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Michael Makuza, Business Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has set up a self-service facility (kiosk) for clients in Bulawayo to enhance efficiency in tax remittance as well as improve revenue collections, especially for small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

The tax authority has already set up two kiosks in Harare and Masvingo and plans are underway to expand the service to other centres in Gweru, Mutare, and other smaller towns.

Zimra head of corporate affairs, Mr Francis Tapiwa Chimanda, said the Bulawayo self-service kiosk was located at Mhlahlandlela Government Complex and has five cubicles that can serve five clients at one go.

“The kiosk will assist tax payers who don’t have computers, internet enabled devices and internet access to register, submit their tax returns and validate tax clearance certificates,” he said.

“The kiosk at Mhlahlandlela is intended for self-service and allows new taxpayers to also get to appreciate their tax obligations and general tax issues.”

Zimra is embracing digital services in line with global trends as the country has accelerated its digitalisation drive, especially in the financial services sector due to among others, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which resulted in limited physical interactions as the country implemented lockdown measures to contain the virus.

Mr Chimanda said self-service kiosks have other benefits, which include promoting ease of doing business and reduce cost of tax compliance, increasing filing rate, ensuring pre-filing and on-time filing and reducing queries on filing and submission of returns by taxpayers (non-accessing of ITF263 due to outstanding  return), and increasing taxpayer satisfaction and service.

Meanwhile, Zimra has expressed commitment to enhancing the country’s revenue base by plugging any leakages while supporting Government programmes in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1). Among the initiatives meant to increase revenue collections is tapping into the informal sector and SME sector.

National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)

The tax authority has collected $491 billion during the half year period to June 30, 2022. This was 36,8 percent above the $359 billion target. 

Mr Chimanda said most taxpayers have embraced the initiative as it has played a pivotal role in minimising compliance cost and also addressed challenges with load shedding.

covid-19

“New clients have also welcomed the idea as they are now able to register free of charge and that unscrupulous agents are no longer charging exorbitant fees for registration with Zimra,” he said.