The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched an innovative WhatsApp-based tax filing solution aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing taxpayer experience, and boosting revenue collection.
The new platform allows taxpayers to file their returns through the widely used messaging application, marking a significant milestone in the Authority’s ongoing digital transformation and customer-centric reforms.
Speaking on Wednesday during a press briefing, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga said the solution is designed to make tax filing more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to providing simplified, efficient, and inclusive tax solutions that drive domestic revenue growth,” said Wattanga.
The WhatsApp filing solution introduces a streamlined process that reduces the number of steps required to file returns from eight to three, significantly easing the burden on taxpayers.
The platform also offers real-time assistance, enabling users to receive instant support while filing their returns.
KRA noted that the move is part of a phased filing approach intended to ease congestion on its systems, particularly during peak filing periods, while encouraging timely compliance among taxpayers.
In addition to the WhatsApp platform, the Authority has rolled out several system enhancements targeting different categories of taxpayers.
For individuals earning employment income, KRA has introduced prefilled and simplified returns.
These returns automatically incorporate data from employer Pay As You Earn (PAYE) submissions, including gross pay, taxable income, and deductions such as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Affordable Housing Levy (AHL).
The prefilled system is expected to improve accuracy and reduce errors associated with manual data entry, thereby enhancing compliance levels.
Employers have also benefited from system upgrades, including the rollout of a simplified PAYE return that enables accurate capture of all applicable exemptions and reliefs within payroll systems.
For taxpayers with additional sources of income, the Authority has introduced prefilled annual returns covering basic information and withholding taxes. This development is aimed at easing the filing process and ensuring that taxpayers can declare their income more comprehensively.
KRA has further expanded flexibility in expense claims, allowing taxpayers to declare valid non-electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) business expense invoices, provided they are supported by appropriate documentation.
Additionally, the Authority has introduced an enhanced Taxpayer Dashboard that provides improved visibility of transactions related to invoices, imports, and exports. The dashboard is expected to empower taxpayers with better insights into their tax obligations and compliance status.
Wattanga emphasised that the reforms are part of a broader strategy to modernise tax administration in Kenya and align it with global best practices.
“We are committed to leveraging technology to deliver seamless and efficient services to taxpayers while strengthening compliance and revenue mobilisation,” he said.
He added that the Authority will continue to provide instant support through WhatsApp for taxpayers who may encounter challenges during the filing process, further enhancing convenience and accessibility.
The Commissioner General reminded taxpayers of the statutory deadline for filing annual income tax returns.
“The deadline for filing returns and paying any balance of tax for income earned in 2025 is June 30, 2026. We urge all individuals and businesses to file their returns on time and pay any taxes due to avoid penalties,” he said.
KRA is calling on all taxpayers to embrace the new system and take advantage of the simplified processes to meet their tax obligations.
The Authority expressed confidence that the introduction of the WhatsApp filing solution, coupled with the ongoing system enhancements, will significantly improve the overall taxpayer experience and contribute to increased voluntary compliance.
The initiative underscores KRA’s commitment to innovation and service delivery as it seeks to build a more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly tax system.
By Celestine Lomolijah
