KRA Extends Tax Deadline to July 5, Waives Penalties – How to file Returns Online
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a last-minute extension for filing 2024 income tax returns, offering relief to thousands of taxpayers who faced system delays.
In an official statement, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga confirmed that penalties and interest for late filings will be waived—but only for those who submit their returns by Friday, July 5, 2025.
This comes after technical glitches on the iTax platform disrupted filing services on June 30, the original deadline.
Why Did KRA Extend the Deadline?
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System Overload – A surge in last-minute filings caused delays, locking out many taxpayers.
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Public Outcry – Frustrated Kenyans reported difficulties accessing KRA’s portal, prompting the taxman to act.
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Legal Provision – The waiver is allowed under Section 89(5A)(b) of the Tax Procedures Act, which permits KRA to forgive penalties in exceptional cases.
Key Takeaways for Taxpayers
✅ New Deadline: July 5, 2025 (No penalties if filed by then).
✅ Who Benefits? Individuals and businesses filing 2024 income tax returns.
✅ Penalties After Deadline? Yes – if you miss the July 5 cutoff, normal late fines apply.
✅ How to File? Use KRA’s iTax portal or visit a KRA office for assistance.
What Happens If You Miss the Extended Deadline?
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Late Filing Penalty: 5% – 20% of the tax due, plus 1% monthly interest.
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Audit Risk: Late filers are more likely to face KRA audits.
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PIN Restrictions: Non-compliant taxpayers may have their KRA PINs blocked, affecting business operations.
KRA’s Message to Taxpayers
Commissioner Humphrey Wattanga urged Kenyans to take advantage of the extension, saying:
“We recognize the challenges faced and have acted to ensure no taxpayer is unfairly penalized. However, this is a final extension—file now to avoid penalties.”
He also thanked compliant taxpayers, noting that high filing rates boost Kenya’s revenue for development projects.
How to File Your Returns Before July 5
Step-by-Step Guide
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Log in to iTax using your KRA PIN & password.
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Select “Returns” > “File Return”.
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Choose the correct tax obligation (e.g., Income Tax).
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Enter your financial details accurately.
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Submit & Pay any taxes due via M-Pesa, bank, or KRA-approved payment methods.
💡 Pro Tip: If the system is slow, try filing early in the morning or late at night to avoid peak traffic.
Need Help? Contact KRA Support
📞 Call: +254 020 499 9999
📧 Email: contact@kra.go.ke
📍 Visit: Nearest KRA Tax Service Office
🚨 Report Corruption:
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SMS: Send “REPORT” to 8889
Final Reminder: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
With only four days left, taxpayers are advised to:
✔ File immediately to avoid system delays.
✔ Double-check entries to prevent errors that could trigger audits.
✔ Keep payment receipts as proof of compliance.
What’s Next?
KRA is expected to tighten enforcement after July 5, targeting non-compliant taxpayers. Future measures may include:
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Automatic penalties for late filers.
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Increased audits on suspicious filings.
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PIN deactivations for persistent defaulters.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official tax guidance, visit KRA’s website.
