Income Tax in Zimbabwe

Who this applies to

Individuals with Zimbabwe-source income: employees under PAYE and people earning from trade or investment. From 1 January 2026 architects, engineers, legal practitioners, health practitioners and estate agents, and the larger bus, goods vehicle and waterborne operators, are on self-assessment and QPDs, not presumptive tax (Finance Act 7 of 2025 s.7; Public Notice 58 of 2026).

Rates, bands and thresholds

ZIMRA's tax tables page lists no 2026 table as read on 1 November 2026. The 2025 tables are the latest published, and Finance Act 7 of 2025 does not change them.

Item	Amount	Tax year	Conditions	Official URL
USD monthly 0 to 100	0%	2026	Latest ZIMRA table is labelled Jan-Dec 2025; Finance Act 7 of 2025 does not amend these bands	https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables
USD monthly 100.01 to 300	20%, deduct 20	2026	Same	same
USD monthly 300.01 to 1,000	25%, deduct 35	2026	Same	same
USD monthly 1,000.01 to 2,000	30%, deduct 85	2026	Same	same
USD monthly 2,000.01 to 3,000	35%, deduct 185	2026	Same	same
USD monthly above 3,000	40%, deduct 335	2026	Same	same
ZWG monthly 0 to 2,800	0%	2026	Same; ZWG pay only	same
ZWG monthly 2,800.01 to 8,400	20%, deduct 560	2026	Same	same
ZWG monthly 8,400.01 to 28,000	25%, deduct 980	2026	Same	same
ZWG monthly 28,000.01 to 56,000	30%, deduct 2,380	2026	Same	same
ZWG monthly 56,000.01 to 84,000	35%, deduct 5,180	2026	Same	same
ZWG monthly above 84,000	40%, deduct 9,380	2026	Same	same
AIDS levy	3% of tax chargeable	2026	Added to the tax, not to income	https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/corporate/tax-rates
Trade or investment income of an individual	25%	2026	s.14(2b); plus AIDS levy, 25.75%	https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/corporate/tax-rates
Presumptive rental income tax	15% of rent	2026	Proprietors renting to tenants liable for presumptive tax; from 1 Jan 2026	https://www.veritaszim.net/sites/veritas_d/files/Finance%20Act%2C%20Act%20No.%207%20of%202025.pdf
Punters tax	25% of gross winnings	2026	Withheld by the gaming operator	https://www.veritaszim.net/sites/veritas_d/files/Finance%20Act%2C%20Act%20No.%207%20of%202025.pdf
Intermediated money transfer tax, local currency	1.5%	2026	Replaces the 2% in the earlier version; flat USD 10,150 equivalent at USD 500,000 or more	https://www.veritaszim.net/sites/veritas_d/files/Finance%20Act%2C%20Act%20No.%207%20of%202025.pdf
Bonus exemption	unverified: USD 700	2026	Not reconfirmed on an official page	unverified
Credit for age 55 and over, blind or disabled	unverified: USD 900 a year	2026	Not reconfirmed on an official page	unverified

The base

Tax is worked on taxable income from a Zimbabwe source. From 2026 a trader may deduct IMTT paid only if registered and holding a Tax Clearance Certificate (Act s.16). Where more than 50% of estimated income is in foreign currency, use the 50:50 basis for provisional tax; at 50% or less, account in the currency of trade (Public Notice 58 of 2026). Income from a company incorporated outside Zimbabwe is rated in zw-corporate-income-tax.

Earlier working notes, carried

These sections come from the earlier version. Where a figure conflicts with the tables above, the tables above win. Anything marked as a research gap stays unconfirmed.

zimbabwe-income-tax

Zimbabwe Income Tax -- Individual & Self-Employed Skill v1.0

Tier 2. Figures are drawn from ZIMRA Jan-Dec 2025 PAYE tax tables, ZIMRA corporate/individual rate pages, NSSA contribution schedules, and reputable secondary sources . Every figure carries an inline citation or an explicit [RESEARCH GAP -- reviewer to confirm] marker. This skill has NOT yet been signed off by a registered Zimbabwean tax practitioner.

Section 1 -- Quick Reference

Section 1 -- Quick Reference

Field	Value
Country	Zimbabwe (Republic of Zimbabwe)
Tax	Income Tax / Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE)
Currency	Dual currency -- USD (foreign currency) AND ZiG / ZWG (Zimbabwe Gold). Separate tax tables for each.
Tax year	Calendar year (1 January -- 31 December)
Primary legislation	Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06]; Finance Act (annual)
Trade/business rate	Finance Act s.14(2b) -- flat 25% for individuals from trade and investments
Tax authority	Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) -- https://www.zimra.co.zw
Filing portal	TaRMS (Tax and Revenue Management System)
Social security authority	National Social Security Authority (NSSA) -- https://www.nssa.org.zw
Annual filing deadline	30 April of the following year (ITF1 and ITF12C) -- ZIMRA Public Notice 20 of 2026 (as cited earlier, notice not opened)
AIDS Levy	3% of income tax payable (added after tax computed) -- stated on ZIMRA 2025 PAYE tables
Validation date	Pending
Skill version	1.0

How the dual-currency system works

Zimbabwe taxes income in the currency it is earned. An employee paid in USD is taxed on the USD PAYE table; an employee paid in ZiG/ZWG is taxed on the ZWG PAYE table. An employee paid in both currencies has each stream taxed under its own table. The 3% AIDS Levy is then added to the income tax computed (it is a levy ON the tax, not on income). Source: ZIMRA Jan-Dec 2025 PAYE tax tables.

ZWG instability note. The ZiG (introduced April 2024, replacing ZWL) is subject to devaluation, and ZIMRA may revise ZWG bands mid-year by public notice. The USD bands are the more stable reference. Always confirm the current ZWG table against the latest ZIMRA publication before computing in ZiG.

