Not sure what to do about a ZIMRA assessment?

Your first move is an objection to the Commissioner-General — in writing, stating the full grounds of your disagreement and the amounts in dispute.

1. Note the date of the assessment — your objection deadline runs from it.
2. Set out every ground clearly; you are largely held to these grounds later.
3. Attach your supporting evidence (documents, computations, valuations).
4. Remember "pay now, argue later": the tax is still due while you object — apply for a suspension or payment plan if cash-flow is an issue.

You can appeal to the Fiscal Appeal Court (the Special Court for Income Tax Appeals) within the statutory period. The appeal is a fresh hearing of the dispute on the grounds you raised.

1. File the notice of appeal on time and in the correct form.
2. The onus of proof is on you (s63) — prepare your evidence and witnesses.
3. Keep to the grounds stated in your objection.
4. The debt still stands pending the appeal unless suspended.

From the Fiscal Appeal Court, matters can proceed to the High Court and ultimately the Supreme Court on points of law. Supreme Court decisions bind everyone below.

1. Higher appeals focus on legal error, not re-arguing the facts.
2. Get professional representation — the stakes and formality rise.
3. Study how similar points were decided before you commit.

Customs & excise and VAT disputes follow their own objection-then-appeal routes under the Customs & Excise Act and the VAT Act, with appeals to the Fiscal Appeal Court. The same discipline applies: full grounds, strict deadlines, onus on you, and the debt payable meanwhile.