Admin
2 min read
17 Aug
17Aug

Fraudulent documents are now the theme of the day from fake academic certificates to fake licenses now the ZIMRA Tax Clearance is now being faked. So why does this matter to you?, well a Tax Clearance certificate is something that you need to have when you are running a business whether small or big  or if you want to buy or sell properties, it’s an important document but if you are caught with a fake document you risk jail time whether you unknowingly secured it so it’s always best to know what to look out for. Zimbabweans are being advised to verify all Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Clearance Certificates before using them in any legal or property transaction.

Well so according to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), an increasing number of fake clearance certificates are being circulated, especially during property sales.
To combat this, ZIMRA has rolled out an instant online verification system to confirm the authenticity of CGT certificates in real-time. 

The tool aims to prevent fraud, protect investors, and safeguard national revenue.Investment protection
ZIMRA urged people to verify their tax clearance documents to avoid being duped. “Always verify CGT certificates to fight tax fraud and protect your investment and national revenue,” ZIMRA reiterated on X formerly Twitter.

Here’s a guide on how the system works and why it matters.

What is a CGT Clearance Certificate?

A Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Clearance Certificate is issued by ZIMRA to confirm that the relevant capital gains tax has been paid on a sale or disposal of property or shares. This document is required for transactions such as:
~ Selling or transferring property

~ Selling shares

~ Estate transfers

~ Investment protection

Without a valid clearance certificate, the Registrar of Deeds or transfer attorneys may not proceed with the registration of the property.

ZIMRA warns that fraudsters have been producing fake certificates to mislead buyers and sellers, especially in fast-moving property deals.

There are Two Ways To Verify A CGT Clearance Certificate

ZIMRA has provided two official methods to verify whether a CGT Clearance Certificate is valid. These checks can be done in under a minute.
1. Online Verification Using Authentication Code “Use the Authentication Code,” ZIMRA said. “Go to: mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw.”

Here’s what to do:

Visit mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zwClick on “Verify Certificate”Select “CGT Certificate”

Enter:TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) of the person or entityAuthentication Code from the certificateClick “Verify”If the certificate is genuine, the system will confirm its authenticity immediately.

2. QR Code ScanMost CGT Clearance Certificates issued by ZIMRA now include a QR code. This QR code is linked to ZIMRA’s database.

ZIMRA said:“Scan the QR Code on the certificate using your phone or scanning device. If valid, you’ll see a message confirming it exists in the system.

”You can use a mobile phone with a camera and QR scanner (most smartphones have this built-in). No app download is necessary for most devices.

Why Verification Matters

Fraudulent tax clearance certificates are a growing concern in Zimbabwe’s property and investment markets.Investment protection
“Protect yourself from fake Capital Gains Tax Clearance Certificates,” ZIMRA warned.If a fake certificate is used, the buyer or seller could face delays, financial loss, or legal trouble. More importantly, the transfer of the property may be blocked, leading to disputes and further costs.

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ZIMRA says the new system helps all parties confirm that:

~ The taxpayer is in good standing

~ The transaction has been assessed and taxed correctly

~ The certificate has not been forged or reused

What To Do If You Suspect A Fake Certificate
If your certificate fails the verification process or you suspect it may be fake:
Contact ZIMRA immediately using the following options:

Toll-Free Number: 585

NetOne users: 08010271

WhatsApp: +263 782 729 862

Email: contactcentre@zimra.co.zw

Keep a copy of the certificate and any correspondence for reference.
ZIMRA encourages Zimbabweans to “verify before you trust” as a standard practice.
“Always verify CGT certificates to fight tax fraud and protect your investment and national revenue,” ZIMRA emphasised.Investment protectionThis new system is part of broader efforts to enhance digital public services and reduce corruption within the tax system.

Always stay vigilant to avoid being duped by fraudsters.

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