The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has reported a 15pc increase in the number of Kenyans who have filed their annual tax returns by end of May this year.
With less than a month remaining before the close of the 2023/2024 financial year, the authority says 2.4 million taxpayers have so far filed their annual tax returns when compared to the same period last year.
“This marks a 15pc increase in the number of returns filed compared with a similar period in May 2023. It demonstrates a steady growth in filing compliance and a positive indication of taxpayers’ willingness to comply with their obligations,” said KRA in a statement.
The increase in compliance is attributed to the iTax platform which has helped in streamlining the filing process, with taxpayers experiencing improved efficiency and reduced queuing, the taxman said.
“KRA acknowledges and appreciates all taxpayers who have filed their 2023
annual tax returns. KRA further urges all taxpayers to continue filing their tax
returns early to avoid the last-minute rush that comes with deadlines,” the authority added.
Additionally, the Tax Amnesty Programme which came to force on September 1, 2023 has seen over 640,000 taxpayers benefit from the programme as of May 6, 2024.
Latest figures from KRA indicate that the waiver of penalties and interest has so far amounted to Ksh 247.5 billion.
The programme gave waiver on penalties and interest accrued by non-compliant taxpayers for the period to December 31, 2022 provided they pay their principal taxes in full by June 30, 2024.
To date, taxpayers have paid overdue principal taxes amounting to Ksh 22.69 billion, with a total of over Ksh 29 billion self-declared as unpaid taxes.
KRA has further urged all taxpayers to take advantage of the amnesty by settling any outstanding principal tax debts by the set deadline.
