Tag Archives: Latest KRA news

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KRA- We have not abolished filing of tax returns as reported

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The Kenya Revenue Authority, KRA, has dispelled misleading news that the agency has abolished the tax filing process for Employees in formal employment. Here is the press statement released to the Media, today;

“The attention of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been drawn to a misleading story published online by Kenyans.co.ke titled “KRA Abolishes Keying in of PAYE Tax Returns”.  

The author grossly takes out of context the communication by KRA issued last week with regards to the enhanced function on iTax which allows taxpayers with employment income as the only source of income to file their tax returns using the auto-populated function.

With reference to the statement released by KRA last week “iTax has been enhanced to have an auto-populated return of employment income. This has made it much easier, smoother and faster for employees whose source of income is only employment to file their returns. The employees are only required to input data on pension and annual relief. On receipt of the P9 certificates, the employees should simply proceed and file their returns accordingly.”

This does not in any way imply that filing of tax returns has been abolished. KRA, therefore, advises all taxpayers to disregard this miscommunication and in case of any assistance or clarification, to reach out to KRA through the available channels of communication.

We apologize for any inconvenience resulting from the misleading communication.”

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KRA has Simplified the Tax Filing for those in Formal Employment and other news features
General News

KRA interdicts 75 employees for abetting bribery, corruption and money laundering

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The Kenya Revenue Authority, KRA, has today (Friday 10th May, 2019) interdicted 75 staff suspected of involvement in activities that undermine the institution’s mandate by abetting tax evasion and facilitating access to services through bribery and corruption. The practices in question include facilitation of irregular/fraudulent clearance of cargo, fraudulent amendment of tax returns so as to help taxpayers evade taxes and the irregular issuance of Tax Compliance Certificates.

Of those affected, 61 are from Domestic Taxes Department and 14 are from Customs and Border Control Department. The bulk of the cases (62) touch on staff based in Nairobi. Investigations into the rackets have been in progress for the last four months with covert assistance provided by national law enforcement agencies to help in trailing money and communication.

The officers affected have been detained for questioning and statement recording, prior to their arraignment in court, expected to happen within May 2019.

Today’s crackdown is part of KRA’s enhanced anti-corruption push which has gained momentum with the full establishment of the Intelligence and Strategic Operations Department, whose mandate includes combating tax evasion through the promotion of ethical practices amongst KRA staff.

The department is tasked to promote ethical conduct through the creation of effective corruption prevention frameworks, staff sensitization and the detection and investigation of corrupt acts. Its other roles include providing KRA support to National Government initiatives touching on corruption and crime eradication and the combat of cross border criminal activities including terrorism and money laundering.

Part of the recent corruption interdiction activities within KRA have seen the termination of employment for 85 officers within 2018, the institution of 15 cases of life style audits of which have been completed and appropriate actions taken to implement the findings including asset
recovery and employment termination.

Future plans will see intensified focus on lifestyle audits with the goal to undertake up to 50 such audit cases annually.

Meanwhile, arrangements are in high gear to implement an electronic Intelligence Gathering System, expected to be in place within the next 3 months.

Further details on this matter may be obtained from; gracewandera@kra.go.ke or on tel: 020-2817042

KRA Portal

KRA training opportunities; intake to be done in May, 2019

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Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA) is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s premier training school specializing in Tax and Customs Administration, Fiscal Policy and Management. The School is one of the only four World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Regional Training Centres (RTCs) in Africa.

Apply for the May, 2019, intake through; https://t.co/ea1VaQytCp by 10th May 2019.

KESRA Programmes

Certificate Programmes

Certificate in Tax Administration

Course Requirements

1). KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C- (Minus) with D+ in Mathematics and English

Application Fees

All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-Kenyans) being non-refundable application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
1). Semester 1: 40,500.00
2). Semester 2: 40,000.00
3). Full Fees: 80,500.00
Duration: 6months

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings);
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account);
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

Mode of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)

All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note
it’s non-residential
Attendance.

Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examinations.

Certificate in Customs Administration

Course Requirements

1). KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C- (Minus) with D+ in Mathematics and
English.

Application Fees

All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-Kenyans) being non-refundable application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
1). Semester 1: 40,500.00
2). Semester 2: 40,000.00
3). Full Fees: 80,500.00
Duration: 6months

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings);
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account);
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

Mode of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)

All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note
it’s non-residential
Attendance.

Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examinations.

East Africa Customs Freight Forwarding Practicing Certificate(EACFFPC)

Course Requirements:
1). KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C-

Fee Structure
1). Applicants are required to pay a non–refundable application fee of Kshs.500 and Kshs.
35,000 per semester.

Payment Details
1). Bank: National Bank
Account Name: KIFWA
Account Number: 01020060617001
Branch: Port way, Moi Ave Msa
2). Other fees- FEAFFA Training materials of USD 100 payable to:
Bank: KCB
Account Name: Federation of East African Freight Forwarders Association
Account Number: 1116399997
Branch: Sarit Centre

Mode of study
1). Evenings only

Attendance
1). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure
to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examination

Diploma Programmes

Diploma in Tax Administration

Course Requirements
1). KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C plain with C- in Mathematics and English.