PAYE Tax Brackets -- USD (Foreign Currency), 2025 -- MONTHLY

PAYE Tax Brackets -- USD (Foreign Currency), 2025 -- MONTHLY (ZIMRA USD Jan-Dec 2025 PAYE table (https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables?download=4211:usd-jan-dec-2025-tax-tables))

Monthly income (USD)	Rate	Deduct (USD)	Cumulative tax at top of band
0 -- 100.00	0%	--	USD 0.00
100.01 -- 300.00	20%	20.00	USD 40.00
300.01 -- 1,000.00	25%	35.00	USD 215.00
1,000.01 -- 2,000.00	30%	85.00	USD 515.00
2,000.01 -- 3,000.00	35%	185.00	USD 865.00
3,000.01 and above	40%	335.00	--

• Deduct method - Each bracket taxes only its slice. "Deduct" is the ZIMRA shortcut: tax = (income x rate) - deduct. (ZIMRA USD Jan-Dec 2025 PAYE table (https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables?download=4211:usd-jan-dec-2025-tax-tables))
• Tax-free threshold (USD) - USD 100/month = USD 1,200/year. Top effective rate including AIDS levy = 40% x 1.03 = 41.2%. (ZIMRA USD Jan-Dec 2025 PAYE table)

PAYE Tax Brackets -- USD, 2025 -- ANNUAL

PAYE Tax Brackets -- USD, 2025 -- ANNUAL (ZIMRA USD Jan-Dec 2025 PAYE table)

Annual income (USD)	Rate	Deduct (USD)	Cumulative tax at top of band
0 -- 1,200	0%	--	USD 0
1,201 -- 3,600	20%	240	USD 480
3,601 -- 12,000	25%	420	USD 2,580
12,001 -- 24,000	30%	1,020	USD 6,180
24,001 -- 36,000	35%	2,220	USD 10,380
36,001 and above	40%	4,020	--

USD daily/weekly/fortnightly tables also exist (e.g. daily tax-free up to USD 3.29; top 40% above USD 98.64). Source: ZIMRA USD 2025 table. Use the table that matches the pay period.

PAYE Tax Brackets -- ZWG (Zimbabwe Gold), 2025 -- MONTHLY

PAYE Tax Brackets -- ZWG (Zimbabwe Gold), 2025 -- MONTHLY (ZIMRA ZWG 2025 PAYE table (https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables?download=4205:zwg-2025-tax-tables))

Monthly income (ZWG)	Rate	Deduct (ZWG)	Cumulative tax at top of band
0 -- 2,800	0%	--	ZWG 0
2,800.01 -- 8,400	20%	560	ZWG 1,120
8,400.01 -- 28,000	25%	980	ZWG 6,020
28,000.01 -- 56,000	30%	2,380	ZWG 14,420
56,000.01 -- 84,000	35%	5,180	ZWG 24,220
84,000.01 and above	40%	9,380	--

• Tax-free threshold (ZWG) - 2,800/month. (ZIMRA ZWG 2025 PAYE table)

PAYE Tax Brackets -- ZWG, 2025 -- ANNUAL

PAYE Tax Brackets -- ZWG, 2025 -- ANNUAL (ZIMRA ZWG 2025 PAYE table)

Annual income (ZWG)	Rate	Deduct (ZWG)	Cumulative tax at top of band
0 -- 33,600	0%	--	ZWG 0
33,601 -- 100,800	20%	6,720	ZWG 13,440
100,801 -- 336,000	25%	11,760	ZWG 72,240
336,001 -- 672,000	30%	28,560	ZWG 173,040
672,001 -- 1,008,000	35%	62,160	ZWG 290,640
1,008,001 and above	40%	112,560	--

Other Rates and Credits (2025)

Other Rates and Credits (2025)

Item	Value	Source
AIDS Levy	3% of income tax payable	ZIMRA 2025 PAYE tables; ZIMRA corporate tax rates
Individuals -- trade & investment income	Flat 25% + 3% AIDS = 25.75% effective	ZIMRA corporate/business tax rates (Finance Act s.14(2b))
Companies / trusts	25% + 3% AIDS = 25.75% effective	ZIMRA corporate tax rates
Tax-free bonus / performance award exemption	USD 700 (ZWG equivalent for ZiG earners)	ZIMRA PAYE page
Elderly persons' credit (age 55+)	USD 900 / year (or ZWG equivalent)	ZIMRA elderly concession page
Blind / disabled persons' credit	USD 900 / year (or ZWG equivalent)	ZIMRA concessions
VAT compulsory registration threshold	USD 25,000 (or ZWG equivalent) per rolling 12 months	ZIMRA VAT registration page

Conservative Defaults

Conservative Defaults

Ambiguity	Default
Unknown currency of pay (USD vs ZWG)	STOP -- cannot pick a tax table without the currency of earnings
Unknown pay period	Treat as monthly and flag for reviewer
Employment vs trade income unclear	Treat as trade income only if clearly a business; otherwise STOP
Unknown elderly/disability status	Apply NO credit (claim only on confirmation)
Unknown bonus amount vs exemption	Apply exemption only up to confirmed USD 700 ceiling
Unknown NSSA insurable earnings	Apply ceiling of USD 700 (or ZWG equivalent)
Unknown whether expense is wholly for trade	Not deductible
Mixed-use expense, no apportionment basis	0% deduction

Section 2 -- Required Inputs and Refusal Catalogue

Required Inputs

• Minimum viable inputs - the currency the client is paid in (USD and/or ZWG), the pay period, gross earnings, and whether the person is a pure employee (PAYE/FDS) or carries on a trade/profession. For traders: a bank statement for the full tax year (CSV, PDF, or pasted text).
• Recommended inputs - payslips or employer PAYE schedules, bonus details, age (for the 55+ credit), disability status, NSSA contribution records, prior-year ITF1/ITF12C or assessment, VAT registration status, QPD payment confirmations.
• Ideal inputs - complete income and expenditure account, invoices/receipts supporting every deduction, asset register, provisional tax (QPD) payment proofs, employment income details if combined with trade income.
• Refusal if minimum is missing -- SOFT WARN - No currency-of-pay = hard stop (cannot select a table). For traders, no bank statement at all = hard stop. Bank statement without invoices = proceed with reviewer warning: "This computation was produced from a bank statement alone. The reviewer must verify that all deductions are supported by valid documentation and meet the wholly-and-exclusively test under the Income Tax Act."

