The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) is set to rake in
billions of dollars, thanks to an International Monetary Fund tool that puts
the tax collector into the global-best category.
Zimra has targeted to collect $6 037 293 100, but the
figure is likely to be surpassed due to changes in the monetary regime
announced by the Reserve Bank last week which floated foreign currency rates.
Tax collection is one of the key pillars underpinning the
thrust of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, the Government short-term
economic blueprint, which outlines that the country’s tax policy should move
towards sustainable taxation, and nurturing businesses to enhance capacity to
pay their tax dues.
Additionally, TSP advocates a paradigm shift in the
administration of tax policy, with tax administrators being called upon to
inculcate different circumstances and peculiarities targets.
There is also now a thrust towards cooperative voluntary
compliance by tax payers with regards to honouring tax obligations and lowering
default rates.
In an interview last week Acting Head Corporate
Communications, Mrs Inzwirashe Muwonwa, said that a number of interventions
would enable the authority to collect revenue better.
These include engagement of clients through their
associations, taxpayer education, debt collecting measures, voluntary
compliance, audits and investigations.
Further, lifestyle audits will likely rake in more, with
the recent interest in controversial Prophetic Healing Deliverance Ministries
leader Prophet Walter Magaya, showing signs that the taxman could be baring
teeth.
This makes the organisation competitive. Explained Mrs Muwonwa: “Implementation of IMF’s TADAT (Tax
Administration Diagnostic and Assessment Tool) tool which has been done by
other Revenue Authorities (…) gives an analysis of the organisation’s
operations and areas where improvement is needed. This benchmarks Zimra against
other revenue authorities.”
She explained that when auditing companies, the audit can
extend to the directors of the company as stipulated in the laws.
“There is no victimisation of individuals, each case is
determined on its own merits,” she said.
Mrs Muwonwa said large clients had to date been fiscalised
with focus now being on smaller businesses.
“The organisation is now targeting medium to small
businesses. To date 10 214 clients have been fiscalised and the recording of sales
and monitoring of clients is being done,” she said.
Zimra is also working to plug leakages, especially at ports
of entry that have long been deemed porous.
“Zimra in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies
carry out joint patrols and roadblocks to try to contain the risks posed by the
porosity of our borderline,” said Mrs Muwonwa.
“Any contraband encountered at such exercises is detained
and the offenders are dealt with according to the dictates of the Customs &
Excise Act Chapter 23:02.”
Last year, Zimra managed to surpass its set target of US$5
billion, attributing the positive performance in part to the revision of the
Intermediated Money Transfer Tax, price effect and enhanced compliance level
from taxpayers. Herald
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