Filing tax returns is a legal requirement for every Kenyan with a KRA PIN. However, many people still find the process complicated or confusing. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) introduced the iTax system to simplify tax administration, making it easier and more accessible for individuals and businesses to stay compliant.
This article will walk you through what iTax is, who needs to file returns, how to do it correctly, and why it's essential for both individuals and organizations.
What is iTax?
iTax is an online system developed by the Kenya Revenue Authority to allow taxpayers to:
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Register and update their KRA PIN details
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File different types of tax returns (Income Tax, VAT, PAYE)
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Apply for Tax Compliance Certificates
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Make tax payments and view transaction history
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Access tax statements and other KRA services
You can access iTax through itax.kra.go.ke, available 24/7 on mobile or desktop.
Who Should File iTax Returns?
Anyone with a KRA PIN must file annual returns, whether they earned income or not. Categories include:
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Employed individuals: File Income Tax returns using the P9 form provided by the employer.
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Self-employed persons: File returns using their income records or books of accounts.
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Students and unemployed persons: Must file a Nil Return to indicate they earned no income.
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Companies and organizations: File corporate income tax returns and monthly obligations such as PAYE and VAT.
Failure to file or late filing results in penalties:
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Ksh 2,000 for individuals
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Ksh 20,000 for non-individuals (companies, NGOs)
When is the Deadline?
The deadline for filing individual income tax returns is 30th June every year for the previous year’s income. For example, by 30th June 2025, you must have filed your 2024 income tax return.
Other tax obligations like VAT and PAYE must be filed and paid by the 20th of the following month.
How to File iTax Returns (Step-by-Step)
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Visit itax.kra.go.ke and log in using your KRA PIN and password.
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Click on “Returns” and select “File Returns”.
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Choose the appropriate return type (e.g., Income Tax - Resident Individual).
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Fill in your income details or upload your P9 form.
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Validate the form, submit, and download the acknowledgment receipt.
For Nil Returns:
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Select "File Nil Return"
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Confirm details and submit
The process is simple and can be completed in less than 10 minutes if you have your documents ready.
Why This Matters for Businesses
For businesses, compliance with KRA requirements isn't just a legal issue—it's a reputation and operational concern. Late or incorrect filings can result in penalties and unnecessary audits. That's where automated solutions like FaidiHR come in.
FaidiHR helps you:
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Calculate accurate PAYE and other tax deductions
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Generate employee P9 forms automatically
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Prepare monthly and annual returns
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Stay aligned with KRA deadlines and formats
By automating your HR and payroll processes, FaidiHR reduces risk, saves time, and ensures accuracy.
Contact Us
Need help with tax filing or automating your payroll and HR operations?
Sales: +254 702 339 699
Email: sales@faidihr.com
Let us help you stay compliant and stress-free with iTax returns.