Refusal Catalogue

• R-ZW-1 - Currency of earnings unknown. "Zimbabwe operates separate USD and ZWG PAYE tables. This skill cannot compute tax without knowing the currency (or currencies) in which the client is paid. Please confirm before proceeding."
• R-ZW-2 - Companies, partnerships, trusts. "This skill covers individuals (employees and sole traders/professionals) only. Companies, partnerships, and trusts file separately. Escalate to a registered tax practitioner."
• R-ZW-3 - Non-resident / source-and-residence complexity. "Non-resident taxation, withholding taxes on non-residents, and double-tax-treaty relief require specialised analysis. Out of scope. Escalate to a registered tax practitioner."
• R-ZW-4 - Capital gains / property disposals. "Capital gains tax on specified assets and immovable property is a separate regime. Out of scope. Escalate to a registered tax practitioner."
• R-ZW-5 - Presumptive tax / informal sector full schedule. "Presumptive tax categories and exact USD amounts are revised in the annual Finance Act and ZIMRA public notices. This skill carries only headline figures. Confirm the full schedule against the current ZIMRA presumptive-tax public notice. Escalate if precise per-category amounts are needed."
• R-ZW-6 - Arrears / enforcement / penalties. "Client has outstanding arrears or is subject to ZIMRA enforcement. Late-filing penalties can reach 100% of tax due, plus interest at the prescribed rate. Do not advise. Escalate to a registered tax practitioner immediately."
• R-ZW-7 - VAT return requested. "This skill covers income tax / PAYE only. Zimbabwe VAT (including fiscalisation under Public Notice 30 of 2025) is out of scope here."

Section 3 -- Transaction Pattern Library

This is the deterministic pre-classifier. When a bank-statement transaction matches a pattern below, apply the treatment directly. Statements may be in USD or ZiG/ZWG -- read the currency column. If none match, fall through to Tier 1 rules in Section 5.

How to read this table. Match by case-insensitive substring on the counterparty name or narration as it appears on the statement. If multiple patterns match, use the most specific. Many Zimbabwean statements mix English and Shona/Ndebele terms -- see Section 8.

3.1 Income Patterns (Credits)

3.1 Income Patterns (Credits)

Pattern	Treatment	Notes
SALARY, SALARIES, WAGES, MUHOLO	Employment income -- PAYE table	Apply USD or ZWG table per currency
PAYE REFUND, ZIMRA REFUND	EXCLUDE	Refund of prior tax, not income
Client name + PAYMENT, DEPOSIT, INV	Trade income (flat 25%)	If VAT-registered, extract net of 15.5% VAT
ECOCASH, ONEMONEY, INNBUCKS (business receipt)	Trade income	Mobile-money receipt -- match to invoices
CONSULTANCY, FEES, PROFESSIONAL FEES	Trade income	Self-employed professional -- now on QPD system (see 5.6)
STRIPE, PAYPAL, WISE, PAYONEER PAYOUT	Trade income	Platform/forex payout -- usually USD
RENT RECEIVED, KIRINGO, RENTAL	Investment income	Separate source; flag for reviewer
INTEREST, INTERESSI	Investment income	Interest income
DIVIDEND	Investment income	Usually subject to withholding at source
BONUS, PERFORMANCE AWARD	Employment income	First USD 700 (or ZWG equiv) exempt -- see 5.4
GOVERNMENT GRANT, NGO GRANT	Check nature	Capital grants EXCLUDE; revenue grants = trade income

3.2 Expense Patterns (Debits) -- Deductible for Traders (wholly & exclusively)

3.2 Expense Patterns (Debits) -- Deductible for Traders (wholly & exclusively)

Pattern	Category	Treatment	Notes
RENT, OFFICE RENT, SHOP RENT	Business premises rent	Deductible	Trade premises only
ZESA, ZETDC	Electricity	Deductible (business %)	Apportion if home-based
TELONE, ECONET, NETONE, TELECEL, LIQUID	Telecoms/data	Deductible (business %)	Default 0% if mixed-use
ACCOUNTANT, AUDITOR, BOOKKEEP, ICAZ	Accountancy fees	Deductible
LEGAL, LAWYER, ATTORNEY (business)	Legal fees	Deductible	Must be trade-related
STATIONERY, OFFICE SUPPLIES	Office supplies	Deductible
MARKETING, GOOGLE ADS, META ADS	Advertising	Deductible
BANK CHARGE, LEDGER FEE, IMTT*	Bank charges	Deductible (business account)	*IMTT = Intermediated Money Transfer Tax; deductible only if registered and holding a Tax Clearance Certificate (Act s.16)
INSURANCE (business, indemnity)	Insurance	Deductible	Trade cover only
FUEL, ZUVA, PUMA, TOTAL, ENGEN	Vehicle fuel	Deductible (business %)	Requires mileage basis

3.3 Expense Patterns (Debits) -- Software / SaaS (Deductible for Traders)

3.3 Expense Patterns (Debits) -- Software / SaaS (Deductible for Traders)

Pattern	Category	Treatment	Notes
MICROSOFT 365, GOOGLE WORKSPACE	Software subscription	Deductible	Recurring = operating expense
ADOBE, CANVA, ZOOM, SLACK, NOTION	Software subscription	Deductible
ANTHROPIC, OPENAI, GITHUB, AWS	Software / cloud	Deductible	Usually USD-denominated

