Period for Filing Tax Returns in Kenya Ends on Sunday

The period for filing tax returns for holders of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Personal Identification Number (PIN) is set to end on Sunday, June 30th. 

The law requires any Kenyan who has a PIN, whether based in the country or abroad, to file returns annually, including a nil return.

Failure to file returns before the deadline attracts a fine of Sh20,000 under the Tax Procedures Act number 29 of 2015.

In 2017, KRA stated that earning income abroad does not exempt one from declaring it since it may be deemed to be accrued from Kenya.

The taxman further said that assets or property held abroad by Kenyan nationals must be declared, if proceeds derived from the assets are intended to be repatriated to Kenya.

“If you are a tax resident in Kenya earning income abroad that is deemed to be accrued or derived from Kenya, then such income should be declared for amnesty if you had not declared it before,” KRA said.

In a statement on Thursday, KRA said it has extended their working hours to give Kenyans more time to file their returns. The agency said their offices will remain open throughout to Sunday.

“Customs offices supporting port operations are open 24 hours to facilitate customs services whereas the iTax Service Centers will operate from 7:00AM-9:00 PM. The Contact Centre shall be operational from 6:00AM-12:00 Midnight," KRA Deputy Commissioner, Marketing and Communication Grace Wandera said.

“All taxpayers are therefore encouraged to utilize all these platforms to ensure that they remain compliant and avoid penalties for late or failure to submit a tax return. This will enable them to acquire a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), which is a critical document in accessing services."