The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a waiver of all late filing penalties and interest for the year ending December 31, 2024.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, July 1, the taxman stated that the waiver will apply only if the returns are filed by July 5, 2025.
KRA acknowledged that a large number of taxpayers were attempting to file their returns on June 30, 2025, and hence, the system experienced technical difficulties.
KRA Waives Penalties for Late Returns, Sets July 5 Deadline
These disruptions affected the normal functioning of the return filing and payment services, preventing some taxpayers from submitting their returns on time.
“KRA assures the public that we will undertake to waive any interest or penalties that may accrue due to late filing of the end-year returns for the year of income ending December 31, 2024, provided that such returns are filed by July 5, 2025,” read the statement in part.
“File your returns on http://itax.kra.go.ke and pay due taxes by the new date to avoid penalties.”
The revenue authority appreciated taxpayers for turning out in large numbers to file their income tax returns for the period ending December 31, 2024.
“The large turnout not only demonstrates the patriotism of Kenyans but also the trust and faith you have bestowed on the tax administration,” KRA said.
The taxman further advised Kenyans to take advantage of the extension to file all their returns and pay any taxes due before the specified deadline.
Also Read: Reprieve for Kenyans as KRA Extends Tax Returns Deadline
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline
Failure to file your returns by the stipulated deadline attracts a late filing penalty of 5% of the tax due or Ksh2,000—whichever is higher.
These charges can accumulate quickly and negatively impact your tax record. It’s advisable to file your returns—even if the information is incomplete—rather than miss the deadline altogether.
At the same time, failure to file returns can affect your access to essential services such as government tenders, loans, and business licenses.
If you have missed filing returns for multiple years, the system will display an error message that reads: “You must file previous returns before uploading.”
This means you must clear all past pending returns before submitting your current one. Begin with the oldest year and work your way forward.
Also Read: Kenyans Report KRA Portal Errors Just Hours to Filing Deadline
How to File Returns
Filing is done online via the iTax platform. Here’s the step-by-step process:
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Go to the iTax website and log in using your KRA PIN and password.
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Click on the ‘Returns’ tab and select ‘File Return’.
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Download the Excel template that matches your taxpayer profile (e.g., Income Tax – Resident Individual).
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Fill in your income details, claimable deductions (such as mortgage interest or insurance), and validate the form.
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Compress (zip) the file and upload it back to the iTax system.
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Submit and download the acknowledgment receipt for your records.
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