FULL TEXT: ZIMRA Measures To Curb The Spread Of COVID-19
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has issued a statement outlining its measures to stop the spread and transmission of the novel coronavirus.
The statement came after the tax collector’s workers at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport through their representative, ZIMRATU, announced that they were withdrawing their services over possible exposure to coronavirus.
We present the authority’s statement in full below.
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is aware that due to the nature of the daily work and the positioning of our offices, stations and ports of entry, our staff are at high risk in terms of exposure to COVID-19, Coronavirus. It is ZIMRA’s top priority to safeguard our employees and our clients during this difficult time while we secure the necessary revenue for Government.
In line with the State of the Nation address by His Excellence, E.D Mnangagwa, on the Corona Virus and measures the government has taken, ZIMRA encourages clients to reduce physical visits to our offices.
In the interest of safeguarding employees, directed by the guidelines from the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Health and Childcare, approaches and protocols implemented in other countries, ZIMRA has implemented measures to mitigate the likely impact and risks of this viral
threat to operations and human life.Current measures include but are not limited to:
· All ZIMRA stations and offices maintaining critical skeleton staff
· Staff have been provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitizers
· Staff work from home where practical
· Staff interact with clients/agents via electronic means
· In the case of suspected cases and or exposure amongst staff, the staff members in question are immediately quarantined and the Health Officials are alerted
· As a mitigating measure against the spread of COVID-19 virus, clients are encouraged to access, utilise the available ZIMRA e-service facilities on www.efiling.zimra.co.zw or www.zimra.co.zw and reduce the risks associated with travelling or handling physical documents
· Stamping officers wear appropriate protective clothing during the processing of documents
ZIMRA encourages everyone to put their health and safety first at all times while remembering that responsible behavior at an individual level will help safeguard our loved ones, the community and the wider Zimbabwean society.
· No TIP applications are being accepted over the counter.
· No manual TIP’s are being issued.
· All face-to-face meetings with clients are suspended, and the use of electronic means of communication is encouraged.
· For ZIMRA bank details, please visit the ZIMRA website www.zimra.co.zw.Clients can access the following services online:
· Use of the eTIP platform is mandatory.
· Online Submission of Tax Returns (currently Income Tax, PAYE, Value Added Tax, and Capital Gains Tax).
· Processing of the eTIP’s to be done through the system and client to receive notification through SMS or email informing him/her of the processed TIP and reference number.
· All verifications of processed eTIP’s are verified online.
· Viewing of Taxpayers’ Accounts Status and Balances.
· Online updating of information (submission of REV2 Form).
· Online application for Tax Clearances (ITF263).
· Online verification and validation of existing Tax Clearances (ITF263).
· Online registration in order to obtain a ZIMRA Business Partner Number (BP).
