Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube has said the Government is set to introduce changes to taxes and regulatory fees in a bid to improve the ease of doing business and create a more investor-friendly environment in the country.
Currently, the formal business landscape is burdened by high tariffs and a complex regulatory framework that demands businesses comply with numerous tax and permit obligations across multiple agencies.
This cumbersome structure has led to increased operational costs, making it increasingly difficult for some businesses to remain sustainable.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Mail, Minister Ncube revealed that significant reforms are on the way.
He said some taxes and fees will be slashed by as much as 50%, while others will be completely eliminated over the next six months.
These measures are expected to ease the financial strain on businesses and encourage both local and foreign investment. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
The idea is to see which of these taxes and which of these regulatory fees ought to be reduced or scrapped, to make it easier for businesses to do business.
We have set up a committee within Government which is going to look into this matter and then we will make recommendations as to what should be removed and what should be reduced.
The cost of doing business in Zimbabwe is relatively high, and we are working to improve the business environment. Part of the solution lies in addressing regulatory fees and licensing costs.
Taxes are collected by the Zimbabwe Government, while regulatory fees tend to be collected by agencies.
I would not say taxes (are the problem) as such; I would actually say it is more to do with regulatory and licensing fees than the number of taxes.
</blockquote>
Ncube said the Government wants to align the number of business licenses and taxes with regional and international standards, ensuring a more competitive and globally consistent business environment. He said:
<blockquote>
We will streamline the taxes; we will cut out some of them; we will reduce the number of steps required to set up and run a business; and reduce the number of licences.
We are aware that in some countries in the region, businesses require about half the number of licences we do. A good target would be to cut the number of regulatory licences needed to start a business by half.
If we can achieve that — halving the number of steps and halving the cost of doing business — that would be a good target and that is a target that we are aiming for.
At this stage it would be premature to say, this one will be removed, this one will be scrapped, this one we’ll reduce, it would be too early to do that.
Our view is that in the next six months we will make progress. So, give us about six months. I would say about July, August this year, we should be able to have definitive information as to where we should cut and reduce.
</blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has recently raised concerns over the growing tax burden on citizens.
In their Lenten Pastoral Letter, dated March 3, 2025, the bishops said that many people are struggling under excessive taxation, with businesses closing and jobs being lost
More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/revised-taxes-regulatory-fees-in-six-months">The Sunday Mail</a>

Pindula News

The government in Zimbabwe wants to make it easier for businesses to operate by reducing taxes and regulatory fees. The Minister of Finance plans to cut some fees by 50% and eliminate others completely within six months. This will help businesses save money and attract more investors, both local and foreign. The government will also review and streamline the number of business licenses and taxes to make it more competitive with other countries. By July or August, there should be more information on which fees will be reduced or eliminated. The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops have raised concerns about the high tax burden on citizens, leading to businesses closing and job losses.

Mthuli Promises Major Tax And Regulatory Fee Reforms In Six Months

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has said Zimbabwe will need to rely on taxes to fill the gap left by cuts in U.S. foreign aid.
After his inauguration, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders, including withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization and freezing all foreign aid for 90 days to assess whether programs align with his “America First” agenda.
As reported by <a href="https://newzwire.live/mthuli-with-foreign-aid-at-risk-zimbabwe-will-rely-on-taxes-to-fund-healthcare/">newZWire</a>, by the end of 2023, the U.S. had over $300 million in active programs in Zimbabwe, according to the USAID foreign aid portal. These funds are channeled through NGOs, not the national budget.
Zimbabwe receives over $200 million annually from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports health workers’ wages and HIV prevention programs.
Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos recently, Ncube said Zimbabwe will now rely on taxes to fund its healthcare needs. He said:
<blockquote>
We are talking about $200 million or so (on PEPFAR) that is at stake. Our response really should be domestic resource mobilisation, which is what we have been doing.
</blockquote>
When Ncube referred to “domestic resource mobilisation,” he was talking about a range of new taxes he has introduced. These include a tax on sugar content in drinks and a 1% tax on fast food.
In addition to these, Zimbabweans already pay an AIDS levy and “sin taxes” on beer, both of which are aimed at supporting healthcare. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
All these taxes form the base that we can use to build resource mobilisation to support our health needs. It has to be really through this kind of thinking that we raise resources to support health domestically as foreign funding is under threat.
</blockquote>
WHO estimates that more than half of Zimbabwe’s health spending is funded by external donors. This year, the country expects to receive $461 million for health programs, up from $353 million in 2024.
However, the government has struggled to adequately fund public healthcare. In 2025, Zimbabwe plans to allocate just 2.1% of its GDP to health, down from 4% in 2024.
What little funding is allocated to health is often disbursed late. According to Treasury’s 2024 mid-year report, only 27% of the health ministry’s budget had been used by June.

