ZIMRA Softens Stance on Monthly Tax Clearance Certificates After Industry Pushback
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has retreated from its earlier hardline proposal to require all taxpayers to renew tax clearance certificates every month, signalling a more flexible approach after sustained resistance from the business sector.
The revised position follows widespread concern that the proposed monthly compliance regime would place excessive administrative and financial strain on companies operating in an already fragile economic environment.
Also Read: Zimbabweans Fume As ZIMRA Announces Monthly Tax Clearances
Monthly Validity Proposal Sparks Business Backlash
Under Public Notice 69 of 2025, ZIMRA had announced that tax clearance certificates (ITF263) for the 2026 tax year would only be valid for one month across the board. The notice warned that any compliance lapse would automatically result in the suspension of the following month’s clearance.
The announcement was met with sharp criticism from industry bodies, which argued that the policy would disrupt operations, delay transactions and significantly raise compliance costs for businesses of all sizes.
Also Read: ZIMRA’s New One-Month Tax Clearance Certificates Explained: What They Mean For Your Business
ZIMRA Signals Shift in Policy Direction
In response to objections raised by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), ZIMRA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes Misheck Govha revealed that the authority is now reconsidering the rigid monthly framework.
In a letter dated December 19, 2025, Govha said ZIMRA was committed to ensuring that compliance requirements remain practical and economically aligned.
“In light of the concerns raised, ZIMRA remains committed to ensuring that compliance measures are practical, efficient, and aligned with broader economic objectives,” he said.
Phased Implementation Now Under Consideration
ZIMRA has proposed a transitional approach that would introduce staggered validity periods based on the size and scale of taxpayers.
According to Govha, large taxpayers could be issued tax clearance certificates valid for six months, while medium and small enterprises — including companies bidding for tenders — would receive certificates valid for three months.
The proposal marks a significant departure from ZIMRA’s earlier insistence that monthly renewals would apply uniformly to all taxpayers.
NIL Returns Rule Remains Unchanged
Despite the softened stance on certificate validity periods, ZIMRA made it clear that other aspects of Public Notice 69 of 2025 remain in force.
Taxpayers submitting NIL returns will still be required to seek specific authorisation from ZIMRA before being issued with a tax clearance certificate, the authority said.
Businesses Welcome Shift but Seek Further Relief
While industry groups have welcomed ZIMRA’s willingness to engage, they argue that the proposed three-month clearance period still falls short of easing compliance pressures.
Business representatives warn that frequent renewals continue to expose companies to operational uncertainty, especially where tax clearance certificates are mandatory for tenders, banking facilities and statutory approvals.
ZIMRA, however, said consultations with stakeholders would continue, emphasising that the goal is to balance revenue mobilisation with business continuity.
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The post ZIMRA Signals Flexibility on Tax Clearance Rules Amid Business Concerns appeared first on iHarare News.
