NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 23 – The Kenya Revenue Authority has enhanced the iTax system in readiness for high traffic ahead of the 2020 annual income tax return deadline, set for June 30th.
In as statement, the Authority says it is promoting the use of digital channels including the KRA M-Service App in light of the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic, which has occasioned minimal visits to public places as a safety measure.
KRA adds that it has also put in place the necessary measures to support taxpayers who may need assistance during the filing season virtually.
As at 20th June 2021, over 3.8 Million Kenyans had filed their returns successfully, translating to over 20 percent growth compared to the 3.1 million who had filed their returns by the same period the previous year.
Marketing and Communication Deputy Commissioner Grace Wandera attributed the increase in the number of returns filed to the current stability of the iTax system, adding that more taxpayers are expected to file their returns before 30th June.
“The iTax system is currently very efficient, enabling taxpayers to file their returns 24 hours a day, without hitches,” Wandera said, “We have also extended our Service Centres and Contact Centre opening hours to serve the increasing footfall. In the month of June alone, we have served over 230, 000 customers, registering 71 percent growth of customers seeking services at the Huduma Centres and Service Centres compared to last year.”
Customer support for filing of returns has also been optimized through various channels including; calls, emails, social media, chats, KRA service centres and Huduma centres. So far, KRA is serving approximately 20,000 customers in the various channels daily.
The numbers are expected to soar as the deadline approaches.