KRA Extends Service Hours and Introduces Saturday Operations Ahead of June 30 Tax Filing Deadline
The move comes as the authority braces for a surge in taxpayers seeking assistance with filing their annual income tax returns, a process that traditionally experiences heavy traffic during the final weeks before the deadline.
Under the new arrangement, KRA offices across the country will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays between June 17 and June 26, providing taxpayers with an additional six hours of service each day compared to the normal schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
According to KRA, designated Huduma Centres and tax service offices will remain open on June 20 and June 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., giving taxpayers an additional opportunity to access services before the filing window closes.
The most significant extension will occur on June 30, the final filing day, when KRA offices will operate continuously from 7:00 a.m. until midnight.
“The extended service hours are aimed at supporting taxpayers and ensuring they receive adequate assistance ahead of the June 30 filing deadline,” KRA said in its announcement.
Increased Support for Taxpayers
The authority has also expanded operations at its Contact Centre to ensure taxpayers can receive guidance on filing returns, accessing tax records, and navigating the iTax system.
In addition, customer support services will be available on Saturdays, June 20 and June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The expanded support is expected to ease pressure on physical offices while helping taxpayers resolve issues related to filing returns, PIN registration, tax compliance certificates, and other online services.
Selected Huduma Centres to Operate Longer Hours
KRA has partnered with several Huduma Centres nationwide to improve service delivery and reduce congestion at tax offices.
Selected centres in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kiambu, Meru, and other major towns will operate under the extended weekday schedule of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In Nairobi, taxpayers will be able to access services at five key Huduma Centre locations, including GPO, City Square, Kibra, Makadara, and Eastleigh.
However, KRA clarified that Huduma Centres not included in the extended-hours programme will continue operating under their normal schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and will remain closed during weekends.
Taxpayers have also been reminded that all service points will remain closed on Sundays.
Digital Solutions Take Centre Stage
As part of its broader strategy to modernize tax administration and improve accessibility, KRA is increasingly encouraging taxpayers to utilize digital platforms.
Among the innovations introduced this year is Shuru, a WhatsApp-based chatbot launched on April 1 to simplify access to tax services.
“The platform allows taxpayers to receive assistance and access services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, directly from their mobile phones,” KRA noted.
Rush to Meet Deadline Expected
Failure to file tax returns by June 30 can attract penalties and compliance challenges, making the extended service arrangements a crucial relief for taxpayers racing against time.
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KRA Extends Service Hours and Introduces Saturday Operations Ahead of June 30 Tax Filing Deadline
