KRA extends online tax returns filing deadline to end of Sunday

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has extended the period for tax returns to Sunday to allow those who did not meet the deadline comply.

Many taxpayers have not been able to make online filings due to a system overload.

“We will consider favourably anyone who will be able to file their returns by this Sunday,” said KRA commissioner-general John Njiraini.

As at midnight last Tuesday, which was the deadline for filling the returns, KRA had managed to register approximately two million people through its newly installed iTax system.

The iTax platform is a secure online application system first piloted two years ago and commissioned mid last year to provide a fully-integrated and automated solution for administration of domestic taxes.

“At KRA, we are encouraged by the iTax uptake which is one of our key transformation platforms as we strive to simplify and raise efficiency in tax administration,” said Mr Njiraini.

Domestic taxpayers who fail to submit their returns by Friday face the risk of being surcharged Sh1,000 minimum penalty or an annual tax claim calculated at the rate of five per cent of the net tax due.

Mr Njiraini said the rapid registration programme focusing on a strict tax returns filing on the iTax platform had managed to net a daily average of 50,000 new users last month.

READ: E-filing aims to save taxpayers last-minute rush

KRA has also partnered with appointed licensed and trained intermediary agents who assist taxpayers register and file their returns through the platform. Currently, KRA has six support centres and has a client service presence in 22 Huduma Centres countrywide.

The system was rolled out in October 2013 in an effort to increase efficiency and ensure better compliance with tax laws.

Mr Njiraini said the authority is currently enhancing its capacity to implement revenue administration reforms.

Such reforms, he said, will cover the end-to-end digitisation of revenue collection, enhanced taxpayer recruitment and education programme, strategic tax audits and risk profiling.

“All these are measures designed to streamline tax administration systems, improve efficiency in tax collection and enhance taxpayer services while reducing the cost of compliance,” he said.