KRA Urges Kenyans to Take Advantage of Tax Amnesty Window

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has appealed to taxpayers to take advantage of the Tax Amnesty introduced through the Finance Act 2023 which was assented to law by President William Ruto.

The amnesty takes into consideration penalties and interests gathered as of December 31, 2022, and spares a taxpayer from the penalties and interests if they paid all the principal taxes that were due by that date.

KRA made this appeal on Friday, September 29 while announcing that it will launch its Annual Taxpayer's Month and unveil its online auction on Monday, October 2 as a way of giving back to the taxpayers.

“In the spirit of giving back to taxpayers, KRA is also calling on taxpayers to take advantage of the Tax Amnesty, introduced through the Finance Act 2023. The amnesty factors in all taxpayers with penalties and interests accrued as of December 31st 2022. Taxpayers are from September 1, 2023, to June 2024 allowed to settle the principal tax and all their penalties and interests will be waivered,” stated KRA in part.

During the automatic waiver of the penalties and interest related to the aforementioned period, taxpayers will also not be required to make an amnesty application.

According to KRA on its website, “Where a person has not paid all the principal taxes accrued up to 31st December 2022, they will be required to apply to the Commissioner for amnesty on interest and penalties and propose a payment plan for any outstanding principal taxes which should be paid not later than 30th June 2024.”

The Finance Act also eliminated the tax waiver and abandonment provisions, meaning taxpaying Kenyans are encouraged to take advantage of the amnesty before its expiry at the end of the current financial year (June 30, 2024).

KRA meanwhile celebrates the Taxpayers’ Month every year to appreciate compliant taxpayers for their patriotism in remitting their taxes in the 2022/23 financial year.

The event celebrated throughout the month of October, will be marked by customer-centric activities countrywide including taxpayer appreciation visits, taxpayer education, Annual Tax Summit and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

“The Taxpayers' Month Launch scheduled for 2nd October 2023, also encompasses the launch of the online auction, which opens up the process to taxpayers countrywide. The auction was previously a physical event held in Nairobi and Mombasa,” added KRA.

The month-long celebration will culminate in a taxpayers' award ceremony to be officiated by President Ruto. This ceremony will recognise and honour distinguished taxpayers for upholding tax compliance in 2022.

The Taxpayers' Month also acts as a platform to encourage citizens to be tax compliant, fund the national budget and make their contribution towards sustaining the economy.

“This year's Taxpayers' Month theme is "Tunawiri", which can be translated to "let us prosper". The theme is a rallying call to all Kenyans to fulfil their role towards the prosperity of Kenya through the payment of taxes,” KRA stated.

Through their participation, taxpayers will also be accorded an opportunity to give feedback on various tax issues that will enable the Authority to enhance service delivery and create a more conducive environment for voluntary compliance.