How to File Taxes in Kenya A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Filing your taxes in Kenya doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or running a business, submitting your returns through the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) iTax system is much easier when you know the right steps to follow.

This 2025 guide outlines everything you need, from the documents required to the actual filing process, along with smart ways to simplify tasks like preparing payroll reports or calculating reliefs.

Why You Need to File Your Taxes

Anyone earning a taxable income in Kenya is required by law to file an annual income tax return, even if your employer already deducts Pay As You Earn (PAYE). Filing keeps you compliant, helps you avoid penalties, and may even earn you a tax refund if you’ve overpaid.

What You Need Before You Start

Make sure you have the following items ready:

• Your KRA PIN and iTax password

• P9 Form from your employer (if employed)

• Records of any additional income (e.g., freelance work, rental income)

• Relief documentation (insurance, pension, mortgage interest)

• A laptop or smartphone with internet access

• Optionally, access to payroll or HR software that can help you generate accurate reports and reduce errors

Using Payroll Tools to Make Filing Easier

Payroll and HR systems can make tax preparation significantly smoother. If you have access to one:

• You can quickly generate year-end P9 reports without needing to calculate manually

• Employee details like KRA PINs, pension contributions, and insurance reliefs are stored in one place

• Some systems can automatically flag mismatches or missing data before you file

• Exports are often pre-formatted to match KRA’s iTax templates

By using tools like these, you reduce the risk of penalties and save time.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing on iTax

1. Login to the iTax Portal
Visit https://itax.kra.go.ke and log in using your KRA PIN and password. Reset your password via email if needed.

2. Go to the Return Filing Page
Click on:
Returns → File Returns
Then choose:
Tax Obligation: Income Tax – Resident Individual

3. Select the Filing Period
For 2024/2025:
Period From: 01/07/2024
Period To: 30/06/2025

4. Upload Your P9 Form
If you're employed, upload your P9 Form:
You can get this from your employer
If your company uses payroll software, you may be able to export a validated year-end P9 bundle directly

5. Declare Additional Income
Declare any income from side jobs, rental property, business profits, or investments.

6. Claim Applicable Reliefs
Include deductions such as:
Insurance premiums
Pension contributions
Mortgage interest
If your employer or payroll software tracks these, refer to those summaries to avoid mistakes.

7. Validate and Submit
Click Validate to check for errors, then Submit your return. You’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt. Save or print it for your records.

Key Deadlines to Remember

Annual return deadline: 30 June 2025
Monthly PAYE deadline (employers): 9th of every month
Late filing attracts a Ksh 2,000 penalty for individuals or 5% of the tax due for companies.

Final Tips

File early to avoid portal traffic
Keep digital copies of all key documents
Reconcile payroll details with your employer or accountant
Use KRA’s support lines if you run into issues: 0711 099 999

Need Help Managing Payroll or HR Data for Tax Filing?

For support with tools that simplify tax preparation, accurate reporting, and automated compliance, reach out to:
Email: sales@faidihr.com
Phone: +254 702 339 699