Frequently Asked Questions
How Can We Help You?
Find answers to common questions about our business consultancy, tax, accounting, and enterprise software services in Zambia.
General
What services does M&J Consultants offer in Zambia?
M&J Consultants offers a comprehensive range of business services including business advisory, tax consultancy, accounting and bookkeeping, HR consulting, company formation, investor services, and enterprise software solutions such as Odoo ERP, Sage Pastel, QuickBooks, IQ Retail, Palladium ERP, and Zoho Books. We serve businesses of all sizes across Lusaka and Zambia.
Where is M&J Consultants located?
Our office is located at 1504 Mungulube Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia. We serve clients across Lusaka and throughout Zambia, with both in-person and remote consultancy options available. You can reach us at +260 950 054 386 or info@mjconsultants.co.zm.
What are your working hours?
Our office is open Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 17:00. You can schedule consultations within these hours. For urgent matters, you can reach us via phone at +260 950 054 386 or +260 979 369 374, or email us at info@mjconsultants.co.zm and we'll respond as soon as possible.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes, we offer a free initial consultation where we assess your business needs, understand your goals, and recommend the best services and solutions for your situation. There is no obligation, and it helps us provide you with a transparent, tailored quote.
Which industries do you work with?
We serve clients across a wide range of industries in Zambia including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, construction, hospitality, healthcare, financial services, NGOs, and technology. Our consultants bring sector-specific knowledge to every engagement.
Do you work with startups and new businesses?
Absolutely. We offer company formation and registration services, helping entrepreneurs establish their business in Zambia from the ground up. This includes company registration with PACRA, tax registration with ZRA, and setting up your accounting and payroll systems from day one.
Pricing & Engagement
How much do your business consultancy services cost?
Our pricing varies depending on the scope and complexity of your needs. We offer competitive rates tailored for Zambian SMEs and corporates. Contact us for a free initial consultation where we'll assess your requirements and provide a transparent quote with no hidden fees.
Do you offer flexible payment plans?
Yes, we understand that cash flow management is important for businesses. We offer flexible payment arrangements including monthly retainers, project-based billing, and phased payment plans. We'll work with you to find a payment structure that suits your budget.
Can I hire M&J Consultants on a retainer basis?
Yes, many of our clients prefer a monthly retainer arrangement for ongoing services such as bookkeeping, payroll processing, tax compliance, and HR advisory. Retainer packages provide consistent support and are often more cost-effective than ad-hoc engagements.
How long does a typical consulting engagement last?
It depends on the scope of work. A company registration typically takes 5 to 10 business days. ERP implementations can range from 4 to 12 weeks depending on complexity. Tax and accounting services are often ongoing. We'll provide a clear timeline during your initial consultation.
Tax & Compliance
Can you help with ZRA tax compliance and PAYE?
Yes, tax consultancy is one of our core services. We help businesses with corporate tax planning, VAT management, turnover tax advisory, PAYE compliance, and ZRA returns filing. Our team stays current with all Zambia Revenue Authority regulations to ensure your business remains fully compliant.
What types of tax services do you provide?
We provide a full range of tax services including corporate income tax planning and filing, VAT registration and returns, turnover tax advisory, PAYE processing and compliance, withholding tax management, tax technology consulting, and tax legislation advisory. We also assist with ZRA audits and dispute resolution.
Can you help if my business has outstanding ZRA issues?
Yes, we regularly help businesses resolve outstanding tax matters with the Zambia Revenue Authority. This includes filing overdue returns, negotiating payment plans for outstanding liabilities, responding to ZRA queries, and representing your business during tax audits. The sooner you address these issues, the better.
Do you handle VAT registration and filing?
Yes, we assist businesses with VAT registration once they meet the ZRA threshold, manage ongoing VAT returns filing, ensure proper input/output tax calculations, and advise on VAT compliance best practices. We make sure your VAT obligations are met on time to avoid penalties.
What is turnover tax and does it apply to my business?
Turnover tax is a simplified tax regime in Zambia for small businesses with annual turnover below a certain threshold set by ZRA. It replaces corporate income tax, VAT, and other taxes with a single percentage on gross turnover. We can assess whether your business qualifies and help you register if it's beneficial.
Accounting & Bookkeeping
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive accounting services including monthly bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, management accounts, bank reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable management, year-end financial reporting, and compliance reporting in line with Zambian accounting standards.
