Zimbabweans feel overburdened by taxes

A new national survey has revealed widespread frustration among Zimbabweans over what they perceive as an excessive tax burden, with nearly nine out of 10 citizens saying current taxation exceeds their ability to pay. The findings come just days ahead of the presentation of the 2026 National Budget, intensifying pressure on government to reduce taxes and improve transparency.

The Zimbabwe Tax Perception Survey 2025, conducted by the Zimbabwe Taxpayers Platform (Zitap), found that half of respondents described the tax filing process under the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) as difficult. Many said tax rates continue to rise while government transparency remains weak, fueling public frustration.

Citizens expressed a clear preference for fewer and lower taxes, arguing that the proliferation of levies and high rates is suffocating disposable incomes and constraining business growth. More than half of respondents believe formal businesses bear the heaviest tax load, while almost eight in 10 said informal traders routinely evade tax, leaving compliant taxpayers feeling unfairly targeted.

"The survey reveals that, consistent with previous findings from Afrobarometer in 2021, many Zimbabweans accept that the government must collect taxes to provide public goods and services, but they also expect greater transparency and accountability in public finance management," Zitap said. "Respondents indicated that the quantum and rates of taxes were too high in Zimbabwe and expressed a preference for paying fewer and lower taxes."

While 58% of respondents support the government's right to collect taxes, a significant 54% said filing taxes is either "somewhat not easy" or "not easy at all." Taxpayers cited PAYE, VAT, the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax (IMTT), heavy business compliance costs, and sector-specific levies as major burdens.

The survey noted that Zimbabwe's economy is predominantly informal, with 76.1% of activity outside formal channels. However, the government targets more than US$7 billion from the 23.9% formal sector, intensifying pressure on compliant businesses. On tax evasion, 79% believe informal traders are the primary culprits, while 78% said social or political status influences how much tax one pays.

Public concern also extends to transparency in government spending. Eighty-eight percent of respondents said citizens have very little information on how revenue is used, 60% said the state exhibits minimal transparency, and a similar proportion said monitoring public expenditure is nearly impossible. Nearly seven in 10 respondents expressed doubt that the government uses public funds responsibly.

With Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube scheduled to present the 2026 National Budget this Thursday, taxpayers are hoping for significant relief, with nearly six out of 10 respondents identifying tax reductions as the most important reform needed. The survey highlights widespread skepticism over the impact of public input, as eight in 10 respondents said it is difficult to influence tax laws or policies, even though 46% attended budget consultations.

The findings set the stage for a tense budget week, with citizens demanding clarity, accountability, and genuine relief from what they describe as an unsustainable tax burden.