How KRA’s WhatsApp tax filing will work and what it means for taxpayers

File image of KRA Itax Banner

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced a new WhatsApp-based tax filing system, signalling a shift from the traditional iTax platform to a simplified, chat-driven experience aimed at easing compliance.

The authority says the tool is designed to eliminate common challenges taxpayers face on iTax, including login issues, password resets and navigating multiple forms before completing returns.

“We’ve said it before, but this time, it’s real. Filing your taxes just got easier,” KRA said while announcing the rollout.

Under the new system, taxpayers can initiate the filing process directly on WhatsApp without downloading additional applications or logging into separate platforms. The process follows a guided, conversational format where users respond to prompts and confirm details step by step.

KRA noted that returns will be pre-filled where possible, reducing the need for manual data entry.

“Returns are now pre-filled where possible. The system is more guided and support and filing can now happen on WhatsApp,” the authority said.

For salaried individuals, key details such as income, tax deductions and statutory contributions will already be populated, allowing users to simply review and confirm the information.

Those with additional income streams are also expected to benefit, as the system will pull available data, including withholding taxes, making the process less complex.

The integration of real-time assistance within the chat is expected to address one of the biggest challenges in tax filing—lack of immediate support.

“Everything is designed to help you complete your filing more easily, with less back-and-forth,” KRA said.

The move targets younger taxpayers and those in the informal sector, who are more accustomed to mobile-based platforms. By embedding the service in WhatsApp, KRA is bringing tax filing into a platform already widely used by millions of Kenyans.

Despite the new interface, the underlying tax requirements remain unchanged. Filing obligations and deadlines still apply, with April 30 set as the deadline for 2025 income returns.

What has changed is the user experience. Instead of navigating multiple web pages, taxpayers will follow a linear, guided process within a chat, reducing errors and incomplete submissions.

KRA says the system will also cut down the time spent on filing and ease the stress associated with deadlines.

“Less time spent trying to figure things out, less stress around deadlines, more confidence and control over your filing,” the authority said.

However, experts note that while conversational systems have worked in other sectors, the success of the platform will depend on reliability, accuracy of pre-filled data and user trust.

Questions also remain on how the system will handle complex tax situations, amendments and disputes.

Still, KRA maintains the initiative is part of its broader digital transformation strategy aimed at improving compliance and expanding the tax base.

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

If successfully implemented, the WhatsApp filing system could significantly reduce the administrative burden on taxpayers while addressing long-standing issues such as last-minute congestion and low voluntary compliance rates.