The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued a fresh update on the filing of 2025 income tax returns after millions of taxpayers rushed to beat the June 30 deadline, causing heavy congestion on the iTax platform.
In a notice released Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the tax agency said it had recorded a significant surge in system traffic as individuals and businesses moved to submit their annual returns in the final hours.
The high demand has led to delays and intermittent access problems for some users.
The update comes as the country approaches the midnight deadline for filing returns, a period that typically sees last-minute activity from taxpayers seeking to avoid penalties.
KRA acknowledged that the increased load had slowed system performance, affecting the experience of many users attempting to log in and complete submissions.
KRA Issues Update
According to the authority, the iTax system is experiencing unusually high volumes of activity, with millions attempting to file at the same time.
This has resulted in slow response times, temporary system lags and, in some cases, difficulty accessing the platform altogether.
KRA said its technical teams are working around the clock to stabilize the system and ensure that services remain available despite the pressure.
The agency urged users to remain patient as it continues to manage the surge.
“Our technical teams are working around the clock to maintain system stability and support. We appreciate your patience and understanding,” the authority said in its update.
The taxman further advised taxpayers to consider alternative channels where possible, including using the USSD option by dialing *222# and accessing services through the official iTax website.
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The annual tax filing exercise is a statutory requirement for all eligible taxpayers in Kenya, including salaried workers, business owners and self-employed individuals.
Failure to file returns on time attracts penalties, making the deadline a critical period for revenue collection.
KRA Urges Compliance Amid Technical Challenges
Despite the technical difficulties, KRA has maintained that taxpayers must ensure they file their returns before the deadline to avoid fines.
The authority did not announce any extension of the deadline in its latest communication.
The Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers reiterated the importance of compliance, urging Kenyans not to wait until the last minute in future filing cycles to avoid similar challenges.
KRA also reminded taxpayers to ensure that their filings are accurate and submitted through the correct channels to avoid issues with validation and processing of returns.
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The current situation highlights ongoing challenges in handling peak digital traffic during important national processes, even as more Kenyans adopt online platforms for government services.
Over the years, iTax has become the central system for tax administration, but it often faces strain during critical deadlines.
As the filing window closes, taxpayers are expected to continue attempting submissions, which could maintain pressure on the system into the late hours.
KRA has assured the public that it remains committed to improving system capacity and reliability to better handle future demand spikes and ensure smoother filing experiences.
In Kenya, the penalty for failing to file income tax returns by the June 30 deadline is clear and fixed:
- KSh 2,000 for individuals (non-business taxpayers)
- KSh 20,000 or 5% of the tax due (whichever is higher) for companies
If no tax is payable (nil return), the Ksh 2,000 fine still applies for late filing.
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