KRA waives penalties, extends tax filing deadline to July 5
The authority urged all those who were affected by the technical issues to use the remaining days to file their returns and pay any pending taxes before the new cut-off date.
Kenyans have been granted a four-day extension to file their 2024 income tax returns after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced a new deadline of July 5, following widespread system disruptions on the last day of filing.
KRA said the surge in users on June 30 overwhelmed its online system, making it difficult for many taxpayers to submit their returns and payments on time.
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In response, the tax agency invoked Section 89 (5A)(b) of the Tax Procedures Act to waive any penalties or interest, provided returns are filed within the new grace period.
“We understand the difficulties taxpayers faced on the deadline day and appreciate the large turnout. This gesture reflects the trust Kenyans have in the tax system,” KRA said in a notice on Tuesday.
The authority urged all those who were affected by the technical issues to use the remaining days to file their returns and pay any pending taxes before the new cut-off date.
On Monday, KRA had announced a 24-hour extension for filing tax returns, allowing more Kenyans to file returns after the June 30, 2025, deadline.
KRA explained that the move was aimed at giving more Kenyans time to file their returns following technical challenges experienced with the iTax system on the last day of filing (June 30).
Consequently, Kenyans seeking assistance at the KRA contact centre were told to access services between 7 am and 8 pm on Tuesday, July 1.
In addition, tax offices at service centres across the country will remain open for an extended 12-hour period, from 8 am to 8 pm, to facilitate last-minute filing.
According to the KRA, filing annual tax returns is a mandatory legal obligation for all eligible taxpayers, not just salaried employees.
For instance, business owners, landlords, farmers, and even individuals with no income during the year should file tax returns. Those with no income are required to file a NIL return.
KRA emphasised that filing must be done even after a person’s employer has already deducted and remitted Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
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