By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare — The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has raised alarm over a growing number of fake Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Clearance Certificates being used in property and legal transactions, warning the public to verify all certificates before proceeding.
In response to the rising fraud cases especially during real estate deals ZIMRA has introduced a real-time online verification system that allows anyone to instantly confirm whether a CGT Clearance Certificate is genuine.
“Don’t get duped. Always verify CGT certificates to fight tax fraud and protect your investment and national revenue,” ZIMRA said in a public advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter).
ZIMRA is now offering two simple ways to verify CGT Clearance Certificates:
1. Online Verification Using the Authentication Code
Visit mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw, select “Verify Certificate”, and choose “CGT Certificate.”
Enter the taxpayer’s TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) and the Authentication Code from the certificate.
If the certificate is legitimate, the system confirms its validity within seconds.
2. QR Code Scanning
Most CGT certificates now come with a QR code. Users can scan this using any smartphone camera. If valid, the device will display a confirmation message from ZIMRA’s official system.
“Scan the QR code on the certificate. If valid, you’ll see a message confirming it exists in the system,” ZIMRA explained.
No special app is required most smartphones already support QR scanning.
A CGT Clearance Certificate is a mandatory document for transactions involving property sales, shares, or estate transfers. It proves that Capital Gains Tax has been paid, and without it, the Registrar of Deeds or legal professionals cannot finalize the transaction.
ZIMRA warned that fraudulent certificates can cause major setbacks, including blocked property transfers, legal disputes, financial losses, and delays.
“If a fake certificate is used, both buyers and sellers could suffer,” ZIMRA cautioned. “Verification is your first line of defense.”
ZIMRA urges anyone who fails verification or suspects fraud to:
Report it immediately to ZIMRA
Keep a copy of the certificate and any related correspondence
The launch of the instant verification system is part of ZIMRA’s broader push to digitize tax services, enhance transparency, and reduce corruption in the property and investment sectors.
With fraudulent CGT certificates becoming a common scam, particularly in fast-moving urban property markets, the authority is calling on lawyers, estate agents, and individual investors to make verification a standard practice.
“Always verify before you trust,” ZIMRA emphasized. “It’s about protecting both your investment and Zimbabwe’s national revenue.”