Why Filing Returns is a Must: What Every Kenyan Should Know About KRA. Dont miss out
Why Filing Returns is a Must: What Every Kenyan Should Know About KRA
Filing your KRA returns might sound like a complex or boring task, but in reality, it’s a powerful and necessary step toward becoming a responsible and empowered citizen of Kenya. Whether you’re employed, unemployed, a student, a hustler, or a business owner, filing your tax returns is not optionalit’s your duty.
Let’s break it all down, no jargon, no stress—just facts, truth, and action. Ready?
What is KRA and What Are Tax Returns?
KRA stands for the Kenya Revenue Authority, the body responsible for tax collection in Kenya. Every Kenyan adult with a KRA PIN is required to file annual tax returns—whether they made money or not!
Tax returns are official declarations that show KRA how much you earned in the past year and how much tax (if any) you paid. If you didn't earn anything, you still need to file a Nil return.
What Happens If You Don’t File?
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Ksh 2,000 Penalty per year of non-compliance.
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Blocked from applying for government jobs, tenders, or loans.
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Denied a clearance certificate.
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Poor tax compliance record that affects your creditworthiness.
✅ Who Should File Returns?
| Category | Type of Return to File | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employed | Individual Return (ITR) | Use your P9 form from employer |
| Business Owner | Presumptive or Turnover Tax Return | Depends on your business type |
| Student or Unemployed | NIL Return | You still need to file annually |
| Hustler / Freelancer | Business or Rental Income Return | Declare what you made |
| Company | Company Return | Even if no income—must file |
Common Myths Busted
❌ "I don’t have a job so I don’t need to file"
✅ Wrong. You MUST file a Nil return.
❌ "Filing is hard"
✅ No! With the right help or a cyber café, it takes under 10 minutes.
❌ "It doesn’t affect me now"
✅ It will. Even years later when you need a tax compliance certificate.
🧩 Why Filing Returns is Empowering
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🔓 Opens you to loans, government jobs, and business tenders.
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💪 Teaches you financial discipline.
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🪪 Keeps your KRA PIN active and clean.
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🚀 Sets you up for success as a serious adult, entrepreneur or investor.
Where to File and Get Help
🗓️ Important Dates
📅 Filing period: 1st January to 30th June
⏰ Deadline: 30th June (Every Year)
📌 Don’t wait for the last day—avoid system overload and queues.
You may not realize it now, but filing your KRA returns is one of those small, smart steps that build your credibility, security, and future opportunities. Don't wait to be hit by penalties. Do it right. Do it now.
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