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Tax Guide
2013
foreword
Foreword
A country’s tax regime is always a key factor for any business considering moving
into new markets. What is the corporate tax rate? Are there any incentives for
overseas businesses? Are there double tax treaties in place? How will foreign source
income be taxed?
Since 1994, the PKF network of independent member firms, administered by PKF
International Limited, has produced the PKF Worldwide Tax Guide (WWTG) to provide
international businesses with the answers to these key tax questions. This handy
reference guide provides clients and professional practitioners with comprehensive
tax and business information for over 90 countries throughout the world.
As you will appreciate, the production of the WWTG is a huge team effort and I
would like to thank all tax experts within PFK member firms who gave up their time
to contribute the vital information on their country’s taxes that forms the heart of this
publication.
I hope that the combination of the WWTG and assistance from your local PKF
member firm will provide you with the advice you need to make the right decisions
for your international business.
Richard Sackin
Chairman, PKF International Tax Committee
Eisner Amper LLP
richard.sackin@eisneramper.com
which are undertaken on the basis of the information which is contained within this
publication, nor for any error in, or omission from, this publication.
The publishers and the authors expressly disclaim all and any liability and
responsibility to any person, entity or corporation who acts or fails to act as a
consequence of any reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this
publication.
Accordingly no person, entity or corporation should act or rely upon any matter or
information as contained or implied within this publication without first obtaining
advice from an appropriately qualified professional person or firm of advisors, and
ensuring that such advice specifically relates to their particular circumstances.
The PKF Worldwide Tax Guide 2013 (WWTG) is an annual publication that provides an
overview of the taxation and business regulation regimes of the world’s most significant
trading countries. In compiling this publication, member firms of the PKF network have
based their summaries on information current on 1 January 2013, while also noting
imminent changes where necessary.
Preface
While the WWTG should not to be regarded as offering a complete explanation of the
taxation issues in each country, we hope readers will use the publication as their first
point of reference and then use the services of their local PKF member firm to provide
specific information and advice.
In addition to the printed version of the WWTG, individual country taxation guides are
available in PDF format which can be downloaded from the PKF website at www.pkf.com
PKF International Limited (PKFI) administers the PKF network of legally independent
member firms. There are around 300 member firms and correspondents in 440
locations in around 125 countries providing accounting and business advisory services.
PKFI member firms employ around 2,270 partners and more than 22,000 staff.
PKFI is the 11th largest global accountancy network and its member firms have $2.68
billion aggregate fee income (year end June 2012). The network is a member of the
Forum of Firms, an organisation dedicated to consistent and high quality standards of
financial reporting and auditing practices worldwide.
Corporate Finance
Forensic Accounting
Management Consultancy
Hotel Consultancy
IT Consultancy
PKF member firms are organised into five geographical regions covering Africa; Latin
America; Asia Pacific; Europe, the Middle East & India (EMEI); and North America &
the Caribbean. Each region elects representatives to the board of PKF International
Limited which administers the network. While the member firms remain separate and
independent, international tax, corporate finance, professional standards, audit, hotel
consultancy and business development committees work together to improve quality
standards, develop initiatives and share knowledge and best practice cross the network.
A. TAXES PAYABLE
CAPITAL ALLOWANCES
DEPRECIATION
STOCK/INVENTORY
CAPITAL GAINS AND LOSSES
DIVIDENDS
INTEREST DEDUCTIONS
LOSSES
Structure
FOREIGN SOURCED INCOME
INCENTIVES
D. CORPORATE GROUPS
F. WITHHOLDING TAX
G. EXCHANGE CONTROL
H. PERSONAL TAX
Brazil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am Japan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 pm
British Virgin Islands. . . . . . . . . . . 8 am Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
K
C
Kenya. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
Canada -
Toronto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
L
Winnipeg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Latvia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Calgary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 am
Lebanon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Vancouver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 am
Luxembourg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Cayman Islands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Chile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
M
China - Beijing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 pm
Malaysia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Colombia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Malta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Cyprus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Czech Republic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm Morocco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
D N
Denmark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm Namibia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 pm
Dominican Republic. . . . . . . . . . . 7 am Netherlands (The). . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
New Zealand. . . . . . . . . . . 12 midnight
E Nigeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Ecuador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am Norway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
El Salvador . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am O
Estonia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm Oman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 pm
F P
Fiji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 midnight Panama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Finland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm Papua New Guinea. . . . . . . . . . .10 pm
France. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 pm Peru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Philippines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
G Poland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 pm
Gambia (The). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon Portugal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Germany. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm Q
Ghana. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon Qatar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
Greece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Grenada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am R
Guatemala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am Romania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
S
Singapore. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 pm
Slovak Republic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Slovenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
South Africa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Sweden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
Switzerland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pm
T
Taiwan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Thailand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 pm
Tunisia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 noon
Turkey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
Turks and Caicos Islands . . . . . . . 7 am
Time Zones
Uganda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 pm
Ukraine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
United Arab Emirates. . . . . . . . . . 4 pm
United Kingdom. . . . . . . (GMT) 12 noon
United States of America -
New York City. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 am
Washington, D.C.. . . . . . . . . 7 am
Chicago. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Houston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 am
Denver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 am
Los Angeles. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 am
San Francisco. . . . . . . . . . . 4 am
Uruguay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 am
V
Venezuela. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am
Z
Zimbabwe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pm
ZIMBABWE
Currency: United States Dollar Dial Code To: 263 Dial Code Out: 00
(USD)
Member Firm:
City: Name: Contact Information:
Harare Sydney Bvurere 0777 373 214
sydney.bvurere@pkf.co.za
A. TAXES PAYABLE
Zimbabwean resident companies and private business corporations (companies) are taxed
on non-exempt income from a source within or deemed to be within Zim. Income from a
foreign source attracts tax only if it falls within the specific provisions relating to deemed
source. However, a residence based income tax system is being proposed to come into
effect on 1 January 2014.
