The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is set to introduce a new web-based income tax return filing system that will replace the Microsoft Excel forms currently used by millions of taxpayers.
The move is part of the tax authority’s wider digital transformation strategy aimed at simplifying tax return filing, improving user experience, and enhancing the stability of the iTax platform during peak filing periods.
Currently, taxpayers are required to download an Excel return form from the iTax portal, enable macros, complete their tax details offline, and upload the completed file back to the system for submission. The Excel forms automatically calculate tax liabilities, deductions, and applicable tax reliefs using embedded formulas.
KRA says this process will soon become obsolete as taxpayers will instead complete and submit their returns directly through an online platform.
Web-based system to simplify tax filing
Speaking about the planned reforms, KRA Chief Manager for Tax Policy Josephine Mugure said the authority is introducing the new platform to address recurring challenges experienced during the annual tax filing season.
According to Mugure, the web-based filing system will eliminate the need to download Excel forms or enable macros before filing returns.
“There are things we are doing to ensure the system will be stable, even if we have more filers in April. The first thing is we are introducing web-based returns. We are not going to require taxpayers to fill out Excel forms anymore. It will be web-based,” she said.
The online system is expected to reduce technical challenges associated with the current process, including compatibility issues across different versions of Microsoft Excel and problems experienced by taxpayers using alternative spreadsheet software.
New filing deadlines from 2027
Alongside the introduction of the web-based platform, KRA is also preparing to implement new income tax return filing deadlines beginning in 2027.
Under the revised timeline, individuals earning employment income whose accounting period ends in December will be required to submit their annual tax returns by April instead of the current June deadline.
Natural persons who do not fall under that category will continue filing their returns by June.
According to Mugure, staggering the filing deadlines will help spread taxpayer traffic across different months, reducing pressure on the iTax platform during peak periods.
The current system sees millions of taxpayers rushing to file returns before the June deadline, often leading to congestion, slower processing speeds, and occasional service disruptions.
Improving efficiency and taxpayer experience
KRA believes the combination of an online filing platform and staggered filing deadlines will significantly improve the efficiency of tax administration.
The authority expects the reforms to reduce system downtime, simplify compliance, and make filing returns faster and more convenient for taxpayers across the country.
The changes are also expected to strengthen KRA’s digital services while improving the reliability of the iTax platform as the number of taxpayers continues to grow.
Once implemented, taxpayers will no longer need to download or upload Excel files, with all return preparation and submission taking place directly through the online portal. The reforms are intended to modernise Kenya’s tax administration while making compliance easier for both individual taxpayers and employers.
