Thousands of Kenyans who were unable to file their income tax returns on time due to system challenges have been granted relief after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced a waiver on penalties and interest, provided the returns are submitted by July 5, 2025.

In a statement issued on Monday, KRA acknowledged the massive turnout of taxpayers on June 30 and attributed the delays to technical disruptions caused by high traffic on its online filing platform. The system failure affected both return submissions and payment services, leaving many unable to meet the June 30 deadline.

“The large turnout not only shows patriotism, but also the trust and faith Kenyans have placed in us,” KRA said.

Citing Section 89 (5A)(b) of the Tax Procedures Act, KRA said it would waive all penalties and interest on returns for the 2024 income year as long as the affected taxpayers file by July 5, 2025.

KRA encouraged Kenyans to use the extended window to submit their returns and settle any outstanding taxes before the new deadline lapses.

On Monday, KRA announced a 24-hour extension for filing tax returns, allowing more Kenyans to file returns after the June 30, 2025 deadline.

Thousands of Kenyans who were at risk of being locked out of the tax filing now have a reason to smile after the deadline was extended to midnight on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

KRA explained that the move was aimed at giving more Kenyans time to file their returns following technical challenges experienced with the iTax system on the last day of filing (June 30).

”We have opened the service lane! 24-hour extension up to tomorrow, July 1, 2025, midnight to file and pay your returns,” KRA stated.

Consequently, Kenyans seeking assistance at the KRA contact centre were told to  access services between 7am and 8pm on Tuesday July 1.

In addition, tax offices at service centres across the country will remain open for an extended 12-hour period, from 8am to 8pm, to facilitate last-minute filing.

According to the KRA, filing annual tax returns is a mandatory legal obligation for all eligible taxpayers, not just salaried employees.

For instance,  business owners, landlords, farmers, and even individuals with no income during the year should file tax returns. Those with no income are required to file a NIL return.

KRA emphasised that filing must be done even after a person’s employer has already deducted and remitted Pay As You Earn (PAYE).