Kenyans to File Tax Returns after June 30th Deadline in New Regulations

Taxpayers will from next year breath a sigh of relief as Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) moves to relax tough rules on tax returns.

From 2019, the taxman will allow Kenyans to file their returns after the June 30th deadline in a move aimed at boosting compliance and increasing revenue collected.

The new changes are contained in the Tax Procedures Act which will take effect from July 1st,2018. However, taxpayers must make application for an extension of the tax filing period, 30 days prior to the deadline.

In the new changes, businesses which remit their returns per month will be allowed to seek extension 15 days before the June 30th deadline. 

Kenya Revenue Authority's Domestic Taxes Enforcement Division assistant manager, Jeremiah Kinywa, said those who apply for extension will be notified if it is successful or not, five days before the deadline.

“If the commissioner will not have responded to the applicants within the five days, the application will be deemed granted,” said Kinywa.

Current law requires individuals with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to file returns per year, including a nil return. A fine of Sh20, 000 is imposed on those who fail to file before the end of the deadline.