The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a significant waiver of penalties and interest that have accrued for taxpayers due to the recent intermittent downtime of the iTax portal. This decision comes as a relief to many taxpayers who have faced challenges in fulfilling their tax obligations during this period.
In a public notice dated September 16, 2026, KRA acknowledged that the system downtime had a substantial impact on the normal functioning of return filing and payment services throughout September. The iTax portal, which is crucial for tax compliance in Kenya, experienced disruptions that hindered many taxpayers from submitting their returns and making payments on time.
The Authority clarified that the waiver will be implemented in accordance with Section 89(5A) of the Tax Procedures Act. This legal framework allows KRA to provide relief to taxpayers affected by circumstances beyond their control. The waiver will specifically cover the verified period during which the iTax services were unavailable or intermittently inaccessible, ensuring that taxpayers are not penalized for issues that were not of their making.
KRA has committed to undertaking the necessary system processes to ensure that penalties and interest attributable to the verified period of downtime are waived. This proactive approach reflects the Authority's recognition of the importance of maintaining taxpayer trust and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
In its communication, KRA also expressed its apologies for the inconvenience caused by the downtime, acknowledging the frustration that many taxpayers experienced. The Authority thanked taxpayers for their patience and cooperation during this challenging time, emphasizing the importance of their role in the tax system.
For taxpayers seeking further information or support regarding the waiver or any other tax-related inquiries, KRA has encouraged them to reach out to its Contact Centre. Taxpayers can contact the Centre through the phone numbers 020 4 999 999 or 0711 099 999. Additionally, they can send an email to callcentre@kra.go.ke for assistance.
This waiver is expected to provide much-needed relief to taxpayers who have been adversely affected by the technical issues with the iTax portal, allowing them to focus on their financial obligations without the added burden of penalties and interest.
