Zimbabwe

Currently, the Zimbabwean tax system is based on source and not on residency. Zimbabwe is moving towards a residence-based taxation system, but the details are still to be announced. Income derived, or deemed to be derived, from sources within Zimbabwe is subject to tax.

Source is the place where income originates or is earned, not the place of payment. If goods are sold pursuant to a contract entered into within Zimbabwe, the source of income is deemed to arise in Zimbabwe, regardless of the place of delivery or transfer of title.

Certain types of income arising outside Zimbabwe may, in the hands of a domestic company, be deemed to arise in Zimbabwe and be taxed as such. Examples include interest and certain copyright royalties arising outside Zimbabwe. Where the income is deemed to be from Zimbabwe, relief of the foreign tax suffered, up to a maximum of the Zimbabwe tax, may be allowed as a tax credit.

Permanent establishment (PE)

In the event that Zimbabwe has entered into a double taxation agreement (DTA) with the country where the foreign company resides, the entity will only be taxable in Zimbabwe if it operates through a PE. In most cases, a PE includes an office or a fixed place of business. The establishment of a local entity or branch usually creates a PE, although the provisions of the related tax treaty should be considered. If a PE exists, only the portion of the income attributable to the PE will be taxable in Zimbabwe.

The concept of a ‘permanent establishment’ was introduced into the Zimbabwe Income Tax Act effective from 1 January 2017. The wording is based on the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) guidelines that have been adopted by many countries.