Just as you have set new year resolutions to eat healthier, settle debts and allocate more time for family, your taxes should also be on your mind.
It's another year and it is every Kenyan citizen's responsibility to pay taxes as proclaimed by the mantra of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Tulipe Ushuru, Tujitegemee.
Other than waiting for the June 30 deadline and avoid the last minute rush, you can file your taxes from as early as January 1, 2019.
Those within the income tax bracket can quickly and easily file their returns on the iTax portal by following the steps outlined below.
1. On the KRA website, select the iTax button and proceed to enter both your KRA PIN and the password that was provided when you registered with KRA, in case you have never changed the password. Answer the simple Mathematics sum right under the Password box and click on "Log in".
2. Once on the portal, locate the "Returns" tab or click on the "e-Return" icon on the "e-Returns" pop-up on the home page.
3. Under the "Tax Obligation" box, proceed to select the "Income Tax- Resident Individual" option and click on "Next".
4. You will then be required to download an excel sheet titled "IT1 Resident Individual Form". This is the form that you will edit and later upload when fully completed.
5. Upon due completion of the form, update the "Period From" and "Period To" fields and click on the button to agree to the terms then submit the return. The portal will either generate a receipt for the received returns or an error message in case of unsuccessful submission.
In case you have lost your password or PIN, you can easily reset it to avoid paying the penalties if you fail to file the returns by June 30.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requires all citizens with a KRA Personal Identification Number (PIN) to file their returns, including those who earn below the taxable amount - that is, a Nil Return.
In April 2018, the taxman introduced new rules governing the filing of Nil Returns in order to reduce cases of tax evaders who file Nil Returns.
The new rules require Nil Return filers to explicitly declare that they do not have any other source of income through the online iTax platform.
KRA accepts complaints or queries as a way of improving their service delivery. Complaints can be lodged in KRA either in person at the Times Tower Building, the nearest regional office, tax service center or Huduma Centre.
You can also email them at callcentre@kra.go.ke or contact their customer care number: 0711099999.
