KRA To Replace Excel Tax Return Filing With Web-Based System In Major iTax Overhaul
Millions of Kenyan taxpayers will soon file their annual income tax returns through a web-based platform after the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced plans to phase out the Microsoft Excel system that has been used for years.
The shift marks one of the biggest changes to Kenya’s tax administration in recent years, with KRA seeking to simplify the filing process while improving the stability of the iTax platform during peak filing periods.
Current procedures require taxpayers to download an Excel return form from the iTax portal, enable macros, complete their income details offline and upload the finished document back into the system for submission.
Embedded macros within the spreadsheet automatically calculate taxable income, deductions, tax reliefs and the amount payable before the return is submitted.
Challenges linked to the Excel-based process, including compatibility issues, disabled macros and difficulties experienced by taxpayers using different versions of Microsoft Excel or alternative spreadsheet software, have long frustrated many users.
Planned reforms will eliminate those hurdles by allowing taxpayers to complete and submit their income tax returns directly on the iTax portal without downloading any files.
Web-based filing to simplify tax returns
KRA says the new online filing platform forms part of a wider effort to modernise tax administration and improve the taxpayer experience.
Speaking during the announcement, KRA Chief Manager for Tax Policy Josephine Mugure said the authority is strengthening the iTax infrastructure ahead of future filing seasons when millions of Kenyans access the system simultaneously.
“There are things we are doing to ensure the system will be stable, even if we have more filers in April. The first thing is we are introducing web-based returns. We are not going to require you to fill out the Excel anymore. It will be web-based,” Mugure said.
Direct online filing is expected to make the process faster and easier, particularly for taxpayers who have encountered technical problems with Excel files.
Many users have struggled with macro security settings that prevent the spreadsheets from functioning properly, while others have experienced compatibility issues after upgrading Microsoft Office or using alternative office software.
Manual downloading, saving and uploading of tax return forms will also become unnecessary once the new platform is fully implemented, reducing the number of steps required to complete annual tax obligations.
Digital transformation has become a key focus for KRA in recent years as the authority continues investing in technology aimed at improving compliance, increasing efficiency and making tax services more accessible to individuals and businesses.
Growing numbers of taxpayers have also increased pressure on the iTax system, particularly during annual filing deadlines when heavy traffic often slows the platform.
New filing deadlines to ease pressure on iTax
Technology upgrades will be accompanied by changes to income tax return filing deadlines under recently enacted tax laws.
Beginning in 2027, employees whose accounting period ends in December will be required to submit their annual income tax returns by April instead of the traditional June deadline.
Natural persons falling under a different tax category will continue filing by June, creating staggered deadlines designed to spread demand on the iTax platform across several months.
“We have staggered returns in the Act so that the individual returns will be due by April, and natural persons by June. That makes traffic not coming at the same time,” Mugure explained.
Current regulations require most individual taxpayers to file annual income tax returns by the end of June, resulting in a rush of last-minute submissions during the final weeks before the deadline.
Heavy traffic has occasionally caused slow response times and system congestion, prompting complaints from taxpayers attempting to meet statutory filing requirements.
Separating filing deadlines is expected to reduce pressure on KRA’s digital infrastructure while improving system reliability throughout the filing season.
Successful implementation of the web-based filing platform could also reduce technical support requests linked to Excel installation problems, disabled macros and file upload errors that have affected taxpayers over the years.
Modernisation of the iTax platform comes at a time when KRA is increasingly relying on digital solutions to improve revenue collection and taxpayer compliance. Continued investment in technology is expected to make filing tax returns more convenient while strengthening the authority’s capacity to serve a growing number of taxpayers without the disruptions that have characterised previous filing seasons.
