In Zambia, Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFD) are currently used to record all business transactions. These physical devices transmit invoice and receipt details in real-time to the tax authorities.
However, starting July 1, 2024, it will become mandatory to use the Smart Invoice electronic billing system, a software-based solution introduced by the ZRA. Smart Invoice is designed to manage invoices and inventory data electronically, with information being transmitted to the ZRA by taxpayers.
While EFDs were limited to covering Value Added Tax (VAT) and Insurance Premium Levy (IPL), Smart Invoice will extend to additional taxes and levies including VAT, Sales Tax, Rental Income, IPL, Tourist Tax, and Local Electricity Consumption Tax. Additionally, Smart Invoice will include inventory management features.
Taxpayers are required to register for Smart Invoice and obtain validation from the ZRA. They must also download the Virtual Sales Data Controller (VSCD) communication module to facilitate the transmission of transaction data to and from the Smart Invoice server. This module acts as a bridge connecting the ZRA’s smart billing systems with business ERP systems.
Electronic documents must be sent to the VSCD, which is linked to the ZRA, for real-time data transmission. The ZRA will validate these documents using a unique identifier code (Mark ID) and a QR code.
