KRA sends tax reminders as deadline hits, jackpot winning gamblers included
The KRA urges all, including gamblers who have won, to clear outstanding principal tax and avoid costly penalties.
Kenya.-The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has sent urgent messages reminding taxpayers to settle outstanding principal tax by June 30. The alert affects a wide range of individuals, including lucky gamblers who hit the jackpot but failed to declare their winnings.
The campaign is part of KRA’s ongoing tax amnesty programme, which offers a full waiver on penalties and interest for anyone who pays their principal tax by Monday.
While many salaried employees and business owners have received reminders, the KRA has made it clear that even those who won money through gambling are not exempt. Unreported betting or casino winnings may also trigger alerts with the taxman keen to track every shilling.
The messages serve as both a warning and an opportunity. One of the many messages now hitting phones and inboxes across the country reads: “Our records indicate that you owe principal tax of Ksh 77,479.75 ($600) as at 31/12/2023. Please settle by 30/06/2025 to enjoy 100 per cent waiver on penalties and interest,” according to the Kenya Times.
Confusion mounts, expert advises caution
Tax expert Peter Ndirangu explained that such reminders usually indicate a real issue.
“A person might have filed a return showing tax payable but never actually made the payment”, he said.
He also noted that filing mistakes like failing to claim personal insurance relief or employers not remitting PAYE deductions can trigger a flagged account.
But the eleventh hour push has not been well received by all. Kenyans have taken to social media expressing confusion and concern over receiving unexpected messages.
“Looks like KRA has decided that we must pay for the odious debt now or what? Why am I getting messages that I owe tax for 2023 a year I was still on campus,” wrote user @aztronist on X.
Another user @Prroh added: “Every year I have been paying my taxes as required and I file my tax returns in time. Today for the first time I am getting this message from KRA.”
To confirm their status taxpayers are urged to log into the iTax portal and apply for a tax compliance certificate. If there is an issue, it will be flagged immediately. Another method is to attempt to generate an eSlip under the payments section. If successful, the taxpayer is likely in the clear.
Whether your earnings came from hard work or sheer luck the message is clear. Time is up. Settle what you owe or face the full force of penalties.