3.4 Expense Patterns (Debits) -- NOT Deductible

3.4 Expense Patterns (Debits) -- NOT Deductible

Pattern	Category	Treatment	Notes
GROCERIES, SUPERMARKET, OK, PICK N PAY, TM	Personal	NOT deductible	Private living costs
RESTAURANT, ENTERTAINMENT, CLIENT LUNCH	Entertainment	NOT deductible (flag)	Generally disallowed -- reviewer to confirm
FINE, PENALTY, SPOT FINE	Fines/penalties	NOT deductible	Public policy
ZIMRA PAYMENT, INCOME TAX, PAYE PAID	Tax payments	NOT deductible	Tax is not an expense of earning income
DRAWINGS, OWN USE, PERSONAL ATM	Drawings	NOT deductible	Not an expense
SCHOOL FEES, MEDICAL (personal)	Personal	NOT deductible	Private

3.5 Statutory / Credit Patterns (Special handling)

3.5 Statutory / Credit Patterns (Special handling)

Pattern	Treatment	Notes
NSSA, P35, PENSION CONTRIBUTION	NSSA contribution	Employee 4.5% on capped earnings -- see Section 6
QPD, PROVISIONAL TAX, ITF12B	Provisional tax paid	Credit against final liability, not an expense
AIDS LEVY	Part of tax remittance	Not separately deductible
INTERNAL TRANSFER, OWN ACCOUNT	EXCLUDE	Own-account movement
LOAN REPAYMENT, PRINCIPAL	EXCLUDE	Capital movement (interest may be deductible -- flag)

3.6 Zimbabwean Banks -- Statement Format Reference

3.6 Zimbabwean Banks -- Statement Format Reference

Bank	Common Patterns	Notes
CBZ Bank	TRANSFER, RTGS, ZIPIT, CHARGES	PDF/CSV; USD and ZWG accounts separate
Stanbic Bank	PAYMENT, TRF, FEE	PDF; merchant in narration
Steward Bank	ECOCASH, TRANSFER, CHARGE	Mobile-linked; many EcoCash entries
FBC Bank	RTGS, ZIPIT, DEBIT	PDF/CSV
Nedbank Zimbabwe	PAYMENT, TRANSFER, FEE	PDF
EcoCash (mobile money)	CASH IN/OUT, MERCHANT PAY, P2P	Statement export; high transaction volume

• Currency hygiene - Never mix USD and ZWG figures in one computation. Each currency runs through its own PAYE table and is reported separately.

Section 4 -- Worked Examples

Example 1 -- USD Employee, mid-range salary

Input line: 25/03/2025 ; CBZ CREDIT ; ACME ENGINEERING LTD ; SALARY MARCH ; +1,500.00 ; USD

Reasoning: USD-paid employee, monthly. USD monthly table, band 1,000.01-2,000 at 30%, deduct 85. Income tax = (1,500 x 30%) - 85 = 450 - 85 = USD 365.00. AIDS levy = 365.00 x 3% = USD 10.95. Total tax = 365.00 + 10.95 = USD 375.95.

Classification: PAYE (USD table). Net pay before NSSA = 1,500 - 375.95 = USD 1,124.05.

Example 2 -- USD Employee, higher salary

Input line: 25/04/2025 ; STANBIC ; HORIZON MINING ; SALARY APRIL ; +2,500.00 ; USD

Reasoning: USD monthly table, band 2,000.01-3,000 at 35%, deduct 185. Income tax = (2,500 x 35%) - 185 = 875 - 185 = USD 690.00. AIDS levy = 690.00 x 3% = USD 20.70. Total tax = USD 710.70.

Classification: PAYE (USD table). Total tax USD 710.70.

Example 3 -- ZiG/ZWG Employee

Input line: 25/05/2025 ; FBC ; SADZA RETAIL (PVT) LTD ; MUHOLO MAY ; +50,000.00 ; ZWG

Reasoning: ZWG-paid employee, monthly. ZWG monthly table, band 28,000.01-56,000 at 30%, deduct 2,380. Income tax = (50,000 x 30%) - 2,380 = 15,000 - 2,380 = ZWG 12,620.00. AIDS levy = 12,620.00 x 3% = ZWG 378.60. Total tax = ZWG 12,998.60.

Classification: PAYE (ZWG table). Total tax ZWG 12,998.60. Do NOT convert to USD -- report in ZWG.

Example 4 -- USD Employee below threshold

Input line: 25/06/2025 ; STEWARD ; SMALL SHOP ; SALARY JUNE ; +90.00 ; USD

Reasoning: USD 90/month is below the USD 100 tax-free threshold (band 0-100, 0%). Income tax = USD 0.00. AIDS levy on zero = USD 0.00.

Classification: PAYE (USD table). No tax. Full USD 90.00 retained (before NSSA).

Example 5 -- Self-employed trader (flat 25%)

Input (annual summary, USD): Gross trade income USD 40,000; allowable expenses USD 16,000.

Reasoning: Individuals from trade and investment are taxed at the flat 25% business rate (Finance Act s.14(2b)), NOT the progressive PAYE table. Taxable income = 40,000 - 16,000 = USD 24,000. Income tax = 24,000 x 25% = USD 6,000.00. AIDS levy = 6,000 x 3% = USD 180.00. Total tax = USD 6,180.00 (effective 25.75%).

Classification: ITF12C self-assessment; QPDs payable during the year (Section 5.5).

Example 6 -- NSSA contribution on USD salary above ceiling

Input line: 30/06/2025 ; CBZ DEBIT ; NSSA P35 ; PENSION JUNE ; -31.50 ; USD

Reasoning: Employee earns USD 1,000/month, but NSSA insurable earnings are capped at USD 700/month. Total POBS contribution = 9% x 700 = USD 63.00, split equally. Employee share = 4.5% x 700 = USD 31.50; employer share = USD 31.50.

