Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has today unveiled a mobile application as part of its efforts to simplify and enable taxpayers to conveniently access tax services.
During the launch of 2020 Taxpayers Month held today, on 5th October, 2020, KRA officially unveiled the mobile application branded KRA M-Service App. The App will enhance taxpayers’ compliance by simplifying access to services such as PIN registration and verification, filing of returns and payment of tax.
This is part of KRA’s tax compliance strategy to ensure that all eligible taxpayers pay their taxes.
“The Application will enable taxpayers to access KRA services on the go, subsequently enhancing compliance,” said KRA Deputy Commissioner Policy and Tax Advisory Domestic Taxes Department Mr. Caxton Masudi.
Mr Masudi said that over 100,000 Kenyans have so far downloaded the App. To access and use the App, Mr Masudi explained that taxpayers with smart mobile phones should download and install the App from Google Play Store. He noted that KRA is working with the developers to have the App verified and available on App Store by December 2020.
The system will widen taxpayer reach, increase revenue collection and enhance tax compliance by making tax payment process more convenient. It will also reduce the cost of compliance.
To enhance the user experience, KRA will progressively introduce new functionalities to the App including the following: Swahili version of the App; USDD development; USDD version with Domestic Taxes Department services.
It will also be integrated with the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS). This will enable importers and exporters to use their phones to perform Customs processes such as Customs Entry Declaration Status and Passenger Declaration Form.
In another development, the newly introduced e-commerce tax obligation-Digital Service Tax (DST), is set to expand the tax base and ensure eligible taxpayers pay their rightful share of taxes.
DST is intended to address the change in business models and expand the tax base and becomes effective from 1st January 2021 following its introduction through the Finance Act, 2020.
The tax, according to the Finance Act 2020, is payable on income derived from or accrued in Kenya from service offered through a digital market place. The digital market place comprises online electronic that enables direct interactions between sellers and buyers of goods and service.
The Finance Act 2020 further states that DST is payable at 1.5 percent of the gross transaction value and is due at the time of transfer of payment for the goods or service to the provider.
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