KRA to serve taxpayers on mobile phones

NAIROBI - The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has brought essential services to tax payers’ mobile phones in a bid to spur compliance.

The KRA M-Service App is expected to boost the taxman’s revenue collection efforts by simplifying access to services such as PIN registration and verification, filing of returns and payment of tax.

The application was commissioned last Monday during the launch of this year’s national Taxpayers Month held every early October to celebrate  highly compliant Kenyans.

Themed “Enhancing tax administration for economic sustainability,” the fete also marked the 25th anniversary since  KRA  came into existence. This as records show improved tax mobilisation efforts where during the 2019/2020 financial year, the taxman managed to raise up to Sh1.607 trillion.

Also planned to go online is the controversial legal-backed e-commerce tax also known as Digital Service Tax (DST).

“DST is intended to address the change in business models and expand the tax base and becomes effective from January1, 2021 following its introduction through the Finance Act, 2020,” said KRA in a statement.

KRA Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Tax Advisory Caxton Masudi said by making the tax payment process more convenient, the new approach is expected to widen taxpayer reach and increase revenue collection.

“The application will enable taxpayers to access KRA services on the go, subsequently enhancing compliance,” he said. He noted that over 100, 000 Kenyans have so far downloaded the App available on Google Play Store, adding that KRA is working with developers to make the app accessible on Apple Store by December this year. – THE STANDARD, Kenya.