Nick Mangwana sparks debate after insisting rental income is taxable, saying landlords earning money should contribute to national revenue. The post Nick Mangwana says rental income must be taxed appeared first on iHarare News .
Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana has stressed that Zimbabwean property owners must pay tax on rental income.
Mangwana shared the message on X while explaining the Government’s approach towards enforcing rental income taxation.
According to him, a property generating rental income is considered an income-producing business.
Therefore, owners earning money from tenants should contribute to national revenue through taxation.
Mangwana insisted that the requirement is not a newly introduced Government policy.
Instead, he said existing laws already require people to declare and pay tax on qualifying rental income.
However, authorities are now taking a more active approach towards enforcing compliance.
He said the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, ZIMRA, has started identifying property owners who earn rental income.
Mangwana explained that enforcement efforts have initially focused on affluent areas with higher rental incomes.
He described the strategy as a practical cost-benefit approach for tax authorities.
According to Mangwana, Government agencies must deploy resources where enforcement can generate meaningful returns.
As a result, wealthy suburbs have become an early focus for identifying potentially non-compliant landlords.
He argued that rental properties should face taxation like other income-generating ventures.
“If a property is raising money, it should contribute to the national coffers,” Mangwana said.
The comments highlight the Government’s growing focus on expanding tax compliance across different economic sectors.
RENTAL INCOME IS INCOME – AND IT MUST BE TAXED
Did you know? In Zimbabwe, as in many countries, a house that generates rental income is treated as a business.
It's simple: if a property is raising money, it should contribute to the national coffers like any other… pic.twitter.com/EVFAF1xRGc
— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana)
September 1, 2026
Mangwana also issued a direct warning to landlords earning money from their properties.
He said property owners should expect ZIMRA officials to increasingly pursue rental income compliance.
“If you earn from property, expect ZIMRA to come calling,” Mangwana said.
His statement could concern landlords who have not previously declared rental earnings.
However, it also signals stronger Government efforts to improve revenue collection.
Rental income remains an important source of earnings for many Zimbabwean property owners.
Meanwhile, increased enforcement could push more landlords to formalise their rental activities.
Mangwana’s message remains clear: earning income from property creates tax obligations.
Consequently, property owners may need to review their tax compliance before ZIMRA approaches them.
The Government now appears determined to ensure rental income contributes to Zimbabwe’s national coffers.
The post Nick Mangwana says rental income must be taxed appeared first on iHarare News.
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