Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) collected over US$1.5 billion in the first three months of this year, driven by personal income tax as authorities step up efforts to mobilise funds to sustain developmental programmes from domestic resources.
ZIMRA Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa said the revenue collector is on course to achieve this year’s target of an equivalent of at least US$7 billion by year-end.
“The first quarter target was at US$1.502 billion which is an equivalent of ZiG$40.32 billion. We therefore collected US$ 1.506 billion between January and March, indicating that we are on course to achieve over US$7.15 billion or over ZiG$220 billion target by December this year. It is also imperative to note that over US$170 million in tax refunds which is an equivalent of ZWL4.81 billion,” she said.
The authorities also highlighted measures to boost domestic resource mobilisation.
“The revenue collection trends are being solidified by measures to boost collections riding on improved voluntary contribution from our clients based on the automation drive last year, and implementation of new revenue measures as announced in the 2025 budget.
“Remember, all our systems are now being provided electronically including clearance of imported goods, fiscalisation of data management systems and the adoption of fiscalised devices, revenue performance was also driven by strong results on tax types such as PAYE, VAT on local sales, Custom Duty, IMTT, Tobacco Ley which exceeded respective targets,” Ms Chinamasa said.
Under the National Development Strategy One, revenue collection is considered vital in sustaining the government’s capital projects.
In the 2025 National Budget, the Treasury projected growth in revenues, riding on the rebound in agricultural production, firming of gold prices and improved tax compliance.
