The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced new dates for the implementation of pre- filled value- added tax (VAT) returns.

In a statement, the taxman stated that the new policy would be implemented from February 2024 and not January 2024, as earlier directed.

Initially, KRA had announced that the VAT return would be pre- filled with tax information available to them with effect from the January 2024 tax period.

However, in a new directive, the taxman says the VAT return will now be pre- filled with tax information available to KRA with effect from the February 2024 tax period.

KRA said the new directive is intended to ensure that all VAT claims are supported by valid TIMS/eTIMS generated tax invoices since any input VAT claim that is not validated through TIMS/eTIMS or against existing customs import declarations for import VAT claims will not be allowed.

“Kindly note that the VAT return will now be pre- filled with tax information available to KRA with effect from the February 2024 tax period and not the January 2024 tax period as earlier communicated”, KRA stated.

“In this regard, we remind all Taxpayers of their obligation to issue electronic tax invoices and transmit the invoice details to KRA”.

KRA directive to VAT- registered taxpayers

As a result, VAT- registered taxpayers will be required to fill out their self- assessment returns by February 20, 2024.

“We also advise all VAT- registered Taxpayers to proceed and file their January 2024 VAT self- assessment returns by 20th February 2024. Further, we remind Taxpayers that upon roll out of the simplified VAT return, they will be required to confirm the accuracy of the declaration before submission of the return “, the taxman added.

“We will continue to sensitize Taxpayers on the simplified VAT Return filing process and to support and facilitate all Taxpayers to comply with the electronic tax invoicing requirements”.

The authority announced the pre- filled VAT returns in November 2023, saying the move was aimed at simplifying the VAT return filing process for taxpayers.