The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has extended the deadline for filing individual tax returns for the 2024 income year by an additional four days, pushing the new cut-off date to July 5, 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 1, KRA cited technical issues experienced on June 30 due to overwhelming traffic on the iTax platform as the reason for the extension. The authority had initially moved the deadline to July 1, but opted for a further extension following continued disruptions.
“Cognisant of the challenges faced by taxpayers during the period, and in line with Section 89(5a)(b) of the Tax Procedures Act, KRA assures the public that we will waive any interest or penalties that may accrue due to late filing of returns for the year ending December 31, 2024, provided such returns are submitted by July 5, 2025,” the statement read.
KRA urged Kenyans to make full use of the extension to file their tax returns and settle any outstanding liabilities before the revised deadline lapses.
Last-Minute Rush Overwhelms System
As has become common in recent years, many taxpayers waited until the final day—June 30—to attempt filing their returns, leading to a nationwide system crash. In anticipation of the usual end-month rush, KRA had already extended its working hours at all service centres to run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The authority also deployed additional staff and technical support to assist with last-minute filings.
Who Is Required to File?
KRA reminded the public that all Kenyans holding a Personal Identification Number (PIN) are required to file returns annually, regardless of their income status. This includes:
- Employed individuals, who must file returns using the P9 form, even if Pay As You Earn (PAYE) has been remitted by their employer.
- Business owners, landlords, farmers, and freelancers, who must declare all income sources.
- Unemployed individuals and students, who are required to file nil returns if they had no income in the year under review.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to file by the deadline attracts a fine of Ksh2,000 or five per cent of the tax due—whichever is higher.
KRA has continued to appeal to Kenyans to embrace timely compliance, while affirming its commitment to supporting taxpayers through extended hours, digital tools, and in-person assistance.
