ZIMRA's Public Notice 20 of 2026 reminds all taxpayers that Income Tax Returns (ITF 12C) for the year ended 31 December 2025 are due on or before 30 April 2026. The notice clarifies obligations for taxpayers on Self-Assessment, professionals previously on Presumptive Tax, dormant companies, capital gains taxpayers, certain non-FDS employees, and persons with related-party transactions requiring a Transfer Pricing Return.
Income from Trade and Investments — Self-Assessment
All taxpayers in receipt of income from trade and investments are on Self-Assessment in terms of section 37A of the Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06]. Each must submit ITF 12C accompanied by the relevant financial statements by 30 April 2026. Nil returns must be submitted where no income was received or accrued in the year.
Professionals Moved to Self-Assessment from 1 January 2025
The following categories of taxpayers, who were previously on the Presumptive Tax regime before 2025, were moved to Self-Assessment from 1 January 2025 and must now submit ITF 12C returns for the 2025 tax year:
| Profession | Governing Statute |
|---|---|
| Architects | Architects Act [Chapter 27:01] |
| Engineers and technicians | Engineering Council Act [Chapter 27:22] |
| Legal practitioners | Legal Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:07] |
| Health practitioners | Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19] |
| Real estate agents | Estate Agents Act [Chapter 27:17] |
Approved Accounting Years Other Than 31 December
Taxpayers with approved accounting years other than 31 December must submit returns within four months after the end of their accounting year. Where bespoke arrangements have been agreed with the responsible Regional Manager, the taxpayer must adhere to those agreed dates.
Foreign-Currency Accounting — the 50/50 Rule
- Where more than 50% of estimated total income is in foreign currency, the taxpayer must apply the 50/50 basis — accounting for tax separately in foreign and local currency.
- Where 50% or less is in foreign currency, the taxpayer must account for tax proportionately in the currency of trade for the 2025 year of assessment.
- For currency conversion, taxpayers may choose either the spot rate or the annual average exchange rate — the same basis must be applied consistently across the return.
Dormant Companies, Capital Gains, Non-FDS Employees, and Transfer Pricing
- Dormant companies — companies registered for tax but not carrying on any trade or business for the whole year — must submit Nil returns by 30 April 2026. Unregistered dormant companies should regularise their registration.
- Capital Gains Tax returns — all taxpayers who realised capital gains from disposals of specified assets must submit CGT returns by 30 April 2026.
- Non-FDS employees must submit ITF 1 returns by 30 April 2026 if, during 2025, they: worked less than 12 months; changed employers; received income from more than one employer; or received pension in addition to employment income. Employees taxed exclusively under FDS by a single employer for the whole year are not required to file.
- Transfer Pricing — all persons with income from trade and investments derived from domestic or international related-party transactions must lodge ITF 12C accompanied by a Transfer Pricing Return (ITF 12C2) by 30 April 2026.
How to Submit and Pay
All returns must be filed online through the Self-Service Portal (SSP) at mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw. Self-Service Centres (Kiosks) are available at ZIMRA offices throughout the country for taxpayers without internet access. Late submission of returns and late payment of tax attract prosecutions, penalties, and interest.
Deadline: 30 April 2026. ITF 12C for the year ended 31 December 2025 must be submitted with financial statements. Architects, engineers, legal, health, and real-estate practitioners are now on Self-Assessment and must file. Apply the 50/50 forex rule, lodge ITF 12C2 for related-party transactions, and submit Nil returns where no income was earned.