THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) says the bulk of its revenue tax heads exceeded targets in the first quarter, resulting in total gross collections of $862,47 million against a target of $812,9 million.

The revenue collector said the improved performance was attributable to the thrust in automation, audits and compliance checks.

In a statement yesterday, Zimra board chairperson, Willia Bonyongwe said during the first quarter other tax heads such as value-added tax (VAT) on imports, company tax, mining royalties and other indirect taxes exceeded their first quarter targets in addition to VAT on local sales.

“It is encouraging to note that quite a number of tax heads exceeded their targets unlike before when only VAT on local sales would meet the target. The improved performance of VAT on local sales and company tax is attributable to the thrust in automation, audits and compliance checks. Automation has enabled Zimra to bring in more taxpayers into the net,” she said.