PAY UP OR PARK IT: ZIMRA targets Kombis, driving schools and truck owners

B-Metro Reporter

THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has issued a stern reminder to transport operators that they must pay presumptive tax or risk being barred from getting operating licences.

Presumptive tax is a set fee charged monthly on certain businesses, especially those that are hard to track for income tax, such as kombis, taxis, driving schools, and haulage trucks.

In a public notice, ZIMRA said: “No licence will be issued if a taxpayer has not paid the presumptive tax or produced a valid tax clearance certificate. Taxpayers are urged to comply.”

The taxes vary depending on the type of vehicle. Taxis carrying up to seven passengers pay US$35 per month, while kombis carrying 8-14 passengers pay US$50, and those carrying 15-24 passengers pay US$60. Larger public transporters carrying 25-36 passengers fork out US$80, while big buses with 37 or more passengers pay US$100.

Driving schools are also on the hook, with Class 4 vehicles charged US$50 and Class 1 and 2 vehicles charged US$100 per month.

For trucks, the fees are steeper. Goods vehicles weighing more than 10 tonnes but less than 20 tonnes must pay US$200 per month, while those above 20 tonnes are charged US$500. Trucks with a combination of trailers weighing between 15 and 20 tonnes also face a US$500 monthly fee.

ZIMRA warned operators that the tax applies to all vehicles carrying goods or passengers for hire or reward, meaning anyone making money from transport services is liable.

The authority also clarified that payments can be made in local currency at the official exchange rate of the day.
“My Taxes. My Duty: Building My Zimbabwe,” ZIMRA said, urging transport operators to play their part in boosting national revenue.

Failure to comply will see vehicles grounded as authorities clamp down on non-compliant operators.