KRA simplifies application, issuance of tax compliance certificates
Taxpayers applying for Tax Compliance Certificates (TCCs) on the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) iTax portal will now get the certificates on the spot.
However, the automatic issuance of TCCs will be subject to a clean tax record.
In a statement, KRA said the move was as a result of the recent rollout of a simplified self-service application process for TCCs, which aims at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the issuance of the crucial documents.
The new process significantly reduces the issuance timelines from a few days to minutes.
A TCC is a certificate issued by KRA to ascertain the tax compliance status of a taxpayer. The certificate is valid for 12 months after which one is required to apply for a renewal.
“With the simplified application process in place, there will no longer be intervention by KRA staff in the application and issuance of the document,” said Elizabeth Meyo, KRA’s Commissioner for Domestic Taxes.
Meyo said so far, since the rollout of the automated function on January 12, 2020 KRA has issued more than 15,000 TCCs, an indication of the new function’s high success rate.
She said KRA is also working to clear the pending TCC applications, which had been submitted prior to the rollout of the self-service application process.
Meyo said taxpayers who have outstanding tax liabilities will be required to clear their liabilities first or apply for a payment plan on iTax to clear their liabilities.
Once the first installment on the payment plan has been received, the applicants will be required to reapply for a TCC for an approval,” she said.
Meyo said apart from payment of taxes, another key tenet of tax compliance is filing of tax returns within the required timelines as outlined in the respective tax acts.
“KRA therefore wishes to advise taxpayers to ensure that they file their respective tax returns accordingly as failure to do so amounts to noncompliance,” she said.
Where a taxpayer’s TCC application is rejected on the basis of outstanding debts and the taxpayer disagrees with the liability shown, the taxpayer is advised to contact KRA through 020 4 999 999, 0711 099 999 or write an email to [email protected],” she said.
Meyo said taxpayers can also visit the nearest KRA office or a KRA desk at the nearest Huduma Centre for further assistance and guidance.
