is just about to come to an end and we take this opportunity to honour the outstanding taxpayers. This is in line with our thrust to sustain the government projects basically over 50 000 new taxpayers have come on board from about 33 000 new taxpayers last year. We remain resolute that we will achieve the year-end target of over US$6,1 billion and a set target of over US$7 billion has been put in motion. This is absolutely coming at a time when systems are being put in place to modernise our operations and stamp out an tax evasion,” she said.
Taxpayers who were presented with compliance awards pledged commitment to working with government.
“Paying tax has its own advantages especially when it comes to doing businesses in a proper and sustainable manner and this places businesses in the right shape imagine if you want a loan from the bank and your tax documents are in shambles it really becomes a challenge,” said a winner.
“The first element is that I would like to give credit to myself for being compliant to tax regulations this will enable my operations to get the right recognition related to sustainable operations in the long term the focus will be on tapping opportunities for growth,” said another winner.
In a speech read on his behalf by ZIMRA board chairperson Mr Anthony Mandiwanza, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube praised compliant tax payers.
“The government is on a drive to broaden the revenue generation base and this entails the need to focus on relevant structures that provide an element for growth, to all those that being compliant with our tax systems it is vital to say a big thank you because you have enable the Government to forge ahead with sustainable development project, the government will also respond by creating a favourable climate for your operations,” said Mr Mandiwanza.
Due to limited access of loans and grants from external financiers, treasury is depending on domestic taxes as a source of income to sustain development projects across the country.
