Zimra hails the media for constructive criticism

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has hailed the media for its constructive criticism of its activities in its operations.

Acting Zimra Commissioner General Happias Kuzvinzwa made the remarks during a media workshop in Bulawayo  on Monday.

"We appreciate the positive stories, we embrace constructive criticism, and the negative ones we have taken note of. Our attitude as ZIMRA towards your stories is a balanced one. For all this coverage, we Thank You," he said.

"Thank you also for informing the public on the role of ZIMRA of mobilising revenue for the State, highlighting our achievements and challenges. As the voice of the voiceless, you bring to the attention of policy makers issues affecting the Nation and contribute in the formulation of solutions - all for the betterment of our beloved country, Zimbabwe."

He said it is his fervent hope that the workshop will improve Zimra relations with the media and expand its appreciation of ZIMRA's operations.

"As we together take taxation to the people, it is critical as a collective voice to encourage voluntary compliance and voluntary disclosure on tax matters.  It is important for taxpayers to abide by the Golden Rule that says, ‘Give to Caesar what belongs to Caeser and unto God what belongs to God'," he said.

"I urge you to continue urging taxpayers to observe the tax payment dates for Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and Corporate Tax and to pay the taxes in full and on time.  As one orator put it across, paying taxes is an investment for living in a civilised society with social services adequately funded.  Key social services funded by tax are health, education and peace and security.  Ladies and Gentlemen, Comrades and Friends, paying taxes is also a measure of the level of patriotism a tax paying person has to his own country.  Voluntary tax compliance reduces unnecessary business costs, which come in the form of penalties and interest that are levied for late payments or late submission of returns, or failure to submit returns or remit payment."

He said the media fraternity and ZIMRA together have a role to encourage citizens to demand tax invoices when they make purchases of goods and services and to remind the business fraternity to remit all taxes due in full and on time.

"The business community, on the other hand, is to be encouraged to conduct business with suppliers of goods and services that are tax compliant.  Ladies and Gentlemen, in our quest to become a "a beacon of excellence in the provision of fiscal services and facilitation of trade and travel," as is our ZIMRA Vision, several initiatives have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented," he said.