(A Funny but Very Serious Lesson Before ZIMRA Gives You High Blood Pressure)

Recently, I read an article saying ZIMRA is now auditing doctors. Within hours, my phone lit up like a Christmas tree.

“Jerry, what is the strategy? What must we do? How do we avoid trouble with the tax man?”

I said, *“Yes, we can apply remedies… but the BEST remedy is simple: Stop trading under your personal name. Register a company.

Finish and klaar.”

Let me explain this slowly like a doctor explaining medicine to a scared patient.

1. IF YOU TRADE IN YOUR OWN NAME, ZIMRA CAN COME FOR EVERYTHING INCLUDING THAT MONEY YOU HID AT THE BACK OF YOUR MATTRESS

When you operate as Dr. Moyo, not as Moyo Medical (Pvt) Ltd, you are the business. Meaning:

  • If ZIMRA says you underpaid tax by USD 20,000

  • They will come straight for YOU

  • Your personal bank accounts

  • Your Ecocash

  • Your Mukando savings

  • Even that secret account you opened in 2003

  • Your car, your house EVERYTHING

Because in the eyes of the law: You = the business.

Now imagine you are a gynaecologist performing miracles for babies to be born… next thing ZIMRA is “delivering” your Hilux.

** As a company, you can claim deductions. As a sole trader, you just cry its not easy .**

A company can legally claim several expenses and claim capital allowances

As a sole trader?

You can try to explain to ZIMRA why your groceries are a medical expense… but good luck my friend.

A company gives you tax flexibility. An individual gives you tax stress.

** A Company Allows You to Build a Team Not a One-Man Army**

If your business is under your personal name:

  • You can’t grow

  • You can’t hire specialists

  • You can’t bring in partners

  • Everything depends on YOU

But if you operate as:

Harare Diagnostic Centre (Pvt) Ltd or Bright Smiles Dental Clinic

…you can:

  • Bring in other professionals

  • Share workload

  • Open more branches

  • Take contracts

  • Hire management

  • Attract investors

A company lives beyond your personal capacity.

** A Company Is a Going Concern Your Name Is Not**

Let’s be honest:

If “Dr. Moyo” dies, the business dies instantly. But if Moyo Specialist Clinic exists, the business continues.

Your wife and children can inherit a company. They cannot inherit your personal brand.

A company creates generational wealth. Your personal name creates generational confusion.

** A Brand Built on a Company Name Is More Professional**

Which one sounds like a real institution?

Dr. Dube Medical vs Dube Health & Specialist Centre

Patients trust institutions more than individuals. Institutions feel safe. Institutions feel bigger. Institutions attract corporate clients and medical aid partnerships.****

If You Get Sued, Your Personal Property Is Safe (Company = Limited Liability)

Let’s say something goes wrong medical complications, legal claim, negligence accusation…

If you’re trading under your name:

  • They sue YOU

  • Your personal property is exposed

  • Your assets are fair game

If it’s a company:

  • They sue the company

  • Your personal assets are protected

** When You Die, Your Brand Shouldn’t Die With You**

If your brand is built on your personal name, the moment you die:

Your business: RIP Your legacy: RIP Your clients: “Who will treat us now?”

But if your business is a company:

  • It will continue

  • Your family gets income

  • Your name lives forever through the institution

  • Your employees keep their jobs

** It’s Easier to Sell a Company**

One day you may want to retire or relocate.

Selling “Dr. Mpofu” is impossible.

Selling “Mpofu Eye Centre” is easy.

A company is a transferable asset. A personal brand is not.

FINAL MESSAGE TO DOCTORS

Doctors, you save lives in hospitals. Let your accountant save your financial life.

You diagnose patients. Let the company structure diagnose your business.

You write prescriptions. Today I’m prescribing one for you:

Register a company. Trade through the company. Protect your future. Avoid ZIMRA stress

Doctors, if you’re still trading under your personal name, you’re one ZIMRA audit away from unnecessary blood pressure. Let us help you structure your medical practice correctly company registration, tax planning, bookkeeping systems, and compliance. Protect your assets. Protect your future. Protect your legacy. +263 77 961 9739 | +260 972 936 033

By The Chartered Vendor

#TheCharteredVendor #TaxCompliance #ZIMRA #DoctorsInZimbabwe #MedicalPracticeSetup #BusinessStructure #CompanyRegistration #TaxPlanning #AvoidZIMRAStress #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialEducation #ZimbabweBusiness #ZambiaBusiness #MedicalProfessionals #BusinessForDoctors #AssetProtection #LimitedLiability #BusinessGrowthAfrica #ComplianceMatters #ProfessionalBranding

Jerry Nyazungu

Written by Jerry Nyazungu

Known as "The Chartered Vendor," Jerry is a business consultant, international keynote speaker, and bestselling author. He transforms African businesses through strategic consulting and world-class sales training.

Learn more about Jerry