Story by Owen Mandovha
A new tax regime will take effect from midnight following the approval of the 2026 National Budget by Parliament.
The approval of the Budget paves the way for the implementation of new taxes, as well as adjustments to several existing tax heads, with the measures coming into effect this Thursday.
Among the approved changes is a reduction in the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT) on local currency transactions from two percent to 1.5 percent.
Gaming operators will now be required to pay 20 percent of their gross monthly takings as tax, while punters will be obliged to pay a 25 percent tax on their winnings.
A new levy on coal has also been introduced at a rate of three percent.
Property owners will now be required to pay presumptive rental income tax at 15 percent of rentals payable by tenants operating businesses on their premises.
Gold miners will now pay royalties on a sliding scale, with a minimum of three percent when the gold price is below US$1 200 per ounce, five percent when the price ranges between US$1 200 and US$2 500 per ounce, and ten percent when the price exceeds US$2 500 per ounce.
The Value Added Tax (VAT) rate has been increased from 15 percent to 15.5 percent, while a Digital Services Tax has been set at 15 percent for e-commerce transactions.
The new tax measures are part of Government’s fiscal framework aimed at strengthening revenue mobilisation following the adoption of the 2026 National Budget.