Application Fees
1). All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-Kenyans) being non-refundable
application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
Duration: 1 year. Semester 1: Ksh. 50,000
Semester 2: Ksh. 50,000
Semester 3: Ksh. 50,000
Full Fees: Ksh.150,000

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings)
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account ($))
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

Mode of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)

1). All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note it’s non-residential

Attendance
1). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will
not be allowed to register for examinations.

Diploma in Customs Administration

Course Requirements

1). KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C plain with C- in Mathematics and English.

Application Fees
1). All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-Kenyans) being non-refundable
application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
Duration: 1 year. Semester 1: Ksh. 50,000
Semester 2: Ksh. 50,000
Semester 3: Ksh. 50,000
Full Fees: Ksh.150,000

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings)
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account ($))
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)

1). All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note it’s non-residential

Attendance
1). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examinations.

Diploma in Revenue Administration (with special focus on Counties)

Course Requirements
1). KCSE Certificate with a minimum aggregate of C plain with C- in Mathematics and English.

Application Fees
1). All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-Kenyans) being non-refundable
application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
Duration: 1 year. Semester 1: Ksh. 50,000
Semester 2: Ksh. 50,000
Semester 3: Ksh. 50,000
Full Fees: Ksh.150,000

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings)
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account ($))
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

Mode of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)
1). All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note it’s non-residential

Attendance
1). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examinations.

Post Graduate Diploma Programmes(in partnership with JKUAT)

Post Graduate Diploma in Tax Administration

Course Requirements
1). Bachelor’s Degree (2nd class Honours, Lower Division) in any discipline recognized by the Commission for
University Education (CUE) and an Institution recognized by JKUAT Senate.

Application Fees
1). All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-Kenyans) being non-refundable
application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
Duration: 1 year.
Semester 1: Ksh. 65,000
Semester 2: Ksh. 65,000
Semester 3: Ksh. 65,000
Full Fees: Ksh. 195,000

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings)
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account ($))
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

Mode of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)
1). All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note it’s non-residential

Attendance
1). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examinations.

Post graduate Diploma in Customs Administration

Course Requirements
1). Bachelor’s Degree (2nd class Honours, Lower Division) in any discipline recognized by the Commission for
University Education (CUE) and an Institution recognized by JKUAT Senate.

Application Fees
1). All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-Kenyans) being non-refundable
application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
Duration: 1 year.
Semester 1: Ksh. 65,000
Semester 2: Ksh. 65,000
Semester 3: Ksh. 65,000
Full Fees: Ksh. 195,000

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings)
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account ($))
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

Mode of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)
1). All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note it’s non-residential

Attendance
1). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examinations.

Master Programme(in partnership with Moi University)

Masters in Tax and Customs Administration (with specialization in Tax or Customs)

Course Requirements
1). Bachelor’s Degree (2nd class Honours, Lower Division) in a business or related field
from a University recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and an Institution recognized by Moi University Senate.

Application Fees
. All applicants will be required to pay Kshs. 2, 000 (Kenyans) or USD 25 (Non-
Kenyans) being non-refundable application fee as per the bank details below.

Fee Structure
Duration: 2 Years
Semester
1: Kshs. 95,000
Semester
2: Ksh. 80,000
Semester
3: Ksh. 80,000
Semester
4: Ksh. 80,000
Semester
5: Ksh. 80,000
Full Fees: Ksh. 415,000

Payment Details
1). Bank Details (Kenya Shillings)
The National Bank of Kenya A/C01023015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)
2). Bank details (USD Account ($))
The National Bank of Kenya A/C 02020015000900
Branch: Times Tower Branch
Account Name: Kenya school of Revenue Administration (KESRA)

Mode of study (Day, Evening or Saturday)
1). All courses will be conducted at our Mombasa and Nairobi Campuses and please note it’s non-residential

Attendance
1). Students must attend a minimum of 75% of all lectures, seminars and tutorials, failure to which he/she will not be allowed to register for examinations.

KRA Portal

KRA allowed to collect Sh2.6 billion in Withholding taxes from Sportpesa winning bets

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It is a big boost for sports, art, cultural developments and the rollout of the Universal Health programmes as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has received a go ahead to collect more than Kshs 2.7billion worth of monthly taxes on m withholding tax on winnings from Sportpesa.

This follows a ruling by Milimani Commercial Courts Chief Magistrate, Peter Gesora, allowing KRA to collect withholding taxes on winnings from betting games on the Sportpesa platform among others, that have been failing to withhold tax on winnings.

The landmark ruling delivered on Thursday, 23rd May 2019 arose from a 2014 suit filed by a Mr. Benson Irungu against Sportpesa Ltd trading as Pevans East Africa. The suit sought to stop Sportpesa from deducting and remitting taxes arising from Mr Irungu’s and any other person’s winnings.

In his ruling last Thursday, Chief Magistrate Gesora while dismissing Mr Irungu’s case noted that the nature of sport betting, winnings are unpredictable and a player cannot be certain the amount that he will win.

