Over two million Kenyans file annual tax returns ahead of June 30 deadline

The number of Kenyans who have filed their tax returns is 15 per cent more compared to a similar period in May 2023.

"Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced that over 2.4 million Kenyans have successfully filed their 2023 annual tax returns ahead of the June 30, 2024 deadline. This marks a 15 per cent increase in the number of returns filed compared with a similar period in May 2023," read the statement in part.

The taxman highlighted that the increase demonstrates a steady growth in filing compliance and a positive indication of taxpayers' willingness to comply with their obligations.

The authority also noted that the iTax platform has played a pivotal role in streamlining the filing process, with taxpayers experiencing improved efficiency and reduced queuing at KRA Service Centres.

"KRA acknowledges and appreciates all taxpayers who have filed their 2023 annual tax returns.KRA further urges all taxpayers to continue filing their tax returns early to avoid the last-minute rush that comes with deadlines," reads the statement.

Going further, KRA said the Tax Amnesty Programme has seen over 640,000 taxpayers benefit from the programme as of May 6, 2024.

The authority also revealed that the waiver of penalties and interest has so far amounted to Sh247.461 billion, providing much-needed relief to taxpayers.

In addition, the taxman announced that taxpayers have paid overdue principal taxes amounting to Sh22.69 billion, with a total of over Sh29 billion self-declared as unpaid taxes.

"KRA encourages all taxpayers to take advantage of the amnesty by settling any outstanding principal tax debts by June 30, 2024," the authority added.

To ensure Kenyans file their tax returns on time, the KRA announced the extension of working hours last month.

Beginning June 3 to June 30, 2024, from Monday to Friday the taxman would be operating for 12 hours at their service centres, contact centres and selected Huduma Centres.

"Weekdays from Monday to Friday our service centres and selected Huduma centres will operate from 7 am to 7 pm," reads the notice in part.

The selected Huduma centres operating for 12 hours include the one in Nairobi; Headquarters at GPO, City Square, Kibra, Makadara and Eastleigh.

Also, the main headquarters centres in Mombasa, Nakuru, Kericho, Eldoret, Kitale, Meru, Embu, Kiambu, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kisumu, Kakamega and Kisii counties.

All other Huduma centres will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over the weekends, KRA services will only be offered in service centres from 9 am to 1 pm and closed on Sundays.

In contact centres, KRA will operate from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturdays and 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays.

However from June 24 to June 28, 2024 services at the contact centre will be from 7 am to 10 pm.

As the deadline to file tax returns approaches from June 29 to June 30, 2024, service centres will operate from 9 am to 6 pm on both days.

On both days, the contact centre will operate from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday while on Sunday operation will take place from 9 am to midnight.

In addition, Kenyans have been reminded to file their tax returns on or before June 30, 2024.

In Kenya, everyone with a KRA pin must file their tax returns annually.

Any unemployed citizens with no substantive income including students are required to submit their 'Nil Returns.'

Employees in the private and public sectors will need a KRA P9 Form, a mandatory requirement for the process.

The penalty for non-compliance is paying an additional tax equal to five per cent of the tax due in the period.