As of 2026/08/04, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) released Public Notice 45 of 2026, which revises the Excise Special Surtax Return filing procedure. The notice establishes a mandatory electronic submission framework through the newly operational Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS), aiming to enhance compliance, reduce processing delays, and improve audit traceability. The revised process applies to all entities liable for excise surtax, requiring them to upload completed return forms, supporting documentation, and payment confirmations via the online portal. ZIMRA has also introduced stricter validation checks, including automatic verification of taxpayer identification numbers and cross-checking of financial statements against prior tax filings. Taxpayers are advised to review their internal Surtax calculation methodologies and ensure that all required supporting documents are uploaded in the prescribed PDF format. Failure to submit returns within the stipulated period may result in administrative penalties, interest charges, and potential enforcement actions. The authority emphasizes that the new system will also facilitate real-time monitoring of surtax collections, supporting government revenue targets for the 2026 fiscal year. Stakeholders are encouraged to register for training sessions organized by ZIMRA to familiarize themselves with the updated workflow and to address any technical challenges promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Electronic Submission: Returns must be filed through the TaRMS portal.
- 30‑Day Deadline: Filing deadline is 30 days after period end; late filings incur penalties.
- Penalty Risk: Non‑compliance may trigger fines up to 10% of outstanding surtax.
Source: Read Original Announcement