With the June 30 deadline looming, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KR has rolled out a new, simplified way to file Nil tax returns—this time through the eCitizen portal. The move marks a significant shift in Kenya’s tax compliance strategy and is designed to ease congestion and digital frustrations commonly experienced during peak filing periods.
Previously, all tax returns, including nil declarations, had to be submitted via KRA’s iTax system. But now, in a bid to modernize tax administration and streamline the user experience, Kenyans can file nil returns online via eCitizen, the government’s unified digital service platform.
“You can now file NIL returns on eCitizen; filing taxes has never been this easy. Use this and escape the commotion,” the tax authority announced in a public statement.
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Who Should File Nil Returns?
Nil returns are required for Kenyans with no taxable income during the previous financial year. This includes:
- Students
- Unemployed individuals
- Persons living abroad with no income in Kenya
- Registered KRA PIN holders who had no business, employment, or rental income
Filing is mandatory, and failure to do so by the June 30 deadline could lead to penalties of up to KSh 2,000.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File Nil Returns on eCitizen
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to file nil returns on eCitizen:
- Go to eCitizen and log in using your usual account credentials.
- On the dashboard, select “Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)” from the services list.
- Navigate to the tax filing section under KRA services.
- Choose “File Nil Returns” if you had no income during the tax year.
- Verify your KRA PIN and personal details.
- Click Submit.
- You will receive a confirmation message once your filing is successful.
KRA has confirmed that all records are updated in real-time, and the system has been secured to maintain data privacy and compliance integrity.
Read Also: KRA Explains How Business Owners Can Exit VAT Special Table & Stay Compliant
Why the Shift Matters
The integration of tax services into eCitizen is part of a broader digital transformation strategy that aims to:
- Reduce iTax system downtimes, especially in the final days of June
- Simplify the filing process for low-income and non-income earners
- Centralize all government services under one digital roof
Many Kenyans, particularly those in rural areas and youth unfamiliar with iTax, have struggled to complete returns in past years. The move to eCitizen seeks to remove those barriers and promote voluntary compliance.
“Kenyans fail to file not because they want to evade taxes, but because the process is often too complex. eCitizen is a game-changer,” a KRA source noted.
Final Reminder: Deadline is June 30
KRA is urging all Kenyans—especially those eligible for nil returns—to take advantage of the new eCitizen tax filing option and avoid last-minute panic. Early filing reduces the risk of penalties and helps ensure compliance across the board.
This change is also aligned with the government’s vision of a digitally integrated public service system, where citizens can access everything from tax filing to passport applications on a single platform.
The ability to file nil returns on eCitizen is a welcome relief for millions of Kenyans. By simplifying tax processes and using familiar platforms, the Kenya Revenue Authority is making tax compliance easier and more accessible than ever before.
Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or simply had no income in the past year, now is the time to log in and file. With just a few clicks, you’re compliant—and you avoid the penalties that come with delay.
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