On Thursday, April 25, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) issued a two-month ultimatum to non-compliant Kenyans regarding millions in defaulted taxes.
The revenue authority warned that there would be no extension to the tax amnesty programme which is set to expire in the 60 days, on June 30, this year.
KRA while directing Kenyans to take advantage of the waiver programme noted that Ksh28.7 billion had so far been accrued in unpaid principal taxes.
KRA pointed out that it had waived a total of Ksh244.7 billion for taxpayers in the ongoing programme and that a total of 500,000 Kenyans had benefitted from it.
“Those that have not been paying and have accrued penalties and interest on their unpaid principal taxes to take advantage of the amnesty and clear any outstanding principal tax debts by 30th June 2024,” KRA announced.
"There will be no amnesty, waiver, or write-offs on penalties and interests after the deadline," KRA added.
The authority noted the tax amnesty programme was established to enhance compliance and revenue mobilization while giving taxpayers with tax disputes a leeway to benefit from the framework.
According to KRA, it has achieved a significant milestone with over half a million Kenyans benefiting from the ongoing tax amnesty program.
Additionally, the authority clarified that the tax amnesty did not extend to customs and import duties, as well as interest and penalties incurred after December 30, 2022.
The Tax Amnesty Programme, introduced by the Finance Act, aimed to provide taxpayers relief by granting amnesty on penalties and interest accrued up to December 31, 2022.
Furthermore, the Finance Acts eliminated tax waivers and abandonment provisions, urging taxpayers to capitalize on the amnesty programme.
In addition to granting amnesty, the legislation introduced stricter penalties for eligible individuals who fail to utilize the amnesty opportunity.
