The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced a new USSD service that allows taxpayers to access key services using basic mobile phones, without the need to visit KRA offices or online platforms, Kenyans.co.ke has learnt.
According to the authority, the system, which can be accessed by dialling *222#, was rolled out to reinforce efficiency while accessing KRA services, especially during the upcoming tax filing season.
Among the services offered through the service are Pin Registration, Turnover Tax (TOT), Monthly Rental Income (MRI), ETIMS, Payments, Tax Compliance Certificates, Customs, Other Tax Returns, and more.
"One of the most frequent concerns has been around digital access. We know that not every taxpayer has a smartphone, reliable internet, or even the digital expertise needed to use platforms like iTax or eTIMS," the authority stated.
"We hear you, and we are taking action. We are working to simplify our tools, provide offline support, and increase grassroots outreach, because no Kenyan should be left behind due to technology barriers," it added.
The system will also enable Kenyans to recover their old KRA PIN, as well as PIN checking, which will be fundamental in Tax filing.
The system is aimed at reducing the need for Kenyans to physically present themselves at KRA offices for the services, a barrier that has often undermined tax compliance.
"To give you a concrete example, we have introduced a USSD service. By dialling *222# and selecting Option 5 for KRA services, taxpayers can now access essential services like PIN retrieval and PIN checking, even without a smartphone or internet connection," it added.
The announcement comes two months after the authority said that it would validate the income and expenses declared by Kenyans while they are filing their tax returns.
The authority said that it will validate figures declared against its data sources, including TIMS/eTIMS invoices, Withholding Income Tax Gross amounts, and Import records from customs systems.
In a notice on November 7, the taxman said that the first case of the exercise will be done on the 2025 returns to be filed via the iTax platform before June next year.
“This validation will take place upon submission of the 2025 year of income/accounting period via the iTax platform,” the KRA statement read in part.