Classification: NSSA POBS employee contribution USD 31.50. The USD 1,000 salary is still taxed under the USD PAYE table.

Example 7 -- Bonus within exemption

Input line: 20/12/2025 ; STANBIC ; ACME ENGINEERING LTD ; ANNUAL BONUS ; +700.00 ; USD

Reasoning: Tax-free bonus / performance-award exemption is USD 700 (ZIMRA PAYE page). USD 700 bonus = fully within the exemption. Taxable portion = USD 0.00. Any bonus ABOVE USD 700 is added to taxable earnings and taxed at the marginal PAYE rate.

Classification: Exempt up to USD 700. Flag any excess for inclusion.

Section 5 -- Tier 1 Rules (When Data Is Clear)

5.1 Selecting the correct PAYE table

• Selecting the correct PAYE table - Use the table matching the currency of pay and the pay period (monthly/annual/fortnightly/weekly/daily). USD earnings → USD table; ZWG earnings → ZWG table. Mixed-currency earners have each stream taxed under its own table. Never convert one currency to the other to "combine" income. (Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06]; ZIMRA 2025 PAYE tables)

5.2 The "deduct" method

• The deduct method - tax = (taxable income x band rate) - deduct. This reproduces the cumulative progressive result without manual slicing. Always confirm the income falls in the stated band first.

5.3 AIDS Levy

• AIDS Levy computation - After computing income tax, add 3% of the income tax payable (not 3% of income). Applies to individuals and companies. If income tax is zero (below threshold), the AIDS levy is also zero. (ZIMRA 2025 PAYE tables; ZIMRA corporate tax rates)

5.4 Bonus / performance-award exemption

• Bonus exemption - The first USD 700 (ZWG equivalent for ZiG earners) of an annual bonus / performance award is exempt. Only the excess is added to taxable earnings. (ZIMRA PAYE page)

5.5 Trade and investment income (self-employed individuals)

• Trade and investment income taxation - Individuals carrying on a trade or profession are taxed at a flat 25% on net taxable income (gross business income minus allowable expenses), plus 3% AIDS levy → 25.75% effective. This is NOT the progressive PAYE table -- that table is for employment income only. Companies and trusts are taxed at the same 25% + 3% AIDS = 25.75% effective. (ZIMRA corporate/business tax rates (Finance Act s.14(2b)))

5.6 Self-employed professionals -- on self-assessment and QPDs: see Who this applies to

5.7 Provisional tax (QPDs)

5.7 Provisional tax (QPDs) (ZIMRA Public Notice 17 of 2025)

QPD	% of estimated annual tax	Return (ITF12B) due	Payment due
1st (Q1)	10%	20 March	25 March
2nd (Q2)	25%	20 June	25 June
3rd (Q3)	30%	20 September	25 September
4th (Q4)	35%	15 December	20 December

• QPD totals - The four instalments sum to 100% of the estimated annual tax (10 + 25 + 30 + 35). The return is submitted ~5 days before each payment date. (ZIMRA Public Notice 17 of 2025)

5.8 Presumptive tax (informal sector -- non-professionals)

• Presumptive tax details - Targets informal businesses with turnover generally below USD 60,000/year. Examples cited: restaurant/bottle-store operators USD 300/quarter; cottage-industry operators USD 300/quarter. Cross-border traders: presumptive tax = 10% of the Value for Duty Purposes (VDP) of commercial goods imported. A 2026 budget proposal referenced a 5%-of-turnover "other trades" rate -- not confirmed as enacted for 2025 [RESEARCH GAP -- reviewer to confirm]. (ZIMRA presumptive-tax notices; figures from research summaries -- [RESEARCH GAP -- reviewer to confirm the full current schedule against the latest ZIMRA presumptive-tax public notice])

5.9 The wholly-and-exclusively test (deductions)

• Wholly-and-exclusively test - For traders, an expense is deductible only if incurred wholly and exclusively in the production of income. Mixed-use expenses must be apportioned on a reasonable, documented basis. Personal expenses, drawings, fines, and the tax itself are never deductible. (Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06])

5.10 Final Deduction System (FDS)

• Final Deduction System (FDS) - For pure-employment individuals, PAYE is generally a final tax -- most employees do NOT file an annual return. Individuals with non-employment income (trade, multiple employers, investment income) must file the relevant return (ITF1 / ITF12C). )

Section 6 -- NSSA Social Security and Tier 2 Catalogue (Reviewer Judgement Required)

6.1 NSSA -- Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS)

6.1 NSSA -- Pension and Other Benefits Scheme (POBS) (NSSA contributions/schemes pages)

Component	Rate	On
Employee	4.5%	Insurable earnings (capped)
Employer	4.5%	Insurable earnings (capped)
Total POBS	9.0%	Insurable earnings (capped)

• POBS totals and ceiling - The employee and employer columns (4.5% + 4.5%) sum to the 9.0% total. Insurable earnings ceiling: USD 700/month (introduced 2024, in force 2025). Contributions are computed only on earnings up to USD 700. ZWG-paid employees contribute on the ZWG equivalent of USD 700. Worked check: an employee earning USD 1,000 contributes on USD 700 → 9% = USD 63/month total (USD 31.50 each). (See Example 6.) Minimum / floor: [RESEARCH GAP -- reviewer to confirm] No explicit statutory minimum floor was confirmed from authoritative sources; verify directly with NSSA if a floor figure is needed. (NSSA contributions/schemes pages)

6.2 NSSA -- Accident Prevention and Workers' Compensation Scheme (APWCS)

• APWCS details - Employer-only contribution (employees pay nothing). Rate varies by industry risk class -- no single statutory rate. Low-risk sectors (retail, finance, education) roughly 0.5-1% of the wage bill; high-risk (mining, construction) materially higher. [RESEARCH GAP -- reviewer to confirm] Exact per-industry class rates must be obtained from NSSA for the specific industry. Do not publish a single APWCS percentage. (NSSA schemes page; secondary summaries)

6.3 Home-based business apportionment

• Home-based business apportionment - Apportion electricity (ZESA/ZETDC), water, internet, and rent to the business-use percentage. Conservative default: 0% until the reviewer confirms a documented basis (dedicated workspace, floor-area or usage measure).