Can you take over our existing bookkeeping?
Yes, we regularly take over bookkeeping from in-house teams or other providers. We'll conduct a thorough review of your existing records, clean up any discrepancies, and establish a smooth process going forward. We work with all major accounting software platforms to make the transition seamless.
Do you prepare financial statements for audits?
Yes, we prepare audit-ready financial statements that comply with Zambian accounting standards and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) where applicable. We work closely with your auditors to ensure a smooth audit process and can address any queries that arise during the engagement.
Company Formation & Registration
How do I register a company in Zambia?
To register a company in Zambia, you need to reserve a company name with PACRA (Patents and Companies Registration Agency), prepare the required incorporation documents, submit the application, and obtain your certificate of incorporation. We handle the entire process for you, including name reservation, document preparation, PACRA filing, ZRA tax registration, and NAPSA registration.
How long does company registration take in Zambia?
With M&J Consultants handling your registration, the process typically takes 5 to 10 business days from name reservation to receiving your certificate of incorporation. The exact timeline depends on PACRA processing times and the completeness of your documentation. We'll guide you through every step.
What documents do I need to register a company?
You'll need National Registration Cards (NRCs) or passports for all directors and shareholders, proof of registered office address, completed PACRA forms (which we prepare for you), the company's articles of association, and details of the company's share structure. For foreign investors, additional documentation such as work permits may be required.
Can foreign investors register a company in Zambia?
Yes, Zambia welcomes foreign investment. Foreign nationals can own 100% of a Zambian company. We provide comprehensive investor services including company registration, obtaining the necessary investment licences from the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), work permit assistance, and ongoing compliance advisory to help foreign investors establish and grow their businesses in Zambia.
HR & Payroll
What HR consulting services do you provide?
We provide end-to-end HR consulting including workforce planning, recruitment support, employment contract drafting, employee handbook development, payroll management, NAPSA and NHIMA registration and compliance, disciplinary procedures, labour law advisory, and HR policy development. We ensure your HR practices comply with Zambian employment law.
Can you handle payroll processing for my company?
Yes, we offer full payroll processing services including monthly salary calculations, PAYE deductions and filing, NAPSA contributions, NHIMA contributions, payslip generation, and payroll reporting. We use leading payroll software including Sage Pastel Payroll and Odoo Payroll to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Do you help with NAPSA and NHIMA registration?
Yes, we assist with employee registration for both the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). We handle the registration process, ensure timely monthly contributions, and manage all related compliance requirements on your behalf.
Enterprise Software & ERP
Which ERP systems do you implement?
We implement and provide ongoing support for Odoo ERP, Palladium ERP, Sage Pastel Accounting, Sage Pastel Payroll, IQ Retail, QuickBooks, and Zoho Books. We help you choose the right system based on your business size, industry, and budget, and provide training for your team.
How do I choose the right accounting software for my business?
The right software depends on your business size, industry, budget, and specific needs. For small businesses, QuickBooks or Zoho Books are excellent choices. For growing companies needing integrated modules, Odoo ERP or Palladium ERP are ideal. For businesses needing robust payroll and accounting, Sage Pastel is a strong option. We'll assess your needs during a consultation and recommend the best fit.
Do you provide training on the software you implement?
Yes, comprehensive training is included in all our software implementation packages. We train your team on how to use the system effectively, provide user guides and documentation, and offer post-implementation support to ensure a smooth transition. We also offer refresher training and can train new staff members as your team grows.
What is Odoo ERP and why should I consider it?
Odoo is a comprehensive, open-source enterprise resource planning system that integrates all your business processes — accounting, inventory, sales, purchasing, HR, payroll, CRM, and more — into a single platform. It's highly customisable, scalable, and cost-effective compared to traditional ERP solutions. It's particularly well-suited for Zambian SMEs looking to digitise their operations.
Do you offer ongoing software support and maintenance?
Yes, we provide ongoing technical support, system maintenance, software updates, and troubleshooting for all platforms we implement. Our support packages include email and phone support, remote assistance, and on-site visits when needed. We also offer system health checks and performance optimisation as your business grows.
Still Have Questions?
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Whether you need tax advice, accounting support, HR consulting, or an ERP system — our team is ready to help. Reach out for a free initial consultation.
1504 Mungulube Road, Northmead, Lusaka, Zambia
Monday – Saturday: 08:00 – 17:00
Sunday: Closed