Last-Minute Relief for Kenyan Taxpayers
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially extended the deadline for filing individual tax returns by 24 hours, moving it from June 30 to midnight on July 1, 2025. The decision comes after widespread complaints about iTax portal errors and system delays due to last-minute filing traffic.
With the clock ticking and millions of Kenyans struggling to access KRA systems on time, the extension offers short-term relief but also raises long-term questions about digital infrastructure and taxpayer service delivery.
Why the Deadline Was Extended
KRA cited increased traffic to the iTax platform as the main reason for the extension. The digital system experienced slowdowns and timeouts, preventing many users from logging in or completing their returns.
“Tumefungua service lane! 24-hour extension up to tomorrow, 1st July 2025, midnight to file and pay your returns,” KRA announced on social media.
Taxpayers took to Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp to express frustration, noting they had experienced system failures for several days leading up to the deadline.
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Who Is Required to File?
The filing requirement applies to a broad range of Kenyans:
- Employed persons (even if their taxes are deducted via PAYE)
- Self-employed individuals including business owners and freelancers
- Landlords and investors
- Students, retirees, and unemployed individuals, who must file nil returns if they had no income
Failure to file by the deadline (now July 1) attracts penalties—even for nil returns.
Penalties for Missing the Deadline
Anyone who fails to file by midnight, July 1, 2025, will face the following fines:
- Ksh 2,000 or 5% of the tax due, whichever is higher
- Possible further enforcement action by KRA
- Disqualification from accessing government services such as job applications, tenders, and passport renewals
Filing Options Available
To maximize the extra 24-hour window, KRA has extended its operational support hours and offered multiple channels for taxpayers to file:
Online via iTax Portal
- Best for tech-savvy individuals
- Can be done from home or a cyber café
Huduma Centres and KRA Help Desks
- Available for those needing human support
- Extended hours announced for July 1
Cyber Cafés and Tax Agents
- Especially useful for people unfamiliar with the iTax system or without digital access
KRA also encouraged taxpayers to contact their call center for urgent help: 020-4999-999 or via email at [email protected].
System Challenges: A Recurring Problem?
This year’s last-minute scramble is not an isolated case. In recent years, iTax portal slowdowns have become a yearly ritual, causing public outcry and missed deadlines.
Many Kenyans expressed concern that:
- The system is not built to handle end-of-June surges
- The agency does not invest enough in cloud scaling or user-friendly interfaces
- Extensions are often too short to make a difference
A cross-section of tax professionals called for earlier system upgrades and public awareness campaigns to prevent similar problems in the future.
Read Also: KRA Targets VAT as Top Revenue Source Through Digital Overhaul
What Happens After This?
Starting July 1, 2025:
- KRA will begin implementing revised PAYE (Pay As You Earn) templates for employers
- Integration with IFMIS and eCitizen platforms will be improved
- An emphasis will be placed on automated systems to ease both employer and individual tax compliance
The authority aims to make future tax filing more seamless and efficient through digitization.
Public Reaction: Mixed Feelings
While some taxpayers appreciated the extension, many viewed it as insufficient:
“What’s the point of an extension if the system still isn’t working?”
“We need at least a week to get this done. KRA should have seen this coming.”
The online backlash also included calls for KRA to fully redesign the iTax platform to make it more robust, especially during peak periods.
File Immediately or Face Penalties
KRA’s decision to extend the tax filing deadline to July 1, 2025, provides a narrow escape for taxpayers affected by iTax system failures. However, this should serve as a warning: avoid last-minute filing, plan early, and double-check for confirmation receipts once your return is submitted.
Kenyans are now urged to take advantage of the 24-hour grace period to avoid fines and stay compliant with the country’s tax laws.
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