The news about buying a used car in Zimbabwe has changed. In November 2015, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa presented his budget statement for 2016. There were a number of announcements in this budget statement, but one of them made a distinction for purchasers of used vehicles: a new calculation of the excise on the change of ownership of a vehicle.
What will change?
If a vehicle is purchased, the new owner has 14 days to report it to ZIMRA (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) and make a change of ownership; otherwise, it is liable to a fine. Upon the change of ownership, ZIMRA will review your sales agreement and calculate the amount of the excise you should pay at the time of the sale.
If they are satisfied with the amount of the sales agreement, everything goes well, if they do not agree with the amount you claim to have paid, they will make their own "assessment".
How is the calculation of the rights?
The amount payable to ZIMRA for a special excise duty on the change of ownership of used motor vehicles is calculated in accordance with the appendix below.
Number of years from date of manufacture
Engine capacity
Special Rate of Excise Duty (US $)
0 - 4 years
1000cc
300 $
1001-1500 cc
400 $
1501-2000cc
500 $
2001-2500cc
600 $
2501-3000cc
600 $
3001-3500cc
600 $
Au-dessus de 3501cc
600 $
5 à 10 years
1000cc
150 $
1001-1500 cc
200 $
1501-2000cc
250 $
2001-2500cc
300 $
2501-3000cc
400 $
3001-3500cc
400 $
Au-dessus de 3501cc
400 $
11 - 15 years
1001-1500 cc
150 $
1501-2000cc
200 $
2001-2500cc
250 $
2501-3000cc
300 $
3001-3500cc
400 $
Au-dessus de 3501cc
400 $
16 à 20 years
1000cc
50 $
1501-2000cc
100 $
2001-2500cc
150 $
2501-3000cc
150 $
3001-3500cc
150 $
Au-dessus de 3501cc
150 $
Above 20 years
50 $
Paying your taxes and duties on time will avoid you many problems and will make your car purchase easier.