The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is grappling with technical glitches on its iTax system, hindering taxpayers from filing their July Value Added Tax (VAT) returns on time.
Users have encountered system errors and missing sales and purchase invoices in the platform’s pre-populated sections, complicating the filing process as the August 20 deadline approaches.
System Issues and Impact
- Taxpayers report errors preventing VAT return submissions.
- July sales and purchase invoices have not fully populated on iTax, affecting data reconciliation.
- KRA attributes the problem to temporary network fluctuations and ongoing delays in transmitting eTIMS invoices.
In response, KRA advises taxpayers to try alternative browsers or wait before attempting to file again. However, the incomplete invoice data leaves many businesses uncertain about submitting accurate returns.
Deadline Pressure and Penalty Concerns
With the August 20 deadline fast approaching, VAT-registered businesses face a tough choice: file returns with incomplete information or risk late submission penalties by waiting for missing invoice data.
KRA has not indicated any automatic penalty relief for those affected by the platform issues. Taxpayers are urged to ensure their return files are properly validated before uploading to avoid further complications.
Looking Ahead
The tax authority continues to work on completing invoice transmissions and has asked for patience from taxpayers. Businesses are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for clear guidance or possible concessions from KRA should technical disruptions prevent timely filing.
