The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has issued an update following the temporary suspension of nil tax returns. KRA revenue service assistants at work. On Friday, January 23, the KRA deputy commissioner in charge of taxpayer experience, Patience Njau, announced that the authority had blocked filings of zero returns to facilitate data validation and compliance checks. Why did KRA suspend the filing of nil returns? The deputy commissioner explained that the move was part of a larger initiative to turn non-filers and zero filers into active taxpayers. According to Njau, KRA would change its enforcement focus in 2026 to ensure that individuals and companies claiming no income are appropriately evaluated using the transaction data that is already accessible. “This year, we will have a very different focus because we want to turn zero payers and non-filers into paying taxpayers. We have mechanisms in place to keep an eye on other transactions, including customs, eTIMS, income earned, and withholding tax,” she stated as reported by KBC. The temporary ban, she argued, was intended to stop revenue loss while the authority examines taxpayer records.
“You are not allowed to file zero returns for your 2025 income between now and the end of March. Once we have examined the data and verified that no transactions took place during the year, the nil filing will be reopened. This is intended to guarantee a more equitable distribution of the tax burden,” she reiterated. KRA commissioner general Humphrey Wattanga. The taxman aims to expand the tax base. Did Kenyans lament online? This came after Kenyans who were unable to file returns expressed concerns and queries about the suspension. KRA confirmed that the suspension will be lifted on Friday, May 1, 2026. “Kindly note the nil return option is temporarily unavailable. Kindly be patient as it is scheduled to be restored on May 1. Apologies for any inconvenience caused,” it responded to a Kenyan on X. How many Kenyans file returns? The deputy commissioner clarified that KRA will create pre-populated forms using information from job income, eTIMS records, bank transfers, withholding taxes, and customs systems. Before allowing nil returns, the authority will be able to precisely evaluate taxpayers’ obligations thanks to these pre-filled returns. Njau highlighted Kenya’s unequal tax compliance distribution. “Only four million of the approximately eight million people who filed actually pay taxes. Therefore, even if we suppose that five million people make a living in a nation of about 50 million, that is a very skewed figure,” she added.
By Japhet Ruto
