The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is one of the government institutions that appears to be having a difficult time with Kenyans on X (twitter).
All government revenues are assessed, collected, and accounted for by this agency.KRA disputed accusations that one cannot fly out of the country with ongoing tax arrears in a response to one agitated Kenyan on X.KRA announced the withdrawal of tax fines and interest until December 31, 2022.
However, as long as returns are filed and any principal taxes are paid before the June 30th, 2024 deadline.
KRA disputed accusations that one cannot fly out of the country with ongoing tax arrears in a response to one agitated Kenyan on X.
KRA was recently chastised for taxing passengers’ personal and household belongings as they enter the country.
The authorities had set up shop at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, taxing things worth USD500 or more, which equates to Ksh.75,000.
Kenyans did not take this lightly, with long lines and exploitation at JKIA following KRA’s statement.
“I’ve seen something saying we’re taxing everything you’re bringing in when you’ve travelled out of the country, and you’ll always come with the clothes, the bags,” says David Ontweka, KRA deputy commissioner for policy and international affairs, customs, and border control.
In a statement released on Thursday, November 2, KRA noted that used personal effects or items are exempt from customs duty.
“Clearance of Personal items/effects: All used personal items/effects are exempt from customs duties,” read part of KRA’s public notice.
KRA’s notice to the public was a reprieve to tourists in Kenya, who had earlier expressed fears over their personal items being seized or taxed.
“According to the law that applies to all East African countries, goods worth up to USD 500 for each traveler are exempt from import tax, as long as the baggage is accompanied and declared to the Customs Officer.”
However, the KRA is in the process of revising this law to a higher maximum, which will be informed to the public in due course,” the KRA stated.