Zimbabwe needs money to fund healthcare because U.S. aid is getting cut. The Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, says they will use taxes instead. They used to get over $200 million a year from the U.S. for AIDS relief. Now they will use new taxes like on sugar and fast food to raise money. The government has struggled to fund healthcare in the past. They hope to raise more money through taxes to support healthcare programs.

Mthuli Says Zimbabwe To Fund Healthcare Through Taxes Following U.S. Aid Cuts

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has issued a reminder to churches regarding their tax obligations for income generated from sources such as selling merchandise, books, and anointing oil.
According to Public Notice 98 of 2024, issued on December 11, ZIMRA clarified that income accrued by churches from donations, tithes, offerings, or other contributions made by members or benefactors is exempt from tax.
However, income derived from trading activities, such as proceeds from the sale of church literature, books, music, and church-branded merchandise, is subject to income tax. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), wishes to inform all churches to an upcoming Stakeholder Engagement dedicated to addressing tax compliance across all applicable tax categories. This forum is part of ZIMRA’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and provide support for compliance. The date and venue of the engagement will be communicated in due course.
Churches are reminded of the following important tax guidelines:
<h2>1. Exempt Income</h2>
The following types of income streams are exempt from income tax: Donations, Tithes, Offerings, and Contributions: Income received or accrued from donations, tithes, offerings, or other contributions made by members or benefactors of the church or its institutions. Non-Trading Receipts: Any income that does not arise from trade or investment activities conducted by or on behalf of the church or its institutions.
<h2>2. Taxable Income</h2>
Income derived from trading activities is subject to income tax. Examples of taxable income include but not limited to: Proceeds from the sale of church literature, books, or music, revenue from the sale of church-branded merchandise (e.g., apparel, anointing oils, artifacts, etc.), Income from the sale of meals, clothing, or similar items. Additionally, such sales may attract Value Added Tax (VAT) depending on the sales thresholds.
<h2>Outstanding Tax Returns and Payments</h2>
a) ZIMRA kindly reminds all taxpayers to register for all the applicable taxes and submit any outstanding returns as soon as possible. Timely submission of returns and payments helps you avoid penalties, interest and litigation. By staying compliant, you contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable economy. b) Returns should be completed in full and submitted on time, through the TaRMS Self-Service Portal https://mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw
c) Payments of all taxes are to be made in full, on time and in the applicable currency.
There are ZIMRA Self-Service Centres (Kiosks) throughout the ZIMRA Regions for use in submitting returns.
By voluntarily staying compliant, you contribute to a fair and sustainable tax system that supports national development.
ZIMRA remains committed to providing support and guidance to help you meet your tax obligations.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIMRA, a tax authority in Zimbabwe, has told churches they must pay tax on money made from selling things like books and anointing oil. But money from donations and offerings does not have tax. Churches must register for taxes and pay on time to avoid penalties. ZIMRA is offering help to make sure churches follow the rules. Tax money helps the country develop and improve.