6.4 Vehicle business use

• Vehicle business use - Only the business-use percentage of fuel, insurance, and maintenance is deductible; requires a mileage basis. Conservative default: 0% until a mileage log is provided.

6.5 Phone / data mixed use

• Phone / data mixed use - Business-use portion only (Econet/NetOne/TelOne/Liquid). Conservative default: 0% until the business percentage is confirmed.

6.6 IMTT (Intermediated Money Transfer Tax) deductibility

• IMTT deductibility - IMTT is levied on electronic transfers. From 2026 it is deductible only by a trader who is registered and holds a Tax Clearance Certificate (Finance Act 7 of 2025 s.16).

6.7 Elderly / disability credits

• Elderly / disability credits - Age-55+ credit and blind/disabled credit are USD 900/year each (or ZWG equivalent) (ZIMRA concessions). Flag for reviewer to confirm eligibility (age, certified disability) before applying. Default: no credit. (ZIMRA concessions)

6.8 ZWG band revisions

• ZWG band revisions - ZWG bands may be revised mid-year by ZIMRA public notice owing to devaluation. Flag for reviewer to confirm the ZWG table in force for the period being computed.

Section 7 -- Excel Working Paper Template

ZIMBABWE INCOME TAX -- WORKING PAPER
Tax Year: 2025
Client: ___________________________
Currency of earnings: USD / ZWG / BOTH
Status: Employee (PAYE/FDS) / Sole trader / Professional (QPD)

A. EMPLOYMENT INCOME -- PAYE (per currency, per period)
  A1. Currency .................................. USD / ZWG
  A2. Pay period ................................ Monthly / Annual / ...
  A3. Gross earnings ............................ ___________
  A4. Less: bonus exemption (max USD 700) ....... ___________
  A5. Taxable earnings (A3 - A4) ................ ___________
  A6. PAYE band rate ............................ ___________
  A7. "Deduct" figure ........................... ___________
  A8. Income tax = (A5 x A6) - A7 ............... ___________
  A9. AIDS levy = A8 x 3% ....................... ___________
  A10. Total PAYE (A8 + A9) ..................... ___________

B. TRADE / PROFESSIONAL INCOME (flat 25%)
  B1. Gross business income ..................... ___________
  B2. Less: allowable expenses (w&e test) ....... ___________
  B3. Taxable trade income (B1 - B2) ............ ___________
  B4. Income tax = B3 x 25% ..................... ___________
  B5. AIDS levy = B4 x 3% ....................... ___________
  B6. Total trade tax (B4 + B5) ................. ___________

C. NSSA (POBS)
  C1. Insurable earnings (capped at USD 700/mo) . ___________
  C2. Employee 4.5% ............................. ___________
  C3. Employer 4.5% ............................. ___________

D. PROVISIONAL TAX (QPDs) -- traders/professionals
  D1. Estimated annual tax ...................... ___________
  D2. Q1 (10%) / Q2 (25%) / Q3 (30%) / Q4 (35%) . ___________
  D3. QPDs paid to date ......................... ___________

E. FINAL POSITION
  E1. Total tax (A10 + B6) ...................... ___________
  E2. Less: QPDs / PAYE already paid ............ ___________
  E3. Less: confirmed credits (elderly/disability) ___________
  E4. Tax due / (refund) (E1 - E2 - E3) ......... ___________

REVIEWER FLAGS:
  [ ] Currency of earnings confirmed?
  [ ] Correct USD vs ZWG table used (and ZWG table in force)?
  [ ] Employment vs trade income correctly split?
  [ ] AIDS levy applied to TAX, not income?
  [ ] Bonus exemption capped at USD 700?
  [ ] NSSA capped at USD 700/month insurable earnings?
  [ ] Elderly/disability credit eligibility confirmed?
  [ ] All Tier 2 apportionments documented?
  [ ] Entertainment / personal / fines excluded?

Section 8 -- Bank Statement Reading Guide

Zimbabwean Bank Statement Formats

Zimbabwean Bank Statement Formats

Bank	Format	Key Fields	Notes
CBZ Bank	PDF, CSV	Date, Narration, Debit, Credit, Balance	Separate USD and ZWG accounts
Stanbic Bank	PDF, CSV	Value Date, Description, Amount, Balance	Merchant in narration
Steward Bank	PDF, CSV	Date, Description, Amount, Balance	Many EcoCash-linked entries
FBC Bank	PDF, CSV	Date, Particulars, Debit, Credit	RTGS/ZIPIT references
EcoCash	CSV / app export	Date, Type, Counterparty, Amount	High volume; cash-in/out + merchant pay

Key Terms (English / Shona / Ndebele)

Key Terms (English / Shona / Ndebele)

Term	Meaning	Classification Hint
MUHOLO	Salary/wages (Shona)	Employment income -- PAYE
HOLO / UMHOLO	Wages (Ndebele)	Employment income -- PAYE
RTGS	Real-Time Gross Settlement transfer	Check direction for income/expense
ZIPIT	Bank-to-bank instant transfer	Check direction
ECOCASH / ONEMONEY / INNBUCKS	Mobile money	Check direction; common for trade receipts
IMTT	Intermediated Money Transfer Tax	Transfer tax -- see section 6.6
P35 / NSSA	Pension contribution	NSSA POBS -- capped at USD 700 insurable
QPD	Quarterly Payment Date (provisional tax)	Credit against liability, not expense
VDP	Value for Duty Purposes	Used for cross-border presumptive tax
KIRINGO / RENT	Rent	Rental income/expense -- flag

Currency column is critical. Every line must be tagged USD or ZWG and routed through the correct table. Never net USD and ZWG against each other.

