SMART MONEY

Three reasons you must file KRA tax returns this year

FRANCIS MULIJun 14, 20171 Mins read4.6k

As long as you hold a KRA PIN Number, it is mandatory for you to submit a return. It doesn’t matter whether you have zero income at all, not employed, or been confined to a bed for all of 2016.

It is a requirement. Even for those who go abroad and say goodbye to Kenya, if you ever plan to return, your lack of filing returns will be waiting for you.

KRA allows for a NIL return, i.e. download the form and enter your details (PIN, year of return 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2106) and then skip over to the last tab and click ‘Validate’. It will generate a zero/Nil return. Then log in online and simply upload the zip file it generates.

3. The fine is now Ksh20,000 for not filing a return (whether or not you earned any income). Yes, if your watchman, or househelp or shamba boy, or car wash guy, or mama mboga has a valid KRA PIN, failure to file a return (even a nil return) will incur them a fine. That’s right.

And if they ignore this for five years, and decide to run for the position of MCA or MP, they will come face to face with a fine of over 100,000 plus unbelievable interest.

Next: How to file tax returns

Written by

FRANCIS MULI

Editor and writer, Francis Muli has a passion for human interest stories. He holds a BSc in Communication and Journalism from Moi University and has worked for various organisations including Kenya Television Service. Email:[email protected]