Normal tax is payable by Zimbabwean companies on their taxable income at the rate
of 25%. A 3% AIDs levy is imposed on the tax chargeable giving an effective tax rate
of 25.75%.The tax is payable by both public and private companies as well as private
business corporations.
The tax year usually runs from 1 January to 31 December, although different balance
dates are available in certain circumstances. Tax is payable in four quarterly instalments
(QPDs) on the 25th of March, 25th of June, 25th of September and 20th of December
by which dates 10%, 25%, 30% and 35% of the tax liability for the year must be paid
respectively.
Small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) without organised records and with annual
turnover below USD60, 000 may pay presumptive taxes instead of normal tax.
Presumptive taxes are periodic taxes, absolute figures or percentage-based, which are
levied on certain specified business operations, usually undertaken by SMEs.
Mining companies are, in addition to their specific corporate rates of tax, subject to a
royalty calculated on the gross sales relating to the transfer of mineral resources. The
royalty is calculated using different percentages applicable to each the type of mineral. The
percentages range from 1% on base metals to 15% on precious stones.
Trusts
Zimbabwean trusts pay tax at the same rate as companies (25% on each dollar of
taxable income plus a 3% AIDs levy on the tax chargeable). This rate is apparently,
the same as the one applicable to an individual’s trade and investment income. There
are no personal credits to a trust created in terms of the will of a deceased taxpayer.
In cases where the income of a trust that is ordinarily resident in Zim includes foreign
interest or dividends, such income is taxable (dividends at 20% flat rate). Relief is
granted for foreign tax suffered.
Partnerships
Partnerships are not separate legal entities. This means they have no existence
separate from the individual partners that comprise them. Taxable income for the
partnership is computed jointly and then shared between the partners according to
the agreed ratios and each partner is then subject to tax on his share of profits as
trade income.
The all items consumer price index (CPI) is used as the base for the inflation
allowance.A capital loss results where the costs exceed the proceeds on disposal.
CGT is a separate tax and any amounts included as income or deductions in the
calculation for income tax are excluded from CGT. A flat rate of 20% is applicable on
the gain.
As for assets acquired before 1 February 2009, the selling price is deemed to be
the capital gains and a flat rate of 5% is applicable on this gain.Capital gains from
marketable securities listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange are subject to a final
withholding tax of 1%. A withholding tax of 5% applies on private securities while
a rate of 15% applies on gains from immovable property. This withholding tax is
credited on assessment.
Stamp duty
Stamp duty is levied on specified instruments and transfer of immovable property.
The specified instruments include bonds, brokers’ notes, off-market share transfers,
cheques and policies of insurance.
Duty
(USD)
For transfers of up to USD 5,000- for every $100 or part thereof 1
For transfers between USD5,000 and USD 20,000- for every $100 or 2
part thereof
For transfers between USD20,000 and USD100,000-for every $100 or 3
part thereof
For transfers in excess of USD100,000 – for every $100 or part thereof 4
OTHER TAXES:
These include, amongst others, customs and excise duties, carbon tax, and skills and
standards development levies.
Notes
1) The SIA is granted in the year of purchase in relation to movables and in the
year of construction in respect of immovable or year in which the asset is first
used. In subsequent years accelerated W&T is allowed on original cost.
2) SIA is granted on commercial buildings situated at growth point areas only.
3) As from 1 January 2009, the amount qualifying for the allowances in respect of
each unit of staff housing was set at USD10,000 (only available to units the cost
of which does not exceed USD25,000).
4) The Investment allowance is granted in growth point areas only. Applies on
constructed buildings or alterations to existing buildings and on new or unused
articles, implements, machinery and utensils. Motor vehicles for use on roads
are excluded. Allowances are not subject to recoupment.
5) Allowances on motor vehicles restricted to a cost of USD10,000 for vehicles
purchased on or after 1 January 2009.
6) Includes permanent schools, nursing homes, hospitals and clinics (with effect
from 1 January 2009 any part of the cost in excess of USD10 000 of such
permanent schools, nursing homes, hospitals and clinics will be disregarded).
7) W&T on all movables is generally on a reducing balance basis while that on
immovable is on straight line basis (on cost).