“That being the situation, it is not sound to argue that certain amounts should not be collected by withholding tax agents. Revenue collection is well regulated by statute, and by the fact that Sportpesa is a tax agent is a clear indicator that all those using its platform are obligated to pay tax on their winnings,” Gesora ruled.

The Chief Magistrate added that the KRA Commissioner of Domestic Taxes is mandated to collect taxes from sport betting firms and remit the same to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund as set out in section 35 (1) (i) and (3) (h) of the Income Tax Act.

He further advised Mr Irungu to explore provisions for refund if necessary as enshrined in the Tax Procedures Act.

In the rollercoaster suit and prior to the ruling on Thursday last week, Mr Irungu had on 22nd May, 2014, obtained Court Orders restraining Sportpesa from making any withholding tax deductions on any person’s winnings from a bet or game of chance conducted by the firm.

Aggrieved by the order stopping Sportpesa from deducting withholding tax on winnings from betting, KRA which had not been party to the case sought to be enjoined as an interested party while seeking to set aside the earlier orders.
On 29th March, 2019, KRA’s Legal counsel successfully obtained an order from Court setting aside orders obtained Mr Irungu’s on 22nd May, 2019 and issued by Senior Resident Magistrate D.M. Kivuti sitting at the Milimani Commercial Courts. The orders had temporarily stopped the operations of crucial Income Tax Act sections (Sections 2, 10, 34 and 35) effectively rendering KRA unable to collect taxes amounting to Kshs 2.7Billion per month; earmarked for national development projects.

As per the budget statement read last year by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Henry Rotich, taxes drawn from betting activities are earmarked to finance sports, art, cultural developments and the rollout of the Universal Health programmes.

KRA Portal

KRA tax refund; Requirements and how to apply

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Do you need a procedure to be followed when applying for a Kenya Revenue Authority, KRA, tax refund. Well. A KRA tax refund is a reimbursement of excess tax paid in a given period.

What causes a tax refund

Upon filling an individual income tax return, a tax refund may arise from;

  • Insurance policies on life and education that have not been granted relief by the employer on the same,
  • Having a mortgage from a specific financial institution (as listed on the 4th schedule on Income Tax Act), and has not been granted relief by the employer on the same,
  • A resident individual who was not granted personal relief during the year,
  • If tax deducted at source was paid in excess of final liability.

Taxpayers can apply for tax refund within five years from the date in which tax was paid through https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/.

What is required when applying for a Tax Refund?

When applying for a tax refund on Income Tax, there are certain documents required depending on the situation that resulted to the refund. These documents include:

  1. P9 Form for claims relating to excess PAYE deductions,
  2. Insurance policy certificates for claims relating to insurance relief,
  3. Mortgage certificate from a financial institution for claims relating to interest on mortgage,
  4. Withholding tax certificates for claims relating to tax deducted at source.

Kindly ensure the application is accompanied by the relevant supporting documents.
For queries or further assistance, please call us on 0711 099 999 or send us an email through callcentre@kra.go.ke.

See also;
KRA Portal

How to get your KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) free

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Are you in need of a free KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)? Well. You can now get your certificate free, online.

What is Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)?

A tax compliance, otherwise known as a Tax Clearance Certificate is an official document issued by KRA, as proof of having filed and paid all your taxes.

KRA issues the following Tax Compliance Certificates upon application:

  • Tax Compliance Certificates for Taxpayers seeking tenders with Government Ministries and Institutions.
  • Tax Compliance Certificates to employees leaving service nor seeking new job opportunities.
  • Tax Compliance Certificates for taxpayers seeking liquor Licenses.
  • Tax Compliance Certificates to Clearing and Forwarding Agents.

Tax Compliance Validity

Tax Compliance Certificates are valid for twelve months only.

Application for a TCC is done through iTax platform and the certificate is sent to applicants’ email address.

You can now check if your Tax Compliance Certificate is valid using the new KRA M-Service App.

Applying for a Compliance Certificate; Step by step process

Taxpayers seeking Tax Compliance Certificate must be compliant in:

  • Filing of tax returns on or before the due date for all applicable tax obligations.
  • Payment of tax on or before the due date.
  • Clearance of all outstanding tax debt.

 How to Apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate

Would you like to get a Tax Compliance Certificate? Well.Follow the simplified process below:

  1. Visit the KRA iTax portal by using the link; https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/
  2. Log into your account by entering your KRA PIN, Password and security stamp value. In case you have forgotten your password,follow this link; Step by step guide on how to reset your KRA password
  3. From your account, locate the ‘Certificates’ tab and click it. From the drop down menu, select ‘Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC)’.
  4. In the next window enter the reason (s) as to why you need the certificate and click on apply.
  5. To download your certificate,click on the tab indicated ‘Click here to download tax compliance certificate; KRA..’

Please note that where there is any outstanding debt, you will need to pay or apply for a payment plan, which upon approval, enables you to continue with the self-service process.

If you are not in agreement with the liability shown, please contact the Contact Centre on Tel: 020 4 999 999, 0711 099 999 or Email callcentre@kra.go.ke. You may also visit the nearest KRA office or Huduma Centre.

See also; How to apply for KRA tax refund plus requirements