How to easily file your KRA income Tax returns Online

With the deadline nearing, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has asked all Kenyans, whether employed or jobless, to follow the law and file their KRA tax returns.

This means that all citizens above the age of 18 who have a valid KRA Personal Identification Number must file their personal and business income tax forms through the KRA portal.

Citizens who are unemployed and have no income are required to file ‘Nil Returns.’ Students over the age of 18 are included.

Employees in both the public and private sectors must complete a KRA P9 form, which can be obtained from their employer or downloaded from the KRA website.

KRA announced that it had extended its office hours to account for all of its employees.

Filing tax returns in Kenya has been made much easier and simpler and for that matter, the compliance rate has been on the rise in preceding years. There shall be a penalty imposed on those who do not file their returns; which is an additional 5% tax to the total tax in the period.

This is how to file returns for unemployed citizens with KRA pins.

1. Log into the KRA iTax portal (Kenya Revenue Authority (kra.go.ke))
2. Enter your designated KRA PIN
3. Fill in your password
4. Solve the Arithmetic question/Security question.
5. Log in to the KRA Dashboard
6. Navigate to the ‘Returns’ tab and a drop-down menu will show.
7. Click on the ‘File Nil Return’ option.
8. Select Nil e-Return Tax Obligation
9. Fill out the Income Tax Resident Individual form

An auto-generated message appears to confirm the filing of Nil Returns and reads, ‘Filing of Nil Returns is only applicable in cases where you have No transactions to declare the period. Are you sure you want to file Nil Return?’

10. Click Ok and download the KRA Returns receipt to view the details of submission.

For employed citizens, this is how to file KRA tax returns.

1. Log into the KRA iTax portal (Kenya Revenue Authority (kra.go.ke))
2. Enter your KRA PIN
3. Fill in your password
4. Solve the Arithmetic question/Security question
5. Log in to the KRA Dashboard
6. Navigate to the ‘Returns’ tab and a drop-down menu will show
7. Click on ‘File Return’ menu
8. Select Tax Obligation as Income Tax Resident Individual
9. Download the KRA Returns form (ITR utility)
10. Fill in the form (Excel Sheet) with details shown in the P9 form.

The form has 3 sections; Return information, Employment Income, PAYE details and Tax computation section.

11. Upload the Validated KRA Returns form and click submit.
12. Download the KRA Returns for Employed acknowledgment receipt.

This is how to file returns for both employed and unemployed citizens. Better late than never.