1.2 million Kenyans file tax returns online ahead of Thursday deadline

Kenya Revenue Authority commissioner general John Njiraini demonstrates use of the iTax system to taxpayer Frida Sigilai in a file photo. Photo/ENOS TECHE

1.2 million Kenyans file tax returns online ahead of Thursday deadline

The taxman has reported that 1.2 million Kenyans have filed their annual returns through the iTax system.

The Kenya Revenue Authority has a database of 8.1 million taxpayers but only 1.6 million filed returns in 2015.

In a statement on Tuesday, acting domestic taxes commissioner Benson Korongo said they have been receiving approximately 70,000 returns daily.

“The system gives taxpayers the luxury of filing returns from the comfort of their homes or offices at any hour of day or night,” he noted.

Korongo said the number is expected to rise as taxpayers make efforts to meet the Thursday deadline.

He said the Kenya Revenue Authority has set up 21 iTax support centres and has presence in 37 Huduma Centres.

“Three more centres are set to be opened up this week in Central,” he said.

The commissioner added that the authority has trained more than 40,000 Kenyans on how to file their tax returns online.

He urged taxpayers to seek assistance at the support centres across the country.

Korongo said more centres countrywide will be opened for longer hours ahead of the deadline.