KRA Amnesty Programme hits Ksh 158 Billion in Waivers

• KRA Amnesty Programme hits Ksh 158 Billion in Waivers

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said that tax waiver under its amnesty programme has hit Ksh 158 billion.

The Tax Amnesty Programme that began on December 27, 2024 has so far benefitted 2.9 million taxpayers whose tax penalties, fines and interests have been waived.

Besides that, KRA has also received Ksh 10.9 billion in principal tax payments since the commencement of the programme.

“The Tax Amnesty Programme provides an opportunity for taxpayers to clean their tax records through offering a waiver on penalties, interest and fines for tax debts accrued up to December 31, 2023,” KRA said.

KRA is banking on the programme which closes on June 30, 2025 to help taxpayers clear historic tax and normalize their tax compliance.

KRA said under the programme, taxpayers with no outstanding principle taxes as of December 31, 2023 will automatically qualify for the waiver.

However, taxpayers with liabilities arising from January 1, 2024, and thereafter are not eligible for amnesty and shall pay all penalties, interest, and principal taxes for liabilities incurred after the said date.

Key features of the Tax Amnesty Programme.

Automatic waiver: Taxpayers who owe no principal taxes for periods through December 31, 2023, but owe interest and penalties, qualify for automatic waiver of interest and penalties and are not required to submit an application.

Application requirement: Taxpayers with outstanding principal taxes for periods through December 31, 2023, are required to apply via the tax system and submit a structured payment plan for full payoff of the outstanding principal taxes by June 30, 2025.

Exclusions: Tax obligations from January 1, 2024, and thereafter do not qualify for amnesty. All penalties, interest, and principal taxes for obligations incurred after this date remain due.

KRA encouraged taxpayers with outstanding tax disputes to look into resolving them under the Alternative Dispute Resolution framework (ADR) to have them settled fast before the amnesty period runs out.

KRA said that  all taxpayers should  act fast and take advantage of the tax amnesty before the June 30, 2025, deadline.