8) Includes hotels with liquor and casino licenses.
Stock inventory
All trading stock on hand at the end of the tax year must be added to income while
all trading stock on hand at the beginning of the year ranks as a deduction. Trading
stock is valued at the lesser of cost or net realisable value. Consumable stores and
work-in-progress on hand constitute trading stock. The LIFO method of valuing
trading stock is not permitted..
3. advertising goods outside Zim or otherwise securing publicity outside Zim for
goods
4. soliciting business outside Zimor participating in trade fairs
5. investigating or preparing information, designs, estimates or other material for
the purpose of submitting tenders for the sale or supply of goods outside Zim
6. bringing prospective buyers to Zim from outside the country; and
7. providing samples of goods to persons outside Zim.
Intellectual property
The deduction of expenditure, in any single year, incurred for the right of use of an
invention, patent, copyright, knowledge or other property of a similar nature or design
or other property of a similar nature is not permitted to exceed an amount determined
by dividing the total premium by the number of years representing the duration of the
agreement. If the agreement is for a duration of more than ten years, or the duration
is indefinite, then the duration is deemed to be ten years.
Tax losses
Subject to certain anti-avoidance provisions, tax losses are carried forward to the
following year provided such losses may not be carried forward for a period of
more than six years, except for losses from mining operations. Losses from trading
operations cannot be offset with employment income.
Interest received
Interest received (or accrued) is included in gross income to the extent that such
interest has not been subjected to withholding tax at source (mainly bank interest).
Incentives
The following table indicates applicable normal tax rates of 25% and indicates the
existing tax holiday schemes in the form of reduced tax rates.
Notes:
1. Subject to 3% Aids levy giving effective rates of 25.75%; 15.45% and 20.60%.
2. The 0% rate applies for the first five years and then a 15% applies in the next
five years and 25% thereafter.
3. The 0% rate applies for the first five years and 25% applies thereafter.
Tax credits are granted in respect of foreign taxes paid on foreign sources income in
accordance with unilateral provisions contained in the Income Tax Act and numerous
Double Tax Agreements. Where income is sourced in Zim, no foreign tax credit will
be allowed.
D. Corporate groups
Group taxation is not applicable. However, corporate rules exist which provide
relief in respect of transactions between group companies and between founding
shareholders and their company. The relief provisions deal with the following
transactions:
• asset-for-share transactions
• intra-group transactions
• unbundling transactions
• transactions relating to liquidation, winding-up or deregistration
• amalgamation transactions.
Briefly, the corporate rules provide for the following tax relief in respect of the above
mentioned transactions, provided certain requirements are met:
• CGT
• Stamp duty
• Income tax, specifically with respect to capital allowances claimed, recoupment
of capital allowances and the transfer of trading stock
• Transfer duty
• VAT.
F. WITHHOLDING TAXES
Income from royalties, dividends, interest, and similar income are subject to
withholding taxes at source. Non-residents are subject to withholding tax on
dividends, royalties, fees and remittances.Zimbabwean resident individuals are
subject to withholding tax at source on dividends and bank interest.
H. PERSONAL TAX
Zimbabwean resident individuals are, save for certain exclusions, subject to tax
on their income from a source within Zim. However, the probability of moving to a
residence-based system as from 1 January 2014 is high.
Employers with acceptable accounting records are allowed to use the Final Deduction
System for their payroll tax. This system requires that the employers deduct the
payroll tax accurately such that the individual employees do not have to submit
income tax returns for their employment income to the tax authorities at the end of
the year unless they have other income.
The income tax rates applicable to natural persons for the tax year ending 31
December 2013 are:
Note
Husbands and wives are taxed separately. Taxable income from employment is
arrived at after deducting pension and social security contributions and trade union
subscriptions.An AIDS levy of 3% on tax chargeableis imposed after deduction of
credits. The maximum effective rate is therefore 46.35%. The above rates apply
only to remuneration from employment and pensions. Credits for medical expenses
and medical aid contributions, physically disabled persons and elderly persons are
granted with stipulated maxima.
Any taxable income for an individual which is received by or accrues to him from any
trade, investment or other activity (excluding employment or pension) is taxed at a flat
rate of 25%. The 3% AIDS levy is also applicable to the tax on this income, giving an
effective rate of 25.75%.
The Income Tax Act subjects a number of payments to withholding tax at source.
These are as follows:
Note
1) Other existing Double Taxation Agreements include Norway, South Africa,
Bulgaria, Mauritius, Canada, Poland, France and Malaysia.
2) Payable by all non-resident persons, including companies. For the lower rate
to apply, the non-resident shareholder must hold a minimum of 25% of the
Zimbabwe Company’s shares.
3) This tax is final.
4) Taxpayers who are over the age of 55 years are exempt on the first USD250 per
month.
5) Due date is within 10 days after the date of payment or accrual, whichever is
earlier.
6) Due date is within 10 days of the remittance of the allocable expenditure.
7) Due date is within 10 days of the end of the month following the month of
payment.