A wave of confusion and panic has swept across Kenya as the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) issued mass text messages to taxpayers, alerting them of pending tax debts just days before the June 30 deadline for filing 2024 returns.
The sudden notifications, many citing outstanding principal tax amounts, have caused widespread concern, particularly among salaried employees. Many insist their taxes were already deducted through Pay As You Earn (PAYE) by their employers.
Since mid-June, KRA has been sending messages reading: “You have principal tax due as of 31.12.2023. Kindly clear by 30.06.2025 for 100% waiver of penalty & interest.” A follow-up message included specific amounts owed, prompting backlash on social media platform X.
“I’ve filed my returns faithfully every year. How do I suddenly owe KRA Sh59,000?” one user posted. Others expressed disbelief, saying they have been unemployed and filing nil returns.
An accountant on X suggested the confusion may stem from reconciliation issues, where employers submit PAYE in bulk but fail to match payments to individual accounts. The professional advised those affected to visit their assigned KRA tax manager with stamped P9 forms for reconciliation.
Despite the advice, many citizens criticized KRA’s systems and questioned why they bear the burden of rectifying errors caused by mismatched records. “KRA already has our tax data. Why not automate the process?” one frustrated taxpayer asked.
In response to the uproar, KRA recommended using the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process for contested amounts, while noting that participating in ADR does not exempt taxpayers from settling any owed principal tax.
To address concerns, KRA announced a simplified PAYE return filing system launching on July 1, 2025. The new system integrates with government and financial platforms, promising a streamlined process for employers.
Meanwhile, KRA has extended its service hours to assist taxpayers before the amnesty deadline. Service centres will be open from 9am to 6pm over the weekend and from 7am to midnight on Monday, June 30.
With the deadline approaching, taxpayers are urged to act swiftly to avoid penalties and resolve any disputes with the tax authority.
