By Patience Gondo
THOUSANDS of businesses face a critical January deadline as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has reminded VAT registered operators to submit returns and settle payments on time to avoid risk penalties and prosecution.
In a public notice on Friday, ZIMRA said VAT returns for operators in Categories B and C for the period ending December 31 2025 must be submitted on or before January 10 2026 while payments are due by January 15 2026.
“All taxpayers must submit their returns and make payments in full on or before the due dates,” ZIMRA said.
“Failure to comply will result in penalties and or prosecution.”
For small and medium businesses already grappling with tight cash flows the reminder brings renewed pressure at the start of the year.
ZIMRA said operators should not delay, saying that late submissions automatically attract interest and penalties.
ZIMRA further said VAT returns must be completed online through the Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) using the Self Service Portal. Returns must be filled in fully with all required schedules attached.
ZIMRA warned that claims for input tax will only be accepted if they are supported by valid fiscal tax invoices.
“Any invoice that is not a fiscal tax invoice will be disallowed for claiming input tax,” ZIMRA said.
To strengthen compliance, ZIMRA directed VAT-registered operators to ensure that all points of sale are fitted with fiscal devices compatible with the ZIMRA Fiscalisation Data Management System.
ZIMRA said this is essential for the issuance of tax clearance certificates.
On payments, ZIMRA said taxes can be settled through cash deposits or bank transfers into ZIMRA bank accounts linked to taxpayers accounts.
“The Taxpayer Identification Number is a vital parameter and must be captured correctly at all times,” ZIMRA said.
The authority also clarified that making a payment alone is not enough. “Funds paid into the ZIMRA bank account require a tax return to be recognised and posted to the taxpayer’s ledger,” ZIMRA said. Saying that no obligation is considered settled without a corresponding return.
Taxpayers with outstanding returns were urged to regularise their affairs immediately. ZIMRA said returns must be completed in full and submitted on time
while payments should be made in the currency of trade.
In a bid to ease access, ZIMRA said self-service centres and kiosks remain available across the country to assist taxpayers with submissions.