The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has extended the tax filing deadline to Saturday after it had extended the deadline by 24 hours yesterday following technical difficulties with the iTax system.
In an update, the taxman said the decision to make the extension was necessary to allow more taxpayers to meet their filing obligations after many experienced delays and access issues on the final day.
“Cognizant of the challenges faced by taxpayers during the period and taking into account the provisions of Section 89 (5a)(b) of the Tax Procedures Act, KRA assures the public that we will undertake to waive any interest or penalties that may accrue due to late filing of the end year returns for the year of income ending 31 December, 2024, provided that such returns are filed by 5th July, 2025,” they announced.
In a bid to support last-minute Kenyans, the authority also adjusted its customer service operations.
The KRA contact centre will remain open from 7 am to 8 pm while tax offices and service centres across the country will operate for extended hours between 8 am and 8 pm to offer filing support.
The tax agency reminded all eligible taxpayers that filing annual income tax returns is a legal requirement.
This includes individuals beyond formal employment, such as business owners, landlords, farmers, and those with no income at all, who are still expected to submit NIL returns.
KRA underscored that even salaried workers whose employers deduct and remit Pay As You Earn (PAYE) are not exempt from filing.
Self-employed individuals and those with rental or agricultural income are required to declare all their income sources.
Penalties apply to those who fail to file on time. The fine stands at 5 per cent of the tax due or Sh2,000, whichever is higher.
For unpaid taxes, an additional 5 per cent penalty is charged, along with 1 per cent interest every month until payment is completed.
This is not the first time KRA has taken steps to support compliance.
Back in May, the authority had already announced extended working hours for all its service centres and Huduma centres to handle the growing number of taxpayers submitting their 2024 returns.
The move was aimed at reducing congestion and system strain ahead of the June 30 deadline.
