Government · 6 min read
How to file KRA tax returns online on iTax
Nil return or employment return? Here's how to know which one you need and how to file it on iTax.
Need help with this KRA task?
Prefer to do it yourself? Follow the guide below.
Every person with a KRA PIN is expected to file an annual income tax return on iTax — even if you earned nothing. The deadline for individuals is 30th June each year, for the previous year's income.
Which return do you need?
- Nil return: you had no income at all in the year. For example, a student or someone not working.
- Employment return (P9): you were employed and your employer deducted PAYE. You need the P9 form from your employer.
- Other income: rental, business or other income has its own return types on iTax.
What you need
- Your KRA PIN
- Your iTax password (or the email linked to your PIN to reset it)
- Your P9 form, if employed
- Any other income or relief documents, if they apply to you
Have your details ready and want help with the process? Talk to Cyber Kenya on WhatsApp →
Steps to file on iTax
- 1Go to the official iTax portal (itax.kra.go.ke) and log in with your PIN and password.
- 2Open the Returns menu and choose File Return.
- 3Select Income Tax – Resident Individual.
- 4For a nil return, choose the nil option and submit.
- 5For an employment return, fill in the details from your P9 as the form asks.
- 6Submit and download the acknowledgement receipt. Keep it safe.
Common mistakes
- Filing a nil return when you actually had employment income
- Typing P9 figures wrongly
- Waiting until the last days of June when iTax is slow
- Forgetting the iTax password and the email linked to the PIN
Tip: Filing late attracts a penalty from KRA, even for nil returns. File early.
Related guides
See our step-by-step guides on filing a KRA nil return and filing an employment return with your P9 form. Both are in the Learn section.