Render Unto Caesar: ZIMRA Declares Church Sales Of Anointing Oil And Branded Merchandise Taxable

Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube on Thursday announced a series of new taxes aimed at increasing government revenue to address rising financial demands, further burdening an already strained taxpayer base.
The new taxes outlined in the budget, which are effective January 01, 2025, will target sectors including betting, fast food, and plastic bags, among others.
Below are the new taxes in the 2025 National Budget:
<ul>
<li>Fast Food Tax – a 0.5% tax on the sales value of fast food items like pizza, burgers, chips, tacos and hot dogs.</li>
<li>Betting Tax – a 10% withholding tax on the gross winnings of sports betting punters.</li>
<li>Plastic Bag Tax – a 20% tax on the sale value of plastic bags.</li>
<li>Rental Income Tax – a 25% tax on the rental income of properties converted from residential to business use.</li>
<li>Capital Gains Tax on Marketable Securities – a 1% tax on marketable securities.</li>
<li>Excise Duty on Alcoholic Beverages – excise duty on alcohol increased from USD 0.25/litre to USD 0.30/litre.</li>
<li>Royalties on Quarry Stones – quarry stones will attract a royalty rate of 0.5% of their sales value.</li>
<li>Corporate Income Tax on Building Societies – receipts from non-mortgage activities by building societies will now be taxed.</li>
<li>Mandatory Tax Registration for Emerging Sectors – small businesses including car dealers and hardware operators must register for taxes, failing which specific quarterly corporate tax payments will be levied against them.</li>
</ul>
Former MP for Mt Pleasant, Fadzayi Mahere, criticized Minister Mthuli Ncube for increasing the tax burden on citizens while enjoying a lavish lifestyle. She wrote on X:
<blockquote>
You drive the latest big bad Range Rover for which you paid 0% import duty yet you make a budget statement that squeezes every drop of blood from the taxpayer!
You’re not even ashamed that the country has a ballooning debt of over US$21 billion, you cannot afford to pay teachers or that you rely on food handouts during a drought!
To cap it all off, your solution to the economic crisis is to tax chicken and chips, njuga and rental income. No wonder ZESA protested after you spoke by turning the lights off as a sign of the darkness to come.
The economy is dead and the country is on auto-pilot. The Budget is anti-people, anti-productivity and anti-progress. It’s a mess.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's government has introduced new taxes to get more money from people. The taxes will start in 2025 and target things like fast food, betting, plastic bags, rental income, and more. Critics say the government is making life harder for citizens while they live fancy lives. They worry about the country's big debt and the struggling economy. The new taxes are causing a lot of anger and frustration among the people.

Zimbabwe Unveils New Tax Measures, Increasing Burden On Already Strained Taxpayers

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has announced a new 0.5% tax on the sales value of several fast foods, effective from January 1, 2025.
In his presentation of the 2025 National Budget at the New Parliament in Mt Hampden on Thursday, Ncube said the tax aims to encourage food operators to adopt healthier culinary practices and promote better eating habits. He said:
<blockquote>
The consumption of highly processed food has been identified as one of the factors responsible for the prevalence of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases, hence, the need for Government to promote responsible consumption of such foods.
In view of the above, I propose to introduce a Fast Foods Tax on the value of the following food items sold by Fast Food Retail Outlets and Restaurants at a modest rate of 0.5% on the sales value, with effect from 1 January 2025.
</blockquote>
The fast foods listed by Ncube are Pizza, Burger and Hot dogs, Shawarma, French fries, Chicken, Doughnuts and similar products, and, Tacos.
Ncube also introduced a 10 per cent withholding tax on gross winnings by sports betting punters. He said:
<blockquote>
Sports betting punters currently receive income from winnings, which is not taxable under Personal Income Tax. To include punters in the tax base, I propose to introduce a 10% withholding tax on gross winnings, effective 1 January.
</blockquote>
Since he was appointed Finance Minister following the November 2017 military coup, Ncube has introduced several controversial taxes that have further strained the financially burdened Zimbabwean population.
While the government’s intention behind imposing taxes on fast foods and sports betting winnings is to broaden the tax base, over-taxation can have several detrimental effects on both the economy and society.
High tax rates can discourage individuals and businesses from investing, working, or expanding their activities, ultimately reducing economic growth and productivity.
Additionally, when people face heavy taxation, they have less disposable income to spend on goods and services, which can dampen consumer spending and negatively impact businesses.
Furthermore, an over-reliance on high taxes for revenue can result in inefficiencies in government spending and a lack of fiscal discipline, as there may be fewer incentives to manage public funds responsibly.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is putting a new tax of 0.5% on fast foods like pizza starting in 2025. He also wants to tax sports betting winnings by 10%. These new taxes are meant to make people eat healthier and expand the tax collection. But too many taxes can hurt the economy. People might not want to invest or spend money if taxes are high. The government might also spend money poorly if they rely too much on taxes. It's important to balance taxes so they help the country grow without hurting the people.

