KRA collects Sh3.4 billion from Tax Amnesty review
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has made substantial progress in its ongoing tax amnesty program, having successfully collected sh3.4 billion.
During a recent media roundtable discussion, Ms. Caroline Rotich, the Chief Manager of the Domestic Taxes Department, explained that 17,000 taxpayers had applied for tax amnesty, with an anticipated total remittance of sh10.5 billion.
Ms. Rotich emphasized that the tax amnesty, which commenced on September 1, 2023, has been warmly received by the public. The number of applicants is expected to continue rising as KRA intensifies its efforts to raise awareness among taxpayers.
“More than 17,000 taxpayers have applied for the tax amnesty and we expect the number to immensely grow as we continue to create awareness amongst taxpayers.” Said Ms Rotich.
One noteworthy achievement of the program is that KRA has identified 2.8 million taxpayers who have incurred penalties and interest and are eligible for the tax amnesty initiative.
The program is designed to provide much-needed relief to these taxpayers.
Qualified individuals will receive an automatic waiver of penalties and interest related to the specified period, eliminating the need for a separate application process.
In a bid to expand the program’s reach, KRA is encouraging taxpayers with unresolved objections and ongoing court cases to consider out-of-court settlements.
KRA has established an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, offering an alternative means of resolving tax disputes outside the traditional judicial process.
The Authority strongly urges concerned taxpayers to explore this avenue, as it provides an opportunity to benefit from the tax amnesty program while resolving pending issues.
The success of KRA’s tax amnesty program not only aids individual taxpayers but also contributes to the overall financial health of the nation. As KRA continues to promote this initiative, it is expected that more individuals will come forward to take advantage of this unique opportunity for tax relief.
President William Ruto has encouraged Kenyans to pay taxes, in what he explains is a move that will help the country pay debts and meet other obligations including provision of affordable houses, medical care and construction of roads.
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