KRA Deploys Officers with Paramilitary Training to Facilitate Tax Compliance

 

The officers completed a two-month training course at the Recruits Training College in Eldoret and qualified as revenue service assistants. In a notice, KRA said revenue service assistants would register businesses online and verify taxpayers’ details. "Feel free to approach them, say hello, and let them know how they can assist you," the taxman stated. KRA hopes to collect KSh 2.7 trillion in tax revenue in the 2023/2024 financial year after the implementation of the Finance Act 2023, which introduced a raft of taxes. How much did KRA collect in two months? KRA collected over KSh 300 billion in the months of August and July combined. Data from the National Treasury showed the agency received KSh KSh 317.58 billion after backdating tax dues in the Finance Act 2023 to July 1. KRA collected KSh 162.57 billion in August 2023, compared to KSh 149.62 reported during a similar period in 2022. Non-tax revenue stood at KSh 3.2 billion for the same period under review. KRA collects KSh 5.6b from Housing Fund At the same time, KRA implemented the Finance Act 2023 tax measures following the Court of Appeal ruling that lifted orders suspending the Act. The taxman backdated taxes that were supposed to be collected in July, including the Housing Levy. Land Cabinet Secretary (CS) Zachary Njeru revealed the funds collected from the kitty in two months amounted to KSh 5.6 billion. Which taxes do the government plan to introduce? President William Ruto plans to raise more revenue through other proposed levies. This is according to the Draft Medium-term Debt Strategy for 2024/25 to 2026/27 financial years. Treasury proposes Motor Vehicle Circulation tax to be paid annually by all motor vehicle owners at the point of acquiring insurance cover. It also proposes that the Digital Service Tax be amended to apply to non-residents and residents. Another suggestion is the introduction of a final withholding tax on agricultural produce not exceeding 5% of the value of the produce delivered through cooperatives or other organised groups.   BY TUKO NEWS