Section 9 -- Onboarding Fallback

If the client provides a bank statement but cannot answer onboarding questions immediately:

1. Classify all transactions using the pattern library (Section 3), tagging each as USD or ZWG.
2. Mark all Tier 2 items as "PENDING -- reviewer must confirm".
3. Apply conservative defaults (Section 1).
4. Generate the working paper (Section 7) with clear flags.
5. Present the following questions to the client:

ONBOARDING QUESTIONS -- ZIMBABWE INCOME TAX
1. In which currency are you paid -- USD, ZiG/ZWG, or both?
2. Are you an employee (PAYE), a sole trader, or a self-employed professional?
3. What is your pay period -- monthly, weekly, fortnightly, daily?
4. Did you receive a bonus this year? If so, how much (the first USD 700 is exempt)?
5. Are you aged 55 or over, or do you have a certified disability (USD 900/yr credit)?
6. What are your NSSA (P35) contributions for the year?
7. If a trader: do you have invoices/receipts supporting your expenses?
8. Are any expenses mixed business/personal (vehicle, phone, home)? What % is business?
9. Have you paid any provisional tax (QPDs) this year? How much?
10. Are you VAT-registered (turnover over USD 25,000)?

Section 10 -- Reference Material

Key References

Key References

Topic	Reference
Income tax framework	Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06]; annual Finance Act
USD PAYE table 2025	ZIMRA USD Jan-Dec 2025 PAYE table (download 4211)
ZWG PAYE table 2025	ZIMRA ZWG 2025 PAYE table (download 4205)
AIDS levy (3% of tax)	ZIMRA 2025 PAYE tables; ZIMRA corporate tax rates
Trade/business flat 25%	Finance Act s.14(2b); ZIMRA corporate/business tax rates
Provisional tax (QPDs)	ZIMRA Public Notice 17 of 2025
Annual filing deadline (30 Apr)	ZIMRA Public Notice 20 of 2026 (as cited earlier, notice not opened)
Forms ITF1 / ITF12C / ITF12B	ZIMRA filing guidance; PN 23 of 2025 (ITF12C)
Elderly / disability credits	ZIMRA elderly-concession page
VAT registration threshold	ZIMRA VAT registration page
NSSA POBS / APWCS	NSSA contributions & schemes pages
FDS (PAYE as final tax)	unverified

Filing forms and deadlines

Filing forms and deadlines

Item	Detail	Source
ITF1	Individual return (non-FDS / multiple-source income)	ZIMRA
ITF12C	Self-assessment return (traders / investors)	ZIMRA PN 23 of 2025
ITF12B	Provisional (QPD) return	ZIMRA
Annual income-tax return deadline	30 April following the tax year (year ended 31 Dec 2025 → 30 Apr 2026)	ZIMRA PN 20 of 2026
PAYE remittance	By the 10th of the following month	ZIMRA

Penalties and interest

Penalties and interest

Item	Detail	Source
Late / non-filing of returns	Penalty up to 100% of tax due, plus interest	ZIMRA tax-payment-dates page; ZIMRA FAQs
Late payment interest	"Prescribed rate" (compounding) -- exact 2025 % [RESEARCH GAP -- reviewer to confirm against the current ZIMRA prescribed-rate notice]	ZIMRA
Continued non-compliance	May lead to prosecution	ZIMRA

Registration and VAT

Registration and VAT

Item	Detail	Source
Income-tax registration	Register with ZIMRA via TaRMS; obtain BP number; no de-minimis income threshold	ZIMRA
VAT compulsory registration	USD 25,000 (or ZWG equivalent) taxable supplies / rolling 12 months	ZIMRA VAT registration page
VAT fiscalisation	All VAT-registered taxpayers (incl. below threshold) must comply -- ZIMRA PN 30 of 2025, eff. 1 Jun 2025	ZIMRA PN 30 of 2025

Minimum wage (context, not a tax figure)

Minimum wage (context, not a tax figure)

Item	Detail	Source
National minimum wage	USD 150/month (SI 186 of 2024) -- does not cover all sectors	WageIndicator; SI 186 of 2024
Mining (NEC)	Grade 1 from USD 124.05/mo, rising to USD 266.14/mo by Jul 2025	NEC schedules
Agriculture (NEC)	Grade A1 USD 80/mo; Grade C2 USD 159/mo (Jun 2025)	NEC schedules

No single uniform national minimum wage applies across all industries -- most rates are set by sector-specific National Employment Council (NEC) agreements.

Test Suite

Input: USD, monthly salary USD 1,500. Expected: income tax = (1,500 x 30%) - 85 = USD 365.00; AIDS levy = USD 10.95; total PAYE = USD 375.95.

Input: USD, monthly salary USD 2,500. Expected: income tax = (2,500 x 35%) - 185 = USD 690.00; AIDS levy = USD 20.70; total PAYE = USD 710.70.

Input: ZWG, monthly salary ZWG 50,000. Expected: income tax = (50,000 x 30%) - 2,380 = ZWG 12,620.00; AIDS levy = ZWG 378.60; total PAYE = ZWG 12,998.60.

Input: USD, monthly salary USD 90. Expected: income tax = USD 0.00; AIDS levy = USD 0.00; total PAYE = USD 0.00.

Input: USD, gross trade income USD 40,000, allowable expenses USD 16,000. Expected: taxable = USD 24,000; income tax = 24,000 x 25% = USD 6,000.00; AIDS levy = USD 180.00; total = USD 6,180.00.

Input: USD salary USD 1,000/month. Expected: insurable earnings capped at USD 700; employee 4.5% = USD 31.50; employer 4.5% = USD 31.50; total POBS = USD 63.00.