Mthuli Ncube Announces New Tax On Pizza And 10% Levy On Sports Betting Winnings

The government plans to mandate that most taxes and fees be paid exclusively in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency to increase demand and stabilise its value.
This was said by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube during a dialogue with development partners in Harare on Wednesday. Said Ncube:
<blockquote>
Already, customs duties are now payable in local currency. Going forward and in line with the de-dollarisation roadmap, other taxes will also be paid exclusively in local currency, including payment for government services.
</blockquote>
However, most Zimbabweans believe that confidence in the ZiG currency would increase if essential items like fuel and services such as passport fees were payable in the local currency.
According to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) governor John Mushayavanhu, the ZiG is supported by US$450 million in foreign reserves as of October 10, 2024.
Since its introduction in April, the ZiG has depreciated from US$1: 13.5616 to US$1: 26.6718 as of October 16.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The government wants people to pay taxes and fees in Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) to make the currency stronger and more valuable. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said this during a meeting. Right now, only customs duties can be paid in local currency, but soon all taxes may be paid that way. People want essential things like fuel and passport fees to also be paid in ZiG. The currency is supported by $450 million in reserves. Since it started, ZiG's value has gone down. The government hopes this change will help the economy.

Taxes And Fees To Be Paid Exclusively In ZiG - Mthuli

The Government has reimposed duty on cooking oil, maize meal, milk, sugar, rice, flour, salt, bath soap, washing soap, washing powder, toothpaste and petroleum jelly imports.
In May 2023, the Government allowed the importation of the aforementioned products duty-free in response to shortages and rapid price changes as suppliers resorted to forward pricing.
The repeal of the duty-free status was gazetted on Wednesday, 31 January, by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube in Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 272) published in Statutory Instrument 10A of 2024. Reads the SI:
<blockquote>
IT is hereby notified that the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, in terms of section 235 as read with section 120 of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02], has made the following regulations:-
1. These regulations may be cited as the Customs and Excise (Suspension) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 (No. 272).
2. The Customs and Excise (Suspension) Regulations, 2003, published in Statutory Instrument 257 of 2003 (hereinafter called “the principal regulations”), are amended by the repeal of section 91 (Suspension of duty on Cooking Oil, Maize meal, Milk, Sugar, Rice, Flour, Salt, Bath Soap, Laundry Soap, Washing Soap, Washing Powder, Toothpaste and Petroleum Jelly) with effect from 1st February 2024.
</blockquote>
The repeal of the duty-free status is somewhat not surprising as the 2024 national budget proposed various taxes which have deepened citizens’ suffering.
Whilst Ncube backed down on some of his “outrageous” revenue-raising proposals, businesses and citizens now pay more taxes/fees than in 2023.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Govt Reimposes Duty On Basic Grocery Items

The recent move by the Government to suspend import duty and import value-added tax (VAT) on selected groceries is something Zimbabweans have become familiar with as it happened exactly 12 months ago.
The suspension was lifted in late November 2022, which means it has taken the Government just six months to reverse its decision amid soaring prices and a runaway exchange rate.
On Friday, 12 May, the Government suspended import duty and import value-added tax (VAT) on 11 basic grocery items: maize meal, rice, milk, flour, sugar, salt, cooking oil, petroleum jelly, toothpaste, bath soap and washing powder.
The suspension of the import duty and import VAT shall be valid for six months from 12 May 2023.
The development evokes a sense of déjà vu as similar measures to address rampant price increases were put in place in May 2022.
In May last year, Ministry of Finance and Development permanent secretary George Guvamatanga directed Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) then acting Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa to suspend duty on selected products for a period of six months with effect from 17 May 2022. Wrote Guvamatanga:
<blockquote>
Reference is made to the press statement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development where a pronouncement was made regarding the introduction of measures aimed at ensuring access to affordable basic commodities, in view of the recent substantial increases in prices of locally manufactured products.
In view of the above, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority is hereby authorised to suspend duty on the following products for a period of six months with effect from May 17, 2022.
</blockquote>
Rice, flour, cooking oil, margarine, salt, sugar, maize meal, milk powder, infant milk formula, tea (whether or not flavoured), petroleum jelly, toothpaste, bath soap, laundry bar were to be imported duty-free.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube scrapped the suspension of import duty when he presented the 2023 national budget on 24 November 2022.
In his budget presentation at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, Ncube said:
<blockquote>
Mr speaker sir, the government suspended customs duty on basic commodities in order to cushion consumers from unjustified price increases, this measure has contributed to stability in prices of basic commodities, hence the suspension which expired on November 16, 2022 will not be extended.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Six Months Ago Govt Re-imposed Duty On Basic Groceries

