Kenyan taxpayers occasionally face penalties and interest due to delays in paying taxes or filing returns.
Fortunately, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offers a pathway to alleviate these financial burdens by applying tax waivers.
When taxpayers are unable to meet their tax obligations on time, they may apply to the Commissioner for the remission of penalties and interest incurred as a result.
However, it's crucial to note that waivers only apply to penalties and interest, not the principal tax amount, which must be settled in full.
It is also important to recognise that penalties and interest stemming from fraud or tax evasion are not eligible for waiver consideration.
Differences between tax waivers and tax amnesty
While tax waivers allow for the application of penalty and interest remission upon full payment of the principal tax, tax amnesty initiatives are periodic and targeted efforts aimed at specific objectives, often guaranteeing a percentage waiver of penalties and interest based on prescribed conditions.
READ: 3 special groups exempted from paying income tax in Kenya [Qualifications]
Qualifying for a waiver application
Before applying for a waiver, all principal taxes must be fully paid. Additionally, taxpayers must demonstrate compliance with other tax obligations, including timely filing and payment.
The applicant's past compliance record plays a significant role in the assessment of their waiver application.
Application process
For taxpayers using the iTax system, applications are submitted through their iTax profiles.
For assessments conducted before the implementation of iTax, manual applications should be presented at the taxpayer's respective Tax Service Office (TSO).
All applications must clearly state the reasons why the taxpayer should be considered for a waiver, accompanied by evidence supporting each reason.
Supporting evidence requirements
The type of supporting evidence required depends on the mitigating grounds presented in the application.
Handling erroneous penalties and interest
Taxpayers can request the removal of erroneous penalties and interest by submitting applications to the Debt Office in their respective TSOs.
The application is reviewed, and if it meets the requirements, the erroneous penalties and interest are reversed by established procedures.
Following up on applications
1. Tracking Progress Taxpayers can follow up on their waiver applications with the Debt Unit offices at their respective TSOs.
Receiving decision notifications
Upon processing a waiver application, KRA notifies taxpayers of the decision.
For iTax applications, notifications are sent via email to the taxpayer's registered address. For pre-iTax assessments, notifications are sent via postal mail, with scanned copies also emailed to the taxpayer.
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Responding to decisions
If a waiver application is partially granted or declined, taxpayers must adhere to the decision.
Any amount not waived must be paid within the specified period outlined in the notification issued by KRA.