Have you ever heard adults talking about “KRA RETURNS” and wondered what they were? Don’t worry! It sounds like a big, scary topic, but it is actually quite simple once you break it down.
In Kenya, the government needs money to build roads, schools, and hospitals. This money is called tax. KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) is the “tax collector.” Filing a “return” is just a way of telling the government how much money you made in a year and making sure you paid the right amount of tax.
Even if you didn’t earn any money (like if you are a student or looking for a job), you still have to tell KRA. This is called a Nil Return.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you sit down at your computer, make sure you have these two things ready:
- Your KRA PIN: This is a special number given only to you.
- Your Password: This is the secret code you use to log in to the KRA website.
- Your P9 Form: If you have a job, your boss gives you this paper. It shows how much you were paid.
Step-by-Step: How to File Your KRA RETURNS
Step 1: Visit the iTax Website
Open your web browser and go to the official KRA portal: https://itax.kra.go.ke/
Step 2: Log In
- Type in your KRA PIN.
- Click “Continue.”
- Type in your Password.
- Solve the simple math sum (like $5 + 2 = ?$) to prove you are a human and not a robot!
Step 3: Choose the “Returns” Menu
Once you are inside, look at the top bar. You will see a button labeled “Returns.” * If you have a job and a P9 form, click “File Return.”
- If you did NOT earn any money last year, click “File Nil Return.”
Step 4: Fill in the Details
- Select Type: Usually, you select “Self.”
- Tax Obligation: Choose “Income Tax – Resident Individual.”
- Time Period: The “Return Period” is usually from 01/01/2024 to 31/12/2024 (for the current filing season).
Step 5: For People with Jobs (Excel Form)
If you are filing a normal return, the website will ask you to download an Excel file.
- Open the Excel file on your computer.
- Copy the numbers from your P9 form into the matching boxes in the Excel file.
- Once finished, click “Validate.” This checks if you made any mistakes.
- Save the “zipped” file it creates and upload it back to the iTax website.
Step 6: For People Without Jobs (Nil Returns)
This is even easier!
- After selecting “Nil Return,” the system will automatically fill in the dates.
- Click “Submit.”
- You will get a download button for your Acknowledgment Receipt. Keep this safe!
Important Things to Remember
- The Deadline: You must file your KRA RETURNS every year between January 1st and June 30th.
- Don’t Wait! If you wait until June 30th, the website might be very slow because everyone is trying to use it at the same time.
- Penalties: If you forget to file, the government might ask you to pay a fine (extra money). It’s better to do it early!
Helpful Links
- Official KRA iTax Portal: itax.kra.go.ke
- KRA YouTube Channel (Video Tutorials): KRA Kenya YouTube
- KRA Help Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke
Filing KRA RETURNS is a great way to be a responsible citizen. Now you can even help the adults in your house do theirs!Have you ever heard adults talking about “KRA RETURNS” and wondered what they were? Don’t worry! It sounds like a big, scary topic, but it is actually quite simple once you break it down.
In Kenya, the government needs money to build roads, schools, and hospitals. This money is called tax. KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) is the “tax collector.” Filing a “return” is just a way of telling the government how much money you made in a year and making sure you paid the right amount of tax.
Even if you didn’t earn any money (like if you are a student or looking for a job), you still have to tell KRA. This is called a Nil Return.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you sit down at your computer, make sure you have these two things ready:
- Your KRA PIN: This is a special number given only to you.
- Your Password: This is the secret code you use to log in to the KRA website.
- Your P9 Form: If you have a job, your boss gives you this paper. It shows how much you were paid.
Step-by-Step: How to File Your KRA RETURNS
Step 1: Visit the iTax Website
Open your web browser and go to the official KRA portal: https://itax.kra.go.ke/
Step 2: Log In
- Type in your KRA PIN.
- Click “Continue.”
- Type in your Password.
- Solve the simple math sum (like 5 + 2 = ?) to prove you are a human and not a robot!
Step 3: Choose the “Returns” Menu
Once you are inside, look at the top bar. You will see a button labeled “Returns.” * If you have a job and a P9 form, click “File Return.”
- If you did NOT earn any money last year, click “File Nil Return.”
Step 4: Fill in the Details
- Select Type: Usually, you select “Self.”
- Tax Obligation: Choose “Income Tax – Resident Individual.”
- Time Period: The “Return Period” is usually from 01/01/2026 to 31/12/2026 (for the current filing season).
Step 5: For People with Jobs (Excel Form)
If you are filing a normal return, the website will ask you to download an Excel file.
- Open the Excel file on your computer.
- Copy the numbers from your P9 form into the matching boxes in the Excel file.
- Once finished, click “Validate.” This checks if you made any mistakes.
- Save the “zipped” file it creates and upload it back to the iTax website.
Step 6: For People Without Jobs (Nil Returns)
This is even easier!
- After selecting “Nil Return,” the system will automatically fill in the dates.
- Click “Submit.”
- You will get a download button for your Acknowledgment Receipt. Keep this safe!
Important Things to Remember 📝
- The Deadline: You must file your KRA RETURNS every year between January 1st and June 30th.
- Don’t Wait! If you wait until June 30th, the website might be very slow because everyone is trying to use it at the same time.
- Penalties: If you forget to file, the government might ask you to pay a fine (extra money). It’s better to do it early!
Helpful Links
- Official KRA iTax Portal: itax.kra.go.ke
- KRA YouTube Channel (Video Tutorials): KRA Kenya YouTube
- KRA Help Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke
Filing KRA RETURNS is a great way to be a responsible citizen. Now you can even help the adults in your house do theirs!
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