Over 60,000 people risk missing out on key services as taxman revokes PINs
Over 60,000 people may no longer be in a position to open new bank accounts, file their taxes, register to own land, a business or a motor vehicle if the taxman revokes their personal identification numbers.
In a May 3 notice, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) issued a 30-day call to action to entities that have not filed tax returns to do so. Those who fail will see their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) de-registered.
“Kenya Revenue Authority would like to notify the public that taxpayers who are registered under the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act, 2013, and the Income Tax Act, CAP 470 Laws of Kenya are required to file their returns under the respective laws,” read the notice in part.
Failure to file returns, unless the cause is shown to the contrary, the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes said one shall have their PINs de-registered and cancellation from the KRA system, the taxman added.
KRA has listed 62,727 pins against names of their owners, which included individual accounts, companies, schools, and self-help groups intended for de-registration in the next one month unless they file their returns.
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Without the PIN, one will not be in a position to register for land titles, stamping of instruments by the Commissioner of Lands, and payment of land rent.
For any building plan to be approved, a pin certificate is also required. Application for a business permit, too, needs one to produce PIN.
For companies, schools, and self-help groups that will have failed to file their tax returns, the owners will not be able to receive government services, that require PIN numbers.
The commissioner said that the step is pursuant to the provisions of Section ten and fourteen of Tax Procedures Act 2015, and section 36 of the Value Added Tax Act 2013 and is intended to enforce tax returns compliance.
