Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Zimra Commissioner-General, Ms Regina Chinamasa, said on Monday that the TaRMS had not only achieved a remarkable 100 percent uptime, but had enhanced taxpayer engagement, fundamentally changing how businesses and individuals interact with revenue collectors. 
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra)’s digital transformation is sweeping across the country’s tax landscape, with new registrations on the recently introduced Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) surging by 116 percent since 2023.
TaRMS was introduced in December 2023, replacing the e-service system which was plagued by technical woes.
Zimra Commissioner-General, Ms Regina Chinamasa, said on Monday that the TaRMS had not only achieved a remarkable 100 percent uptime, but had enhanced taxpayer engagement, fundamentally changing how businesses and individuals interact with revenue collectors.
“Zimra remains committed to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, and TaRMS is at the forefront of this transformation,” she said.
“In the past year and a half, TaRMS recorded a 116 percent increase in taxpayer registrations, demonstrating its widespread adoption and effectiveness”.
Ms Chinamasa said the system’s impact extends far beyond mere registration figures.
“TaRMS has ushered in a new era of convenience and efficiency. All tax returns are now submitted online, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual processes.
“For those without internet access, Zimra’s nationwide kiosks ensure no one is left behind,” she said.
TaRMS, which went live in October 2023, is expected to benefit taxpayers, enhance compliance and trade facilitation by the tax authority.
It came as a response to several challenges taxpayers faced, including difficulties in filing returns, lack of data integrity and cumbersome processes for tax payments and refunds.
Designed to foster voluntary compliance, and make tax management straightforward, the system encompasses functions such as taxpayer registration, tax return processing, tax payments and debt management.
TaRMS also seeks to address challenges faced by taxpayers and ZIMRA officials, guaranteeing a more streamlined and user-friendly experience.
Ms Chinamasa said the revenue collector continued to work on bringing a new wave of convenient taxpayer experience.
She said TaRMS had streamlined registration through integrated validation, minimising errors and duplication. Real-time data updates maintain the integrity of taxpayer information, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
“The system’s self-service platforms empower taxpayers to manage accounts, update details, and view ledgers 24/7, significantly reducing the need for physical visits,” said the Zimra commissioner general.
“A key innovation is the automated processing of ITF263 (Tax Clearance Certificates), eliminating delays.
“Furthermore, the system has successfully registered 637 tax agents, enhancing professional engagement within the tax ecosystem.
“The integrated payment systems ensure secure and accurate allocation of payments, fostering trust and transparency. TaRMS is not just a transactional tool; it’s a robust digital infrastructure supporting national revenue management and taxpayer engagement”.
Ms Chinamasa added that TaRMS was built on a foundation of strong cybersecurity, safeguarding sensitive taxpayer data. The system’s 100 percent uptime demonstrates its reliability and the rigorous testing it has undergone. She said it has the ability to handle peak return submissions, coupled with its 24/7 accessibility and real-time account management.
“TaRMS is more than just a software upgrade; it’s a paradigm shift, signalling Zimra’s dedication to modernising tax administration and fostering a more efficient and transparent tax environment for all Zimbabweans,” Ms Chinamasa added.
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