The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has extended the deadline for filing tax returns by 24 hours following a nationwide uproar over the unavailability of its digital services.
The move comes after widespread complaints from taxpayers who were unable to access the KRA iTax portal on the final day of the 2024/2025 financial year filing period, originally set for 30th June 2025.
In a statement shared on KRA’s official X (formerly Twitter) platform on 30th June 2025 evening, the authority confirmed the extension:
“Tumefungua service lane! 24-hour extension up to tomorrow, 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, midnight to file and pay your returns!”
The KRA also assured taxpayers that extended working hours would be in effect on Tuesday, 1st July 2025, to assist individuals facing delays due to the system breakdown. The Contact Centre will operate from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while physical Service Centres (Tax Service Offices) will remain open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Massive Outcry over System Failure
On the eve of the original deadline, frustration peaked as users flooded social media with complaints about being locked out of the KRA portal. Many claimed they couldn’t log in to file their KRA returns, retrieve their KRA PIN, or reset passwords.
Among the prominent complaints was from Franklin Kwambai, who questioned the authority’s infrastructure:
“Why is your portal not working? Aren’t taxpayers supposed to file taxes until 11:59 PM tonight? Why is the staff sabotaging the system? Why does KRA management believe penalties will help meet targets?”
Another frustrated user, Brian Karanja, posted,
“Your site is not working. We can’t even login.”
Susan Wanjiru added:
“And now one cannot even log in. iTax is overwhelmed!”
Other users echoed similar sentiments, citing a complete system breakdown on the most crucial day of tax compliance. Kevin Kamaliza wrote:
“Nothing is happening. Kindly sort the mess with your server.”
The KRA iTax portal is the designated online platform for all taxpayers in Kenya to file returns, make payments, and update tax details. The system failure left millions of Kenyans, particularly last-minute filers, in a state of panic.
KRA Responds with Alternatives
To ease the backlog and minimize further frustrations, the KRA urged taxpayers to use alternative payment channels. These include internet banking services for direct payments to the Central Bank of Kenya or other authorized commercial banks.
“Last-minute rush to pay? Skip the hustle, use Internet banking (direct to CBK) or any other relevant Commercial bank platforms,” KRA advised.
According to the tax agency, only a few details are required to process payments:
- Your KRA PIN
- The applicable Tax Head (e.g., VAT, PAYE)
- The relevant Tax Period for the financial year
The KRA clarified that there is no need to generate a Payment Registration Number (PRN) for such bank transactions.
Call to Action
This extension serves as a critical window for those who were unable to meet the initial deadline. Taxpayers are strongly urged to take advantage of the extended period and avoid incurring penalties for late filing.
To file your KRA returns, visit the KRA iTax portal. For inquiries, call the Contact Centre at 020 4 999 999.
The extension comes as part of KRA’s efforts to uphold fairness and accommodate genuine technical disruptions affecting compliance. The authority reiterated its commitment to enhancing the reliability of its online platforms and improving taxpayer experiences in the future.
Bottom Line: If you missed the June 30 deadline due to system failure, you now have until midnight on July 1, 2025, to file your returns through the KRA iTax system. Don’t wait—log in, use your KRA PIN, and submit your KRA returns before the extended deadline lapses.
