The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has come out to clear the air over the information circulating in the media claiming that business people can file their own Value Added Tax (VAT) returns without the need of an intermediary tax agent.
The tax collector on Wednesday, June 23, advised the public that they did not issue Revised Electronic Tax Register Specifications on Tuesday, June 22.
A fraudulent notice indicated that the Tax Invoice Management System (T.I.M.S) would help get information on tax cheats.
KRA appoints agents to withhold and pay VAT on supplies made. Businesses depend on these agents to be tax compliant.
These agents can be verified using the agent checker on iTax.
"In a public notice dated 22/06/2021, KRA informed all authorized Manufacturers and Suppliers of fiscal ETR devices to ensure all ETR devices can automatically send all sales information into the KRA itax system.
"The roll out will enable an automated population to the taxpayers VAT returns hence reducing filing errors, save time and complexity, making it easier for business people to file their own tax returns," the false statement read in part,
The taxman made the clarification after urging Kenyans to file their 2020 income tax returns prior to the Wednesday, June 30 deadline. KRA employees have also extended work hours into the weekend to help Kenyans file their taxes.
“We are encouraging taxpayers to download the KRA M-Service App on their phones. This App enables taxpayers to access various services offered by the Authority such as taxpayer registration, filing of returns and payment of taxes.
"Individual taxpayers with other income in addition to employment income are required to download the excel income tax return to make their declarations," KRA affirmed.
2020 tax returns factors in changes in the tax rates last year. The Tax Laws (Amendment) act No 1 and 2 of 2020 with respect to Employment Income, Cooperation Tax and Value Added Tax.
In the fiscal year 2019/20, Domestic VAT reported a reduction of 7.0%. The impact of Covid 19 pandemic and the reduction of VAT rate from 16 percent to 14 percent were the reasons behind this performance.
Assistance from KRA
Taxpayers can directly get KRA assistance via
KRA Live Help Chat: https://kenya-revenue-authority.custhelp.com/app/home
Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke
Calls (020 4 999 999, 0711 099 999)
KRA social media pages - Twitter - Tweets by KRACare , Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KRACare/
