What Is the ITF263 Tax Clearance Certificate?
The ITF263 is the official tax clearance certificate issued by ZIMRA (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority). It confirms that a taxpayer — whether an individual or company — has no outstanding tax obligations with ZIMRA. The certificate serves as proof that you are a compliant taxpayer.
When You Need a Tax Clearance Certificate
- Government tenders & procurement — All public sector contracts require a valid ITF263
- Bank loans & financing — Banks often require tax clearance for loan applications
- Visa applications — Some embassies require proof of tax compliance
- Property transfers — Buying or selling property requires tax clearance
- Vehicle registration — Some vehicle transactions require an ITF263
- Business licences — Renewal of certain licences may require tax clearance
- Foreign exchange applications — Remitting funds abroad often requires proof of compliance
- Supplier registration — Large corporates require vendors to provide tax clearance
Requirements for Tax Clearance Application
Before applying for your ITF263, ensure the following are in order:
- All tax returns filed — Income tax, VAT, PAYE, and any other applicable returns must be up to date
- No outstanding tax payments — All assessed taxes, penalties, and interest must be paid
- Valid TIN number — You must be a registered taxpayer with a TIN
- Active TARMS account — For online applications
Important: If you have any outstanding returns or unpaid tax, ZIMRA will reject your application. This includes penalty amounts and interest on late payments. Clear all arrears before applying.
How to Apply for the ITF263
Online Application (Recommended)
- Log in to the TARMS portal at efiling.zimra.co.zw
- Navigate to “Tax Clearance” or “ITF263 Application”
- Complete the application form with:
- Your TIN number
- Purpose of the clearance (tender, loan, visa, etc.)
- Name of the institution requesting it (optional)
- Submit the application
- ZIMRA reviews your tax account for compliance
- If approved, download your ITF263 directly from the portal
In-Person Application
- Visit any ZIMRA regional office
- Request the ITF263 application form
- Complete and submit with your TIN details
- ZIMRA checks your account and issues the certificate if compliant
Processing Time: Online applications are processed within 2-5 working days. In-person requests may be faster, sometimes issued on the same day. Allow extra time during peak periods (January-March, tender season).
Validity Period
The ITF263 tax clearance certificate is typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue. After expiry, you must apply for a new certificate. Some institutions may require a certificate issued within the last 3 months, so check requirements before applying.
Common Reasons for Rejection
| Reason | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Outstanding tax returns | File all overdue returns (income tax, VAT, PAYE) |
| Unpaid tax assessments | Pay the full amount due including penalties |
| Pending audit/investigation | Cooperate with ZIMRA to resolve the audit |
| Incorrect TIN details | Update your records at a ZIMRA office |
| System errors | Contact ZIMRA helpline for technical support |
How to Verify an ITF263 Certificate
If you receive an ITF263 from a supplier or business partner and want to confirm its authenticity:
- Check the certificate number on the TARMS portal
- Verify the expiry date is still valid
- Contact ZIMRA directly to confirm the certificate was issued
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What is an ITF263 tax clearance certificate?
The ITF263 is a tax clearance certificate issued by ZIMRA confirming that a taxpayer has no outstanding tax obligations. It is required for government tenders, bank loans, visa applications, property transfers, and various business transactions in Zimbabwe.
How long does it take to get a tax clearance certificate from ZIMRA?
If all your tax affairs are in order, ZIMRA can issue the ITF263 within 2-5 working days. If there are outstanding returns or payments, it may take longer as you need to clear those first.
How long is the ITF263 valid for?
A ZIMRA tax clearance certificate (ITF263) is typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You will need to apply for a new one after it expires.
Can I apply for tax clearance online?
Yes, you can apply for the ITF263 through the TARMS e-filing portal at efiling.zimra.co.zw. Log in to your account, navigate to Tax Clearance, and submit your application. The certificate can be downloaded once approved.
What if my tax clearance application is rejected?
ZIMRA will reject your application if you have outstanding tax returns or unpaid taxes. You need to file all overdue returns, pay any outstanding amounts (including penalties and interest), and then reapply.