ZIMRA VAT Compliance Checklist 2024

ZIMRA VAT COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST 2025

1. VAT Registration Requirements

Annual turnover exceeds ZWG 1 million (approx. USD 30,000)

Providing digital services as a non-resident

Involved in import/export activities

Documents Required:
– Certified copy of CR6/CR14
– Proof of business address
– Bank account details
– Completed VAT 1 Form

Important: Registration must be completed within 30 days of qualifying

2. Valid Tax Invoice Requirements

Supplier name, address and VAT registration number

Customer name and VAT number (if registered)

Unique invoice number and date of supply

Description, quantity and unit price of goods/services

VAT amount (14.5%) clearly shown

Final total amount payable

3. Filing and Payment Schedule

Period	Form	Deadline	Payment Method
Monthly	VAT 3	25th next month	E-filing or bank transfer
Quarterly	VAT 3Q	25th next quarter	RTGS to ZIMRA account
Annual	VAT 4	30 April	Through approved banks

4. Record Keeping Obligations

All tax invoices (issued and received)

Customs documentation (for imports/exports)

Credit/debit notes

Bank statements

Accounting records

VAT returns (submitted copies)

Retention Period: 6 years from transaction date
Digital Records: Must be easily retrievable and convertible to hard copy

5. Common Compliance Errors

Under-declaring sales (Leads to back taxes + 100% penalty)

Claiming invalid input tax (e.g., personal expenses)

Missing deadlines (Even 1 day late triggers penalties)

Incomplete invoices (Makes input tax claims invalid)

Ignoring digital services tax (5% applies to foreign transactions)

6. Special VAT Categories

Exempt Supplies: Educational services, Medical services, Residential rentals

Zero-Rated Supplies: Exported goods, Basic foodstuffs, International transport

Withholding VAT (2%): Government contracts over ZWG 1 million

7. Audit Preparedness Guide

VAT registration certificate

All VAT returns for audit period

Sales and purchase ledgers

Bank statements

Inventory records

Fixed asset register

When Selected for Audit:
1. You will receive written notice
2. Audit may be desk-based or physical
3. Typical audit period: 3-5 years

8. Compliance Action Plan

Step 1: Registration – Obtain TIN, Complete VAT 1 Form

Step 2: Systems Setup – Implement accounting software, Train staff

Step 3: Monthly Process – Issue compliant invoices, File returns by 25th

Step 4: Annual Review – Conduct internal VAT audit, File annual reconciliation

ZIMRA Contact Information

VAT Helpdesk: +263 242 758 891

Email: vat@zimra.co.zw

Offices: All provincial centers (see ZIMRA website for locations)