NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has switched the ‘Nil Returns’ option back on after completing system checks, giving taxpayers a clear path ahead of the June filing deadline.
The move comes two weeks after the authority temporarily suspended the option to encourage non-filers and nil filers to start paying taxes.
What the Reactivation Means
During the suspension, KRA focused on identifying taxpayers who had slipped through the system.
This included examining income taxes, withholding taxes, eTIMs, and customs records to ensure all eligible individuals and businesses are properly captured in the tax net.
A quick check on Monday, February 9, by Kenyans.co.ke confirmed that the Nil Returns option is now active on the KRA portal.
According to the authority, taxpayers who are nil-filers can now use the option to submit their January–December 2025 income tax returns after March 31, 2026.
Filing for 2024 income tax returns, previous periods, and other monthly obligations such as PAYE (pay-as-you-earn), excise, MRI (monthly rental income), and TOT (turnover tax) can continue as usual.
Why Nil Filing Was Suspended
The temporary suspension aimed to curb widespread misuse. Many Kenyans continue to file nil returns despite earning taxable income, which reduces overall tax compliance.
Deputy Commissioner Patience Njau said the initiative is designed to distribute the tax burden more fairly and capture income from overlooked sources, including rental earnings.
She revealed that out of 22 million registered individuals with KRA PINs, only 8 million actively pay taxes—and of these, just 4 million consistently meet their obligations.
“This year, our focus will be very different as we aim to convert nil filers, non-filers, and zero payers into paying taxpayers,” Njau said. “We have systems in place to monitor income from withholding taxes, eTIMs, customs, and other sources.
To avoid missing anyone, nil returns could not be filed until validation was complete. Between now and March 30, filing for 2025 income tax returns is on hold.”
What Taxpayers Should Do
With the system now validated, taxpayers can resume filing nil returns for 2025 after March 31.
KRA encourages everyone to comply and notes that normal obligations—including monthly and prior-year returns—continue as before.
The reactivation represents a balance between maintaining compliance and offering convenience to taxpayers.
