No service disruption, KRA says
News
By
Steve Mbego
| May 29, 2019
Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has assured taxpayers that there is no service disruption in all its operations amidst media reports that it had “quietly” suspended some of the iTax functions.
“The iTax system is working and taxpayers should continue to file their returns and make payments,” KRA said on Wednesday.
A story published by one of the local dailies on Wednesday indicated that KRA management sent an internal memo to its staff informing them that it has temporarily suspended iTax functions, among them tax compliance certificate approvals, tax returns amendments, amendment of assessments and ledger amendments including capture of waiver penalties and interests.
The supposed suspension of the functions would inconvenience millions of Kenyans who file their returns through iTax. Last year, over 3.2 million taxpayers filed their returns through the system.
The taxman also denied allegations of ‘staff go slow’ saying “all customs and domestic taxes operations are ongoing” amidst the ongoing crackdown on rogue employees who help Kenyans evade paying taxes.
READ MORE
Is government on 'fuliza' mode? What Treasury numbers show
Expert: The shilling has regained value, but don't expect it to last
EAC Central Bank Governors meet in Juba as single currency race debate heats up
Ruto to push for global finance reforms at World Bank meeting
Unearthing the artifacts of WWII: A journey through Matuu and beyond
Roam, County Bus Service partner to deploy 200 electric buses
Budget cuts loom for Parliament thanks to Sh9.6b Bunge Towers
Private sector partnerships important to catalysing sports
Tax stand-off as boda boda riders defy county call to pay
Islamic banking gets traction in Africa as Salaam Bank feted
Last month, KRA interdicted 75 staff suspected of involvement in tax evasion and facilitating access to services through bribery and corruption.
Majority of the interdicted staff (61) were from Domestic Taxes Department. 14 are from the Customs and Border Control Department.
They are accused of facilitating irregular fraudulent clearance of cargo, fraudulent amendment of tax returns to help taxpayers evade taxes and irregular issuance of tax compliance certificates.”
KRA also announced it would intensify focus on lifestyle audits to undertake up to 50 such audit cases annually.
It said employees who cannot account for their wealth will be sacked and their property seized.
- Is government on 'fuliza' mode? What Treasury numbers show
- The journey to being a doctor is not for the poor or faint-hearted
- Budget cuts loom for Parliament thanks to Sh9.6b Bunge Towers