File Your KRA Returns on WhatsApp: Instant Support and Prefilled Forms Now Available

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched a new digital filing solution that allows Kenyans to submit their tax returns via WhatsApp. The authority announced the move on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as part of a strategic effort to simplify tax compliance and make the process more accessible to the public.

The taxman is targeting up to 22.6 million potential new taxpayers through a WhatsApp-based chatbot as it seeks to boost compliance and simplify tax filing.

The new platform enables taxpayers to file their annual returns and receive immediate assistance through the popular messaging app. During the launch, KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga explained that the initiative is a key pillar of the authority’s digital transformation, which prioritizes efficiency and convenience for all citizens.

“The new system is designed to provide simplified, inclusive solutions that support domestic revenue mobilisation,” Wattanga said. By meeting taxpayers on platforms they already use daily, the KRA hopes to streamline the filing process and bolster national revenue collection.

The new filing solution significantly streamlines the process, reducing the submission steps from eight down to just three. This efficiency allows taxpayers to complete their obligations much faster than before. Furthermore, the platform provides instant support for users facing technical hurdles, offering real-time guidance that eliminates the need for physical visits to tax offices.

KRA officials noted that this rollout follows a phased approach designed to ease system congestion and promote timely compliance. System enhancements now include prefilled returns for individuals earning employment income. These simplified forms automatically incorporate data from employer Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) submissions, including gross pay, taxable income, and statutory deductions like the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Affordable Housing Levy.

Employers also benefit from a refined PAYE return system that more accurately captures exemptions and reliefs within their payroll structures. Meanwhile, taxpayers with diverse income streams can now access prefilled returns covering basic details and withholding taxes. An upgraded taxpayer dashboard further improves visibility, allowing users to track invoices, imports, and exports with ease.

The authority views this WhatsApp integration as the first step in a series of broader system upgrades. These improvements aim to modernize tax administration and foster a culture of voluntary compliance across the country.

This WhatsApp service allows you to file returns, including Nil returns and individual income tax, directly from your phone in just a few steps.

How to Access the KRA WhatsApp Service

To begin, you need to initiate a conversation with the official KRA Shuru chatbot.

Save the Number: Add +254 711 099 999 (the official KRA WhatsApp number) to your contacts.
Start a Chat: Open WhatsApp and send the word “Hi” or “Menu” to the number.
Select Your Language: The bot will prompt you to choose between English and Swahili.

Steps to File Your Returns

Once you’ve started the chat, follow these interactive prompts:

Authentication: Provide your KRA PIN and Identity Number (ID) as requested to verify your account.
Choose Service: Select the option for “File Returns” from the main menu.
Select Tax Obligation: Choose the appropriate category (e.g., Income Tax – Resident Individual).
Confirmation: The system will use your pre-filled data (linked to your PAYE or iTax profile). Review the details and confirm the submission.
Download Receipt: Once the process is complete, the bot will provide a link or a PDF of your e-Return Acknowledgement Receipt.