Ask any Kenyan you meet on the street what they think of the last two years and the response is likely to be the same; “tunavumilia”.
The last two years have been quite the roller-coaster, not just for Kenya, but the entire world. Some have lost jobs, their source of livelihood, others loved ones and not to mention the COVID 19 pandemic which has taken a toll on our health systems and derailed the growth of the Kenyan economy.
Why you need to file your Returns
For the Kenyan taxpayer, a new year also means you need to file your annual income tax returns. From 1st January 2022 to 30th June 2022, taxpayers are expected to file their 2021 Income Tax Returns on the KRA iTax portal.
Payment of taxes is a responsibility that all Kenyans share in order to ensure the government is able to mobilise sufficient revenue to support development programmes.
What is a Tax Return?
A return is a declaration made by a taxpayer to show the generated income they have garnered over a period of time, with details of payments, and refunds due on taxes during a specific tax period. These returns are an accountability measure for monies made for an individual or an entity.
Prior to filing a return, you need to understand which tax obligation you have in order to accurately account for the income you earned in 2021.
Additionally, some returns are filed on a monthly basis, while others are done annually during the January to June window provided by KRA every year. If you did not earn any income in 2021, you are required to file a NIL return.
Last Minute Madness
Perhaps you are yet to file your 2021 tax returns for a number of reasons; you find it tedious; you think it takes too long, you simply have no clue how to or you’re a victim of Kenya’s “last minute” madness.
Can you picture those who have already filed their returns?
They don’t have to think about that process again until 2023. As a general principle of life, anytime you accomplish something earlier, you feel a sense of production and it enables you to ease the backlog of activities you need to accomplish.
On the flip side, you decide to wait until June, you get anxious as KRA ramps up its reminders, queues are longer, the iTax portal is experiencing a surge in traffic and you could face potential penalties for non-filing or late filing. The stress is simply not worth it.
Lastly, did you know that all KRA Services are free?
On average filing returns will take you anywhere between less than a minute to 8 minutes depending on your tax obligation.
You don’t need to use your own resources to have someone file for you as KRA is on hand to assist in every possible way.
Need Help on How to File?
If you do not know how to file, you have all of the options below at your disposal:
- Walk in to any KRA office and you will be assisted to file
- Call via +254 711 099 999 and a Customer Service Advisor will assist you to file
- Send a DM on Twitter or Facebook to @KRACare
- Email via callcentre@kra.go.ke
- Chat with an agent via https://kenya-revenue-authority.custhelp.com/app/home
Additionally, KRA has developed step by step tutorials on how to file various types of returns that are available on their website and YouTube channel.
Earlier is better
#EarlierIsBetter, don’t wait until June.
Log on to iTax and File Now
By Mr. Kwaje Rading’
BLOG 11/03/2022
