Filing your KRA returns online is essential for every Kenyan with a KRA PIN. Whether you have income or not, you are required by law to file your returns every year. Even if you are unemployed or have no income, you must file nil returns. This simple guide will walk you through the steps for filing your KRA returns online via the iTax portal.
How To File KRA Returns Online
Filing KRA returns through the iTax platform is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the KRA iTax Website
Open your browser and go to the official KRA iTax portal: https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/. - Log In to iTax
Enter your KRA PIN and password to access the portal. - Select the ‘Returns’ Tab
Once logged in, locate and click on the “Returns” option on the navigation bar. Scroll down and click on “File Returns.” - Choose Your Tax Obligation
A page with various tax obligations will appear. Select the tax obligation that applies to you (e.g., Income Tax Resident) and click “Next.” - Open the Tax Form
The applicable tax form for your selected tax obligation will be displayed. Open the form. - Follow the Instructions
The tax form will have detailed instructions to guide you in filling out your information. Carefully follow these instructions. - Download the Tax Form Template
Links to download the tax form in Excel and ODS formats will be provided. Download and open the template on your device. - Fill In Your Information
Complete the form with the required details. Once done, save the file. - Enable Macros and Zip the File
Ensure you enable macros in Excel to validate the form, then zip the completed file. - Return to iTax
Go back to the iTax portal and navigate to the “File Returns” page. Choose the correct period for which you are filing your returns. - Upload Your Zip File
Upload the zip file, agree to the terms and conditions, and click “Submit.” - Confirm Submission
A pop-up message will ask you to confirm the submission. Click “OK.” - Receive Confirmation
After successfully submitting the return, you’ll receive a confirmation message acknowledging the submission.
How To File Nil Returns
If you have no income to report, filing nil returns is just as simple. Follow these steps:
- Go to the KRA iTax Website
Open your browser and visit the KRA iTax portal. - Log In
Enter your KRA PIN and password. Answer the security question and click “Log In.” - Select the ‘Returns’ Tab
Navigate to the “Returns” option and select “File Nil Returns.” - Enter Your KRA PIN
A page will prompt you to enter your KRA PIN. Choose “Income Tax Resident” and click “Next.” - Choose the Return Period
Select the tax return period you’re filing for and click “Submit.” - Confirmation Message
A pop-up message will confirm your submission and provide an acknowledgement number. - Download and Print
Download the acknowledgement receipt and print it for your records.
Conclusion
Filing your KRA returns online through the iTax portal is quick and simple. Whether you are filing nil returns or reporting income, the process is seamless and allows you to stay compliant with Kenya’s tax regulations. Be sure to complete this process before the financial year ends to avoid any penalties.
