AfriPulse
Salaried employees across Kenya can now file their annual tax returns with greater ease, thanks to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)’s new Simplified Return feature on the iTax platform.
On Tuesday, February 17, KRA urged employed Kenyans to take advantage of the update, which is designed specifically for individuals whose only income comes from employment.
Previously, filing income tax returns required navigating complex Excel sheets—a time-consuming and often frustrating process. The latest update eliminates the Excel requirement entirely.
“Employed Kenyans, listen up! Filing taxes just got easier. No more wrestling with Excel sheets, use Simplified Returns on iTax! It’s quick, simple, and totally hassle-free,” KRA noted.
How the Simplified Return Works
The iTax system now automatically populates salary and tax details based on information submitted by employers. Taxpayers only need to confirm whether they have additional reliefs or deductible expenses.
According to KRA, individuals paying a mortgage or holding an insurance policy eligible for tax relief can select “Yes” and enter the relevant details. Those without such reliefs can simply choose “No” and proceed.
The feature comes with pre-filled information, including the taxpayer’s Personal Identification Number (PIN), employment income, and all taxes already deducted, streamlining the filing process and reducing errors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Simplified Returns
Visit kra.go.ke and log in to the iTax platform using your National ID number.
Navigate to the Returns tab and select Simplified Returns.
Click Income Tax Return (ITR) for employment income only.
Select the period of filing and click Next. A document with pre-filled details will appear.
This system eliminates the need to manually input most information, saving time and reducing mistakes. The simplified process is primarily aimed at employees earning income from a single employer who do not have additional sources of income, such as business or rental earnings.
KRA Introduces Phased Income Tax Returns Filing
The simplified return rollout comes just two weeks after KRA announced a phased filing approach for the 2026 income tax cycle.
In a statement released on February 5, KRA said the phased filing system aims to make tax submission easier, faster, and more personalized for millions of taxpayers.
The approach addresses the last-minute rush that typically overwhelms taxpayers and the iTax system each year. Under the new system, taxpayers will be grouped based on income complexity, and KRA will send SMS and email notifications to guide users on when and how to file.
This combined effort makes tax filing more efficient, reduces errors, and ensures that salaried employees can meet their obligations without the usual stress.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
