KAROI, Jun. 15 (NewsDay Live) — Karoi Town Council has warned religious organisations operating commercial ventures that they will be required to pay rates and other applicable taxes, saying properties used for income-generating activities do not qualify for exemptions.
In a public notice issued this week, the local authority said premises owned by churches but used for businesses such as shops, bookshops and business centres would be subject to rates regardless of their religious affiliation.
“Properties utilized for income-generating or commercial purposes become rateable irrespective of their religious status,” council said in the notice issued under its motto, “Talumas Juayat Fortuna”.
The directive means churches running commercial projects on their premises could be assessed for rates and other charges in line with local authority regulations.
Council instructed affected institutions to regularise their records with its Revenue Section at the main offices.
“Churches must now regularize records with the Revenue Section at Main Offices or risk penalties,” the notice said.
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The move comes as local authorities across Zimbabwe face mounting pressure to improve revenue collection amid growing service delivery demands.
The notice, tagged #KaroiKumba, concluded by urging compliance from affected organisations and stakeholders.