Economic commentators have condemned the measures announced by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube last week to stablise the exchange rate and prices of goods and services.
Some of the measures included the removal of duty on 11 selected basic grocery items, allowing businesses to keep 100% of their locally generated forex revenue, and a pledge to fine-tune the foreign exchange auction system so that it operates on a pure Dutch auction basis.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/business/article/200011510/it-will-not-work-industry-tells-ncube">Standardbusiness</a>, economic analyst Vince Musewe said Ncube’s measures are reactive and will not work. He said:
<blockquote>
An economy cannot be managed in a reactive mode from crisis to crisis, but sadly that is what is happening.
There is no debate that Zimbabweans prefer the US dollar and those with US dollars will continue to demand a premium.
Despite the country generating US$12 billion per annum, the appetite for the US$ dollar will never be satisfied and it is clear the informal sector does not react to economic policy measures but operates to maximise profits.
This has resulted in a supermarket economy where everyone is selling some imported trinkets to make a living and importing basic goods kills local industry.
The scenario has not changed where the rate goes up inflation goes up and the rate goes up creating a vicious cycle.
It is time to realise that the dollarisation of incomes is the only sensible thing to do to cushion citizens.
Salaries and wages must now be in US dollars and companies must freely charge in US dollars.
The economy has rejected the Zimbabwe dollar; nobody wants it.
</blockquote>
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) chief executive officer Sekai Kuvarika said:
<blockquote>
I think we need to give the stabilisation measures a chance before we destabilise the manufacturing sector by flooding the market with cheap imports.
You also have to remember that these imports are coming from environments that are not the same as we are.
</blockquote>
She said there was no shortage of basic commodities in the country.
Another economic analyst Stevenson Dhlamini said:
<blockquote>
It’s difficult to conclude whether they are effective or non-effective, but it’s showing that they are appreciating that we are in a crisis.
There is a clause where the minister says he will increase the interest rates to curb inflation in the short term.
My belief is that the interest rates and the parallel market have to continue to chase each other.
The more you increase interest rates the parallel market simply increases its premiums to compensate for the higher interest rates.
So the question can be: is the interest targeting the best or the most effective response at this stage or rather we should be addressing the sources of money supply growth?
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor John Mangudya said that the measures will support the issuance of gold coins and tokens by the central bank.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

It Will Not Work, Economists Tell Mthuli Ncube

The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has urged the Finance and Economic Development Ministry to adjust the cigarette tax regime.
This comes amid indications that the country is losing US$248 million annually to illicit cigarette deals owing to a mixed taxing regime that benefits cartels at the expense of industry players.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube recently increased excise duty on cigarettes to 25% + US$5/1000 from 20% + US$5/1000 cigarettes saying it was a regional benchmark and the move will curb illicit flows.
In its latest report, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) implored Treasury to do away with the ad valorem rate of 25% and remain with the specific rate. It said:
<blockquote>
We request that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development remove the ad valorem rate of 25% and remain with the specific rate of US$16 per mile of cigarettes.
The ad valorem component is subject to manipulation and is a huge cost as production increases.
The estimated fiscal benefit from this proposed move is US$248m per annum based on the current production rate and the prospects of future production once it is removed.
We also strongly urge the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to put in place a predictable cigarette excise duty regime.
</blockquote>
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) also called for the removal of the current mixed excise duty on cigarettes. CZI said:
<blockquote>
CZI recommends that there is a need to migrate from the current mixed excise duty regime for tobacco to a specific excise duty regime, which brings certainty to investors while also maintaining revenue inflows for the government as well as eradicating illicit cigarette markets.
The current ad valorem excise duty is prone to manipulation by cigarette companies through falsification of ex-factory prices or controlling sales transactions with third parties so that the ex-factory price is lowered to reduce the excise amount.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, ZNCC has called on the government to provide tax relief to the sector as the wider economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. | <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/zim-loses-us248m-to-illicit-cigarette-deals/">Business Times</a>

