Fiscalisation and interfacing obligations for VAT registered operators
FISCALISATION refers to the use of fiscal devices to record taxable transactions and other tax information on the read-only fiscal memory at the time of sale for Value Added Tax (VAT) purposes. It was introduced in Zimbabwe on 8 June 2010 through Statutory Instrument 104 of 2010. Who is required to fiscalise?
Every registered operator who is in category “C” was required to use fiscal devices with effect from 1st October 2011.
Every registered operator who is in categories A, B and D was required to use fiscal devices with effect from 1st January 2017.
How do I know the correct type of fiscal device to use?
VAT registered retail operators are, for the purposes of recording taxable transactions, required to use: a fiscalised electronic register; or
a non-fiscalised electronic register together with a fiscal memory device.
All other operators who are not retail operators are required to use: an electronic signature device; or a fiscalised electronic register; or
a non-fiscalised electronic register together with a fiscal memory device.
What are my obligations as a registered operator who is required to fiscalise?
To acquire appropriate devices from approved suppliers
To register the devices with ZIMRA by completing and submitting the ZIMRA Form FRT1. The form can be obtained or accessed from any ZIMRA office or from the approved suppliers, or the ZIMRA website (www.zimra.co.zw). To integrate systems to the device To ensure there is back-up power supply capable of lasting at least eight hours from the time the power supply ceases
To liaise with the supplier on installation and configuration of the devices onto the system and interfacing with the ZIMRA server
To ensure tax rates configured into the system are correct
To print test Z-Report indicating that the device is now in fiscal mode
To confirm with ZIMRA that the device is working and ready to record tax information
To liaise with ZIMRA on the sealing of device indicating that the device is ready for use
To record all sales using the device once it has been fiscalised and not to use any alternative systems without the approval of ZIMRA
To prepare daily, monthly and annual reports of sales and VAT
To keep a record of the servicing of the device
To ensure that no other person uses the fiscalised device which has been registered under your BP Number
To report all faults to ZIMRA promptly and no later than eight hours from the time of occurrence and get reference numbers for all faults reported
To ensure that any breaking of the seal is approved and always done in the presence of ZIMRA personnel.
NB: If a device is going to be out of use for more than eight hours due to interruption in power supply, theft, technical fault or any other similar reason, the registered operator is required to report to ZIMRA promptly and within eight hours from the time the device went out of use and receive an error report number from ZIMRA.
If the fault occurs after business operating hours, the registered operator should make a report by 0800hrs on the following working day.
Do I get any assistance or benefit from ZIMRA on acquiring the fiscal devices?
Registered operators can claim 50% of the cost of acquisition of the fiscal devices as Input Tax on their VAT 7 Return
The remaining 50% is also claimable as capital allowances under the Income Tax Act for clients registered for Income Tax
The local supply of fiscalised electronic registers and fiscal memory devices is zerorated for VAT purposes.
chemicals should be used, precaution should be taken to ensure human safety as well as a clean environment. Most of the chemicals that are used on farms; pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, among others, are classified as hazardous substances.
The following Dos and Don’ts are necessary when handling such substances on the farm: Do: 1. Use appropriate protective clothing to be safe from the harmful effects of hazardous substances.
2. Know your pest(s) and consider alternatives before you treat with pesticides
3. Read the label carefully before you purchase the pesticide
4. Choose the form of pesticide best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control
5. Transport pesticides securely stowed in a labelled car trunk, in the back of a truck away from passengers, food stuffs and animal feed.
6. Read the label again before opening the container (each and every time).
What does interfacing with ZIMRA mean?
Interfacing means linking of a registered operator’s fiscal devices to the ZIMRA server. All registered operators are required to interface their fiscal devices to the ZIMRA server and the registered operator should contact their supplier of fiscal devices for assistance. What is the Deadline for interfacing?
All fiscal devices should be interfaced by 31st December 2017.
Consequences for failing to fiscalise and interface devices
Failure to fiscalise or use fiscalised devices attracts a civil penalty of US$25 per point of sale per day up to a maximum period of 181 days
Any person whose device is not interfaced by 31st December 2017 is liable to a fine of US$25 per day up to a maximum period of 181 days
Thereafter, prosecution procedures are instituted if one is in default
Approved suppliers of fiscal devices
7. Use the proper safety equipment and protective clothing listed on the label.
8. Apply the correct dosage as guided by the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or label.
9. Apply only to crops (targets) identified on the label.
10. Keep detailed records of all pesticides used and the environmental conditions at the time of application.
11. Triple rinse all tools and equipment and apply rinse water to target according to label.
12. Wash clothing worn when using pesticides separately from other laundry.
13. Call a doctor, nearest clinic immediately in the case of accidental exposure.
14. Properly store chemicals under lock and key in original containers that are tightly closed, labelled and securely stored.
15. Dispose of unused or unwanted pesticides properly as guided by the SDS or manufacturer. Do not: 1. Purchase more than you will use in one season.
In addition to the existing suppliers of fiscal devices, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has been authorised in terms of the General Notice 307 of 2017 published in the Zimbabwe Government Gazette of 23rd June 2017 to sell fiscal devices.
The fiscal devices are available for sale country wide at ZIMRA offices. Disclaimer This article was compiled by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for information purposes only. ZIMRA shall not accept responsibility for loss or damage arising from use of material in this article and no liability will attach to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
To contact ZIMRA: WhatsApp line: +263 782 729 862, Visit our website: www. zimra.co.zw, follow us on Twitter: @Zimra_11, like us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/ZIMRA.11
Send us an e-mail: pr@zimra.co.zw/ webmaster@zimra.co.zw, Call us (Head Office): 04 –758891/5; 790813; 790814; 781345; 751624; 752731
2. Handle or apply pesticides when you are not feeling well. 3. Smoke or eat while applying pesticides. 4. Inhale pesticide dusts, sprays, vapours or fumes. 5. Mix or apply a pesticide near a well head. 6. Endanger the environment by using excess quantities of pesticide, applying to non-targets or applying at the wrong time.
7. Use on targets not specified on the label (if it is labeled only for fruit trees, do not use it on shrubs)
8. Allow pets or people access to the treated area prior to labeled re-entry time
Environmental Facts, Tips and Updates are published weekly by the Environmental Management Agency. Send your feedback to; eep@ema.co.zw. Follow us on Facebook; Environmental Management Agency and Twitter; @EMAeep or visit our website www.ema.co.zw. Alternatively, call us on: Tel 04-305550/305407 and Toll-free 08080028; or use our WhatsApp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.