The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has outlined the process taxpayers should follow to claim tax refunds through its iTax system in response to a query from a member of the public.
The query was accompanied by a tax statement indicating a refund due, and according to the document, a negative tax due balance of Ksh453,507.18 indicates that the taxpayer is eligible for a refund.
The statement also included a note confirming that a return had been received and processed through the KRA web portal, adding that the case had been forwarded for further processing.
In response, KRA advised taxpayers seeking refunds to log into their iTax accounts and submit a refund application directly on the platform.
KRA further explained that applicants will receive updates on the status of their refund through their registered email addresses after successfully submitting the request.
“Hi Bernard, please log in to your iTax portal and apply for the refund. Once the application has been submitted, an acknowledgment receipt will be generated. Further updates regarding your application will be communicated through your registered email address,” stated KRA.
KRA further explained that applicants will receive updates on the status of their refund through their registered email addresses after successfully submitting the request.
Also Read: KRA eTIMS Guide: How Taxpayers Register Items and Generate Receipts
KRA Explains Step-by-Step Process to Claim a Refund on iTax
KRA has outlined a structured process for taxpayers to follow, and each step plays a critical role in ensuring the refund is processed without delay.
1. Logging Into the iTax System
Taxpayers are required to log in using their KRA PIN or user ID, and their password and security verification step are also required to protect accounts from unauthorized access.
2. Navigating to the Refund Section
Once logged in, the taxpayer needs to locate the Refunds section on the main dashboard. In some cases, this may appear under the “Applications” menu.
At this stage, the taxpayer must select the type of tax for which they are claiming a refund. 3. Confirming Taxpayer Details
Before proceeding, the system will display the taxpayer’s personal and tax details. The taxpayer must carefully review this information to confirm that everything is correct.
- Providing Bank Details
The taxpayer is then required to enter their bank account details, including the account name, account number, and branch.
This is where KRA will send the refund once the application is approved
- Filling in Claim Details
The taxpayer must provide full details about the refund being claimed.
This includes selecting the refund type, specifying the relevant tax year, and clearly stating the reason for the claim.
Common reasons include excess PAYE deductions, unclaimed reliefs such as insurance or mortgage relief, or other overpayments.
The taxpayer must also indicate the amount being claimed and provide a brief explanation to support the application.
In addition, supporting documents must be uploaded to back up the claim. These documents help KRA verify that the refund request is legitimate.
Also Read: KRA Extends Working Hours For Kenyans to File Returns Ahead of Deadline
6. Reviewing and Submitting the Application
Before submission, the taxpayer is given an opportunity to review all the information entered.
After submission, the system generates an acknowledgment number, which is sent to the taxpayer via email.
7. Tracking the Refund Application
The taxpayer can log back into the iTax system at any time to check the status of the application.
The portal includes a tracking feature that allows users to monitor progress with the acknowledgment number. In addition, KRA sends updates through the taxpayer’s registered email, informing them whether the application has been approved, rejected, or is still under review.
What Is a Tax Refund and Why It Happens
According to KRA, a tax refund occurs when a taxpayer has paid more tax than what is owed, which can happen for several reasons, such as over-deductions from salary, failure to claim eligible tax reliefs, or errors in tax calculations.
Once the correct tax liability is determined after factoring in all deductions, credits, and exemptions, any excess amount paid is returned to the taxpayer.
The authority emphasizes that a refund is not an extra payment or bonus, but simply a reimbursement of money that rightfully belongs to the taxpayer.
KRA also notes that common sources of refunds include excess PAYE, overpaid corporate taxes, and unclaimed reliefs.
However, taxpayers must submit a formal application and provide supporting documents for the refund to be processed.
There is also a time limit within which claims must be made, meaning taxpayers should act promptly once they realize they are eligible.
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