KRA Automated Tax Notices: What they mean, and what to do before responding
KRA has been sending automated notices by SMS and WhatsApp over the past two weeks, flagging outstanding balances, filing obligations, and tax demand figures based on information held in their systems.
These figures may be incomplete and you should not pay or act on them until you have verified your position.
KRA generates these notices from data within their systems, including filed returns, eTIMS records, and withholding tax data. This data does not capture everything. It typically excludes non-eTIMS transactions such as air tickets, salary costs, imports, and investment deductions. It may also not account for accruals, accounting adjustments, or expenses KRA has previously confirmed are claimable outside the eTIMS framework.
Kenya’s tax law is clear: it is your responsibility not KRA’s to determine your correct tax position through self-assessment. A KRA-generated notice is a compliance prompt and a risk indicator. It is not a final tax demand that you are legally required to adopt.
What to do right now:
• Do not ignore the notice, it signals KRA has your file under review.
• Do not pay or amend until the figure has been verified against your own records.
• Forward the message to us and we will review it with you before you respond.
How we support you:
We will review the KRA notice, reconcile it against your financial records, identify any discrepancies or overstatements, and advise you on whether to accept, amend, or challenge the position. Where engagement with KRA is needed, we will support that process.
The earlier you act, the more options you have. Please forward any notice to 254 (0) 768 817 236 and we will be in touch within 12 hours.
Act early. Verify first. Then respond with confidence
Speak to our specialized tax advisory team today:
Beatrice Njeri
Partner – Tax & Accounting
Brian Otieno
Senior Tax Associate
