How to File KRA Tax Returns on eCitizen & iTax Portal

The Kenya Revenue Authority recently introduced the filing of nil returns on the eCitizen platform as an alternative to the usual iTax platform.

All Kenyans with KRA PINs are required to file their returns ahead of the June 30 deadline.

As a result, Kenyans who did not make any income in 2024 are expected to file their nil return or risk facing penalties.

Steps to follow when filing your nil return on the eCitizen platform.

The first step is to log into your preferred web browser and visit the eCitizen website - https://accounts.ecitizen.go.ke/en - to log in to your account. Once on the portal, pick the KRA services. Alternatively, you can use the shortened link - https://ecitizen.kra.go.ke.

Once you have logged into the KRA services tab, a prompt will pop up on the screen asking whether you want to log into your KRA account. At this point, click the confirm tab.

Once logged in, select the 'File Returns' tab that is next to your profile. You will then be given two options 'File Returns' and 'File Nil Returns'. For those who did not make any income in 2024, pick 'File Nil returns'.

The next step is to pick the Obligation. In this case, the obligation is the Individual Income Tax.  Enter the obligation period (1/1/2024-31/1/2024) - this will automatically be filled.

After confirming the details, click on the Next tab to complete the filing of returns.

"If you were employed in 2024 and then lost your job, you are still required to file a return for that year. If you had multiple employers in 2024, you are still required to file a return to show all income received from your employers," KRA advised.

"If you had no income in 2024, you are required to file a NIL return. If you are employed and have other sources of income from your side hustles, you are still required to declare them in addition to the income you get from your job."

Alternatively, nil returns can be filed on the iTax platform through the following steps

1. On your prefreed browser, visit KRA's iTax portal through the link- https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/.
2. Log in to the portal using the provided credentials - KRA PIN and password.
3. Navigate to the Return menu and select 'File Nil Returns'.
4. Choose the correct tax obligation and fill out the Nil Return form, indicating the return period.
5. Confirm submission of nil return.
6. Download the nil return receipt.

How to Fill Returns for Employed Kenyans

1. Visit the iTax portal through the link - https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/.
2. Log in to the iTax portal using your PIN and password.
3. Once logged in, click on the 'Returns' tab available on the navigation menu, then click the 'File Returns' option.
4. Select the tax type you are looking to file - in this case, the individual income tax, then click on the 'next' tab.
5. Download and fill out the Return Form (P9) available in Excel format -your employer should be able to provide you with these details. Sometimes the tables may be prepopulated as if you only have employment income and your employer has filed your PAYE returns correctly through iTax. The system will pre-populate most of the details from your P9. You will only need to verify the information and input any additional reliefs.
6. Check the button/box next to the 'Agree with Terms and Conditions' statement.
7. Click on 'Submit' once satisfied that the information entered is accurate.
8. When complete, the portal will generate a receipt. There will also be a message of acknowledgement that reads ‘return submitted successfully’.
9. Here is a video guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv2s2LUbTHk&ab_channel=KenyaRevenueAuthority.