ICPAK launches portal to aid in filing tax returns

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK) has launched a portal to assist Kenyans file their tax returns.

Through the portal www.e-zisha.co.ke, taxpayers would be paired up with expert accountants to ensure accurate filing of returns to avoid the risk of penalties by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

“Only 1.38 million Kenyans filed taxes last year out of a possible 3.8 million Kenyans. Our tax returns project(e-zisha.co.ke) enables Kenyans to register and be allocated a qualified accountant to handle their tax returns as well as other tax issues,” said ICPAK chief executive Edwin Makori.

He said the new portal eliminates instances where cyber operators and other unqualified individuals offer the service at a fee without knowing tax developments thereby exposing Kenyans to the risk of hefty penalties for failing to meet the tax timelines.

“Only a professional of good standing at ICPAK understands the magnitude of non-compliance problem. With each tax filing done, KRA will have details of the individual accountant who submitted the processed form and will be held liable in case of any errors not the individual or corporate taxpayers,” Mr Makori said.

ICPAK’s move adds to lucrative tax returns filing activities within cybercafes where Kenyans throng seeking assistance to file their individual tax returns at a fee.

“And with Covid-19 pandemic, it is advisable for Kenyans to use an online portal they have faith in to fulfill their tax obligations seamlessly. We will charge a convenience fee of Sh500 where each applicant will be link to a certified accountants’ firm that will handle their tax issues, he said.