It’s that time of the year again. The June 30th deadline is looming like a Nairobi traffic jam on Thika Road, and that KRA reminder SMS just hit your phone. Panic? Don’t. Filing your annual tax returns doesn’t have to be a nightmare of long queues at Times Tower. The iTax portal is your saviour, if you know how to use it.
This guide is for every employed Kenyan, side-hustler, and business owner. We’ll walk you through how to file your KRA tax returns online using iTax, step by step. No jargon, just clear instructions to get it done from your phone or laptop, so you can avoid those nasty penalties and sleep easy.
What You Need Before You Start Filing on iTax
You can’t just jump onto the iTax portal and start clicking. You need your documents ready, just like you need your ID before boarding a matatu. Preparation saves you time and frustration.
First, ensure your KRA PIN is active. If you’ve forgotten your password, reset it beforehand. The site can get slow as the deadline approaches, so do this early.
Gather These Documents
Have these details close by, either as soft copies or written down:
- Your official KRA PIN certificate.
- Your National ID number.
- Your employer’s PIN (found on your payslip).
- Your P9 form from your employer – this summarizes your annual pay and tax deducted.
- Details of any other income (rental, freelance, business).
- Records of any allowable expenses (like mortgage interest, NSSF, NHIF, life insurance).
Step-by-Step: How to File Your KRA Tax Returns Online
Now, let’s get to the main action. Follow these steps in order. It’s a straightforward process once you know where to click.
Step 1: Log Into Your iTax Profile
Go to the official KRA iTax portal (itax.kra.go.ke). Don’t Google it and click on random links—scammers are everywhere. Enter your KRA PIN and password. If you’re logging in for the first time in a while, you might need to update your profile or set up new security questions.
Step 2: Navigate to the Returns Section
Once logged in, look for the ‘Returns’ menu on the left-hand side. Click on ‘File Return’. Then, select ‘Income Tax’ and choose the specific return form. For most salaried employees, this is the ‘ITR for Employment Income’ form.
Step 3: Fill in the ITR Form Accurately
This is the most critical part. The form will auto-populate some details. Carefully enter the figures from your P9 form into the correct boxes: gross salary, tax deducted (PAYE), and so on. If you have other income, declare it in the relevant sections. Be honest—KRA cross-checks data with employers and banks.
Step 4: Declare Allowable Deductions and Reliefs
This is where you reduce your tax bill legally. Enter your contributions to NHIF, NSSF, and approved life insurance or pension schemes. If you have a mortgage, you can claim the interest. First-time home owners can claim the affordable housing relief. Don’t leave money on the table!
Step 5: Review, Validate, and Submit
Before you hit submit, review every entry. A small mistake can cause a mismatch and trigger a query from KRA. Use the ‘Validate’ button to check for errors. Once satisfied, click ‘Submit’. You’ll get an acknowledgement slip with a transaction number—download and save or print this. It’s your proof of filing.
Common Pitfalls & Pro-Tips for Kenyan Filers
Many people trip on the same hurdles. Here’s how to avoid the common mistakes Kenyans make when filing returns online.
First, don’t wait until June 29th. The iTax portal often crashes or becomes unbearably slow in the final days, just like Kenya Power during a storm. File by mid-June to avoid the last-minute rush and potential penalties.
Second, if you changed jobs within the year, you need P9 forms from all your employers. Your total annual income is the sum from all of them. Forgetting a previous employer is a red flag for KRA.
What If You Owe Tax or Get a Refund?
After submitting, the system will calculate if you have a tax balance or are due a refund. If you owe, you must pay immediately via M-Pesa (Paybill 572572), your bank, or on iTax to stop interest accrual. If you’re getting a refund, it will be processed by KRA, but follow up if it delays beyond 90 days.
The Nairobi Rush: Beating the Deadline & Avoiding Queues
Let’s talk about the real Kenyan context. The deadline culture here is strong—everyone is at the post office on December 24th, right? The tax deadline is no different. The physical KRA offices, especially the one at Times Tower, become a sea of stressed people in June.
Filing online is your escape from that chaos. You can do it during your lunch break at a Nairobi cafe, from your home in Kisumu during the evening, or even on your phone while in a matatu (stuck in traffic, of course). The convenience is unmatched. The penalty for late filing is a minimum of KES 1,000 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is higher. That’s easy money to save.
Local Pro-Tip: If you must visit a KRA station, go to a smaller Huduma Centre in your neighbourhood, like the one in Makadara or Eastleigh, instead of the main headquarters. They are often less crowded and can handle most queries. Go mid-week, avoid Mondays and month-ends.
Filing for the Hustler Nation: Side Incomes & Small Business
Not everyone is on a straight monthly pay. If you’re part of the hustle economy—driving Uber/Bolt, freelance writing, selling mitumba online, or running a small kiosk—you still must file. The process is similar but you’ll use the ‘ITR for Business Income’ form.
Keep simple records of your earnings and expenses. M-Pesa statements can be a lifesaver for tracking. Declare your net profit (income minus allowable business expenses). Remember, paying your fair share keeps you compliant and can even help you access credit facilities from Kenyan banks later, as your tax returns act as proof of income.
What Happens After You File Your Tax Returns?
You submitted the return and got your slip. You’re not done yet. KRA will assess your return. If everything matches their data, you’ll get a “Assessment Complete” status. If there’s an issue, they will send a notice through your iTax dashboard. Always check your iTax messages regularly, don’t just wait for an SMS.
Keep all your supporting documents (P9s, receipts, bank statements) for at least five years. KRA can audit past returns. Being organised with your records, maybe in a dedicated folder on your phone or laptop, will save you massive stress later.
Filing your KRA tax returns online using iTax is a civic duty and a mark of a responsible adult. It’s not as complicated as it seems once you break it down. The key is to start early, have your documents ready, and follow the steps carefully. By filing online, you save time, avoid penalties, and contribute to nation-building from the comfort of your couch.
Don’t let the deadline sneak up on you. Block an hour this weekend, log into iTax, and get it done. Got a specific question about your return? Drop it in the comments below—let’s help each other navigate this. And if you found this guide useful, share it with your group members and workmates. Sharing is caring, especially when it saves everyone from a KSH 1,000 penalty!