The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has temporarily suspended KRA Nil Tax Return Filings until the end of March, in a strategic move aimed at converting nil filers and non-filers into active taxpayers.
Deputy Commissioner Patience Njau confirmed the decision during a Friday press briefing, explaining that the suspension will give KRA time to validate taxpayer data and identify individuals who earn taxable income but continue to file nil returns.
Njau said the move will allow the authority to cross-check various data sources, including income tax records, withholding tax, electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) data, and customs transactions, to ensure all taxpayers are properly captured.
“This year, our focus is different. We are intentionally targeting nil filers, non-filers, and zero payers with the aim of converting them into active taxpayers,” Njau said. “We have systems in place to monitor income earned through withholding tax, eTIMS, customs, and other channels.”
She added that nil returns will not be accepted during the validation period to minimise revenue leakages. “Between now and March 30, taxpayers will not be able to file their 2025 income tax returns until the verification process is completed,” she noted.
The announcement has raised concerns among some taxpayers about a potentially shortened filing window ahead of the June deadline. However, KRA clarified that the suspension is temporary and meant to strengthen compliance ahead of the main filing season.
The authority said the move comes amid growing concern that many Kenyans who earn taxable income continue to file nil returns to avoid paying taxes. KRA also pointed out that the tax burden has historically fallen heavily on salaried employees, while other income earners—such as those in rental and business sectors—remain largely untaxed.
According to KRA, out of approximately 22 million registered individuals with KRA PINs, only about 8 million actively pay taxes, and just 4 million do so consistently. This gap has significantly constrained the government’s ability to maximise revenue collection.
Starting January, KRA will also validate all declared income and expenses against its databases, including TIMS and eTIMS invoices, withholding tax records, and customs import data.
To support taxpayers with outstanding obligations, KRA announced the rollout of an Automated Payment Plan, which will allow eligible individuals to settle taxes, penalties, and interest through structured instalments. The initiative is intended to make compliance more manageable and reduce default rates.
In addition, KRA has introduced a WhatsApp chatbot to simplify tax filing and access to services. Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga confirmed that the chatbot offers up to 15 services, including tax filing, and is available 24 hours a day.
Kenyans can access the service by saving the official KRA WhatsApp number +254 711 099 999 and sending either “Hi” or “Menu” to begin
The temporary halt on KRA Nil Tax Return Filings reflects the authority’s intensified effort to close loopholes and widen the tax base, ensuring more Kenyans contribute their fair share to national revenue.
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