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Ease filing of tax returns

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By  Editorial

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has had to extend the deadline for filing annual tax returns for five days following a technical glitch. The system was overwhelmed by the huge last-minute rush by taxpayers to comply with this annual ritual.

This is a welcome gesture by the tax authorities that should ease anxiety and enable those who were lagging behind to complete their returns. KRA Commissioner-General Humphrey Watanga judiciously gave the taxpayers until July 5 to comply and avoid a five per cent penalty on the taxes.

The taxman had initially extended the filing period by a day on Monday, after the online process was disrupted due to the high number of taxpayers trying to beat the deadline. This is hardly surprising, as many Kenyans are obsessed with last-minute actions to fulfil their obligations.

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Nothing had prevented these good taxpayers from going online much earlier and filing their returns. But they chose to wait, only to bombard and overwhelm the online system.

It is, however, laudable that 81 per cent of the 9.6 million active taxpayers had already filed their returns and paid taxes by the June 30 deadline. KRA says the large turnout demonstrates patriotism, trust, and confidence in the tax administration.

Everybody expects the government to provide resources for national development. However, as the State is not in the business of minting money, it must levy taxes. Paying taxes is a patriotic obligation, and people need not be coerced to comply.

The paying of taxes and filing of returns should be eased to enable the collection of revenue that the government badly needs.

There is a need to sensitise people about the value of paying taxes. This should not wait until the last minute for the rush and inconvenience. Amnesties and rewards in recognition of good taxpayers are vital.