Millions of taxpayers can now file their returns via WhatsApp after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) unveiled a new digital solution as it steps up the push to enhance compliance.

In an update on Wednesday, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga noted that the authority is keen on offering simplified, efficient, and inclusive tax solutions that drive domestic revenue growth. 

Under the WhatsApp platform, KRA said tax filing has now been reduced from previous eight (8) to three (3) simple steps. KRA will also offer instant support via WhatsApp to taxpayers who may encounter difficulties during the filing process, further enhancing convenience and accessibility while empowering taxpayers to self-serve. 

This initiative is part of a phased filing approach designed to ease congestion and encourage timely compliance. 

In addition to the WhatsApp platform, the Authority has introduced significant system enhancements for various taxpayer categories. 

For individuals with employment income, the KRA now provides prefilled and simplified returns that incorporate data from employer PAYE submissions, including Gross Pay, Taxable Pay, and deductions such as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and Affordable Housing Levy (AHL). 

Employers also benefit from a rollout of a simplified PAYE return that enables accurate capture of all applicable exemptions and reliefs within their payroll systems. 

For taxpayers with other sources of income, the system now offers prefilled annual returns covering basic information and withholding taxes. 

An enhanced Taxpayer Dashboard provides improved visibility of transactions related to invoices, imports, and exports.

Furthermore, there is expanded flexibility in expense claims, allowing for the declaration of valid non-eTIMS business expense invoices supported by appropriate documentation. 

The Commissioner General reminded all taxpayers that the statutory deadline for the payment of any balance of tax for income earned in 2025 is 30th April, 2026. 

These enhancements mark the beginning of a broader transformation journey aimed at achieving timely filing of annual income tax returns. 

The KRA calls upon all individuals and businesses to come forward, file their returns, and pay any tax liabilities arising from their 2025 economic activities.

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