Input: USD annual bonus USD 700. Expected: fully exempt; taxable bonus = USD 0.00. Excess over USD 700 taxed at the marginal PAYE rate.

Input: USD, monthly salary USD 4,000. Expected: income tax = (4,000 x 40%) - 335 = 1,600 - 335 = USD 1,265.00; AIDS levy = USD 37.95; total PAYE = USD 1,302.95.

PROHIBITIONS

• NEVER select a PAYE table without confirming the currency of earnings (USD vs ZWG)
• NEVER mix or net USD and ZWG figures in a single computation
• NEVER apply the progressive PAYE table to trade/professional income -- that is the flat 25% rate
• NEVER compute the AIDS levy on income -- it is 3% of the income tax payable
• NEVER apply the bonus exemption above USD 700 (or ZWG equivalent)
• NEVER compute NSSA on earnings above the USD 700 monthly insurable ceiling
• NEVER apply elderly or disability credits without confirming eligibility
• NEVER treat QPD provisional tax or income tax paid as a deductible expense
• NEVER allow entertainment, personal expenses, drawings, or fines as deductions
• NEVER publish a specific APWCS rate or late-payment interest rate without confirming the current NSSA/ZIMRA notice
• NEVER present tax calculations as definitive -- always label as estimated, pending professional review

Disclaimer

This skill and its outputs are provided for informational and computational purposes only and do not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Open Accountants and its contributors accept no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes arising from the use of this skill. All outputs must be reviewed and signed off by a qualified professional (such as a registered tax practitioner, CPA, EA, tax attorney, or equivalent licensed practitioner in your jurisdiction) before filing or acting upon.

Deadlines and filing

Obligation	Return	Payment	Where
PAYE, monthly	5th of next month	10th of next month	mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw
Presumptive rental income tax	5th of next month	10th of next month	mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw
1st QPD, 10%	20 March	unverified: 25 March	Income Tax Provisional Return
2nd QPD, 25%	20 June	unverified: 25 June	Same
3rd QPD, 30%	20 September	unverified: 25 September	Same
4th QPD, 35%	15 December	20 December	Same
Self-assessment, ITF12C	30 April of next year	With the return	Four months after year end

How to file a pending return in TaRMS:

1. Log into the Self Service Portal at mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw.
2. Select your TIN.
3. Click Tax Return Management, then Pending Returns.
4. Select the return, complete it and submit. Attach financial statements to a self-assessment return.
5. Pay into the ZIMRA account using your TIN and name. The bank validates the TIN. A payment posts to your ledger only once the return is filed.

To add a tax type: Taxpayer Information, Taxpayer Profile, Tax Type tab, New Tax Type, complete the form and submit.

Penalties and interest

A trader with no return evidence and no tax clearance suffers 30% withholding on invoices (https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/corporate/self-assessment-return-notes). Unregistered traders in the sectors listed in Public Notice 58 of 2026 pay deemed QPDs, such as USD 15,000 a quarter for car dealers. A proprietor who fails to pay presumptive rental tax owes a further 15% (Act s.33). Late filing and late payment percentages for income tax were not opened in the Income Tax Act; see Not yet confirmed.

Cross-border points

From 2026 the USD 500,000 limit in s.12A(2) on deemed-source income is removed (Act s.14). A foreign firm's services through personnel for more than 90 days in 12 months create a permanent establishment (Act s.18). Expatriates of an international financial services centre pay 15% (Act ss.5, 6). A non-resident proprietor must appoint a resident representative (Act s.19).

Two worked examples that recompute

Employee paid USD 1,500 in a month, ignoring NSSA: 1,500 x 30% - 85 = 365, AIDS levy 10.95, total 375.95.

name: USD 1,500 monthly PAYE with AIDS levy
inputs:
  pay: 1500
steps:
  - tax: pay * 0.30 - 85
  - levy: tax * 0.03
  - total: tax + levy
expected:
  total: 375.95

Decision: USD 30,000 a year as employment or as trade profit. Employment: 30,000 x 35% - 2,220 = 8,280, with levy 8,528.40. Trade: 25% = 7,500, with levy 7,725. Trade costs 803.40 less on these figures, before NSSA, and only if the work really is a trade.

name: Employment against trade at USD 30,000
inputs:
  income: 30000
steps:
  - employed: (income * 0.35 - 2220) * 1.03
  - trade: income * 0.25 * 1.03
  - saving: employed - trade
expected:
  saving: 803.40

Ask the client first

1. Currency of pay or receipts, USD or ZWG, and the share of each.
2. Employee, trader or both.
3. Age and disability status.
4. Profession or transport class, for the 2026 move off presumptive tax.
5. Rental income, and whether tenants pay presumptive tax.

Sources

Source	URL	Read on
Finance Act No. 7 of 2025 (Veritas copy of the Government Printer text), whole Act	https://www.veritaszim.net/sites/veritas_d/files/Finance%20Act%2C%20Act%20No.%207%20of%202025.pdf	2026-11-01
ZIMRA Public Notices 5, 7, 11, 49, 50, 58, 61 of 2026 (list page; each PDF opened)	https://www.zimra.co.zw/public-notices	2026-11-01
ZIMRA Tax Tables page and the USD and ZWG 2025 PDFs, monthly and annual tables	https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/tax-tables	2026-11-01
ZIMRA Tax Rates page, whole table	https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/corporate/tax-rates	2026-11-01
ZIMRA Self Assessment Return Notes	https://www.zimra.co.zw/domestic-taxes/corporate/self-assessment-return-notes	2026-11-01

Not yet confirmed: payment days of QPDs 1 to 3; any 2026 ZIMRA PAYE table; USD 700 bonus exemption; USD 900 credits; income tax late filing and late payment penalties, including the 100% figure in the earlier version; the text of SI 81 of 2025 (dates come from ZIMRA notices citing it); ZWG conversion rules.