Zimbabwe Loses US$248 Million To Illicit Cigarette Deals

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has challenged players in the tourism sector to voluntarily pay their taxes to enable the government to improve infrastructure within the tourism sites across the country.
Addressing tourism players in Bulawayo on Friday, ZIMRA commissioner general, Regina Chinamasa, said:
<blockquote>
There is a need to complement the tourism sector with equally world-class services such as roads, security and health services within the tourism sites across the country.
Such services are driven by the government through largely the taxes and levies we all pay. Tax compliance by the tourism and hospitality sector is therefore key.
We want the tourists to have a memorable drive to the different sites across the country, enjoying the scenic sights along the way.
</blockquote>
Currently, the tourism sector contributes about 7% of Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product (GDP).
Chinamasa believes the sector can contribute more to economic recovery as the country is considered one of the preferred destinations by tourists. She said:
<blockquote>
The sector has vast potential to be among the anchor sectors of the country. Currently, tourism and hospitality is among the top three foreign currency generators in our country.
The country is home to a robust, diverse and rich culture that is admired by many. Your sector is ably managed as evidenced by the world-class hotels, lodges, resort sites, and camps among other sites that offer a hospitality environment.
With such a glamour record, the country is considered one of the preferred destinations by tourists.
</blockquote>
| <a href="https://businesstimes.co.zw/zimra-urges-players-in-the-tourism-sector-to-pay-tax/">Business Times</a>

ZIMRA Urges Players In The Tourism Sector To Pay Tax

Youths who are involved in small-scale mining have appealed to authorities to reduce the mining levies required for one to operate in order to allow growth and development in the sector.
In June 2021, the government, through Statutory Instrument 185 of 2021, announced new mining fees which are considered exorbitant by small-scale miners.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/small-scale-miners-cry-foul-over-exorbitant-taxes/" rel="nofollow">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) youth secretary for Matabeleland North, Nkululeko Ngwenya said the high fees are negatively affecting the growth of the mining sector. He said:
<blockquote>
Mines inspection fee is US$300, Environmental Management Agency (EMA) wants US$250, then the council also wants US$400. The money needed is too much and affects growth in the sector.
We are asking that the government might consider our pleas and reduce operations fees so that the industry may grow and boom, supporting development in the mining sector.
</blockquote>
Ngwenya said the exorbitant fees have hindered many small-scale miners from formally registering and regularising their illegal operations.

Small-scale Miners Plead For Reduction Of Taxes

According to last Friday’s Gazette the government has introduced taxes for most informal businesses such as taxi cabs, commuter omnibuses, hairdressers cross-border traders among others. The new wave of taxes take effect from January 1 2017 and were brought into being by the Finance Act 2017.
The taxes will be as follows
<blockquote>Hairdressers: $10 per chair per month
Informal Cross border traders:  10 percent of the value of the goods imported.
Commuter Omnibuses – 15-25 passengers : $45 per month
Commuter Omnibuses – 26-36 passengers : $70 per month
Driving Schools (class four vehicles) :  $100 per month
Dviving Schools (class one and class two vehicles): $130 per month
Taxi cabs (seating up to 7 passengers ): $25 per month per taxi cab
Goods Vehicles carrying between 10 tonnes and 20 tonnes: $200 per month
Goods Vehicles carrying more than 20 tonnes: $500 per month</blockquote>
More:<a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2017/03/28/govt-to-tax-kombis-hairdressers"> Daily News</a>

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