Filing tax returns can often be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. iTax, an online platform, allows taxpayers to efficiently fill out their returns. Personal Identification Number (PIN) is a requirement for all Kenyans who are taxpayers. Every KRA PIN holder must file tax returns every financial year; even if you do not earn any salary, you should file non-tax returns.
iTax allows various types of KRA returns, such as income tax associated with corporates, and indirect tax such as VAT, resident individual, and partnerships. You should select the correct type of tax returns to file based on your tax obligation.
Filling KRA returns for individual corporates or filling VAT returns has similar steps, but the details required to submit may differ. For instance, the type of details and format for filing KRA returns for income will vary from filing VAT returns, while the steps to file returns will be more similar.
Steps for filing KRA returns.
- Visit the official iTax site using https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/
- Fill in the login details, are your KRA PIN and password
- On the dashboard, click the e-Returns and select Returns to navigate to file returns.
- Select the type of returns you want to file and select the obligation applicable to you; click next.
- You will see the relevant tax form from the obligation you selected. For instance, if you have chosen your tax obligation VAT, it will show the VAT return form.
- The form provided will allow you to fill in all the details required for your returns. Instructions on how to file your returns and the links to download relevant templates will also be available.
- Please provide all the details required, download the form, and save it on your computer.
- Note you should enable macros to allow validation and zip your file.
- Return to the iTax filling page and select the period for which you completed the returns.
- Upload the zip file you saved earlier and ensure you agree to the terms and conditions.
- Submit to upload the returns form and allow the pop-up message to pop up by clicking OK.
- Upon filing KRA Returns, you will receive an e-return receipt that iTax automatically generates with a message acknowledging successful submission and acknowledgment number.
In summary, filling out a return in iTax is simple and easy. All the details required during the process are furnished in Excel and readily available. It will be easier for businesses to file their returns if they have software that captures the details into Excel format as required in the iTax filling system and uploads it to complete filling KRA returns.
