The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has taken a major step to make tax filing easier for Kenyans. In a move aimed at reducing the stress of completing tax returns, the authority now allows taxpayers to file through WhatsApp.

KRA announced the new service on its official X account, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

“No new apps. No extra steps. Just open WhatsApp and get it done,” the taxman stated.

The authority highlighted that many people find filing taxes difficult not because it is complex, but because the process feels long and frustrating. Logging in, resetting passwords, completing forms, and starting or stopping mid-way often discourage taxpayers from filing on time.

To address this, KRA has made several changes. Returns are now prefilled where possible, and the system guides users step by step through the filing process. Support is available directly on WhatsApp, making it easier for taxpayers to complete their returns without repeated back-and-forth. The authority said the updates aim to save time, reduce stress around deadlines, and give taxpayers more control over the filing process.

“You don’t need to be an expert to file anymore. You just need to get started,” KRA said.

The authority encouraged taxpayers to start early and complete their filings on time.

KRA cracks down on NIL

The new WhatsApp filing option comes as KRA steps up efforts to ensure compliance. In a recent warning to businesses, the authority stressed that habitual filing of nil returns is not acceptable.

“If you get income from your business, you cannot declare NIL returns,” KRA wrote on X on March 30, 2026.

The authority emphasised that nil filing is not a growth strategy, noting that declaring zero income contradicts any expansion plans.

Taxpayers with an active KRA PIN who fail to file returns by June 30 risk penalties. These include fines of Ksh2,000 or Ksh20,000, or five per cent of the tax due. False declarations can attract heavier penalties of up to 25 per cent of the tax involved, plus a one per cent monthly interest on unpaid amounts. In extreme cases, fraudulent filings could lead to criminal prosecution, jail terms of up to 10 years, or fines of up to Ksh10 million.

KRA’s internal review shows that, while the country has over 22 million registered taxpayers, only about 7 million actively pay taxes. Among them, around 3.2 million are formally employed or operate registered businesses, while the rest are self-employed.

The authority has flagged more than 392,000 taxpayers who declared zero income in 2024 despite records showing financial activity, including through withholding tax or the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS).

To help taxpayers comply, KRA has sent SMS notifications indicating that prefilled 2025 income tax returns are ready for review and submission. The messages guide recipients to log in to iTax or use the new WhatsApp service to file their returns and pay any tax due.