The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has shared principal tax reminder messages to particular person taxpayers forward of the June 30, 2025, deadline.
The messages are a part of an ongoing tax amnesty marketing campaign focusing on these with unpaid principal taxes.
Taxpayers who settle their principal tax earlier than the deadline can have accrued penalties and curiosity waived.
In one of many messages shared by KRA, a taxpayer was reminded to settle Ksh77,479 by June 30.
“Our data point out that you just owe principal tax of Ksh 77479.75 as at 31/12/2023. Please settle by 30/06/2025 to get pleasure from 100% waiver on penalties & curiosity,” learn a part of the tax amnesty message to a Kenyan.
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Kenyans’ reactions to the problem
A piece of Kenyans who obtained the messages has since raised considerations, uncertain whether or not they owe tax or if it’s an error.
“Looks like KRA has determined that we should pay for the odious debt now, or what? Why am I getting messages that I owe tax for 2023, a yr I used to be nonetheless on Campus,” stated @aztronist, a Kenyan taxpayer.
Other residents expressed their frustrations, saying they’ve been compliant however nonetheless subjected to the principal tax.
“Every yr, I’ve been paying my taxes as required, and I file my tax returns in time. Today, for the primary time, I’m getting this message from KRA,” complained an X consumer, @Prroh.
However, tax consultants clarified that receiving the message means one doubtless has unresolved tax obligations, which can be minimal or substantial relying on the trigger.
Possible Causes of Outstanding KRA Tax
“There are a number of the reason why a taxpayer could have excellent principal tax,” defined Peter Ndirangu, an knowledgeable in finance and taxation.
One of the most typical is an precise tax legal responsibility, the place an individual recordsdata a return exhibiting a optimistic tax quantity however fails to pay it, both knowingly or attributable to a lack of information.
Another trigger is submitting errors, akin to forgetting to incorporate allowable tax aid like private aid, insurance coverage aid, or making incorrect pension declarations. These errors can result in an inflated tax legal responsibility.
Also, it would consequence from PAYE reconciliation points, the place an employer could have deducted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) from an worker’s wage however did not remit it to KRA.
“In such circumstances, the worker seems non-compliant in KRA’s system though deductions had been made,” Ndirangu stated.
Steps to Confirm Tax Compliance
“Kenyans are inspired to verify their tax standing to keep away from penalties. The easiest way is to use for a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) by way of the iTax portal,” Ndirangu suggested.
After logging in, customers ought to go to Certificates > Apply for Tax Compliance. If there are any pending points, the system will point out them.
Another methodology is to attempt producing eSlip via the I-Tax portal. This is finished below Payments > Payment Registration. If the system fails to create an eSlip, it often means there are not any pending tax obligations.
Taxpayers may select to go to the closest KRA station for additional help, particularly the place employer remittances should be verified.
“However, as a result of submitting rush, queues are anticipated,” he suggested.
