The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has rolled out a new electronic system aimed at easing the burden of filing and paying taxes on rental income.
The system, known as the Electronic Rental Income Tax System (eRITS), was announced in a public notice on September 25, 2025, and comes into effect immediately.
The platform is designed to make the process of managing rental properties, filing returns for Monthly Rental Income, and remitting tax more efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-friendly.
Property owners and landlords who earn rental income are required to register their properties or update existing property details through the system. Access is available through a dedicated web portal and also via the eCitizen platform.
According to KRA, the initiative is part of broader reforms to digitize tax services, improve compliance, seal revenue loopholes, and enhance domestic revenue growth.
Rental income tax has long been recognized as a vital revenue stream but has also been plagued by low compliance levels. By shifting the process to a digital platform, the authority expects to reduce errors, minimize delays, and discourage non-disclosure of rental earnings.
Landlords must ensure that their property details are correctly captured in the system. Those who fail to declare rental income or delay payments risk penalties and interest charges under existing tax laws.
KRA has cautioned that registration does not require agents or intermediaries, warning taxpayers to be wary of fraudsters exploiting the transition.
To make the change smoother, KRA has set up multiple support channels, including a contact centre, a dedicated phone line, WhatsApp communication, and active social media platforms. Assistance is also available at physical KRA service offices nationwide.
The launch of eRITS is expected to expand the tax net and boost rental income tax compliance significantly.
For the government, it represents a key step in raising more domestic revenue to fund public services and development projects. For landlords, it promises a simpler and more transparent way of meeting tax obligations.
However, the overall success of the system will depend on its ease of use, accessibility across different regions, and the effectiveness of support mechanisms for landlords less familiar with digital technology.
The link to the source is attached below.
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-09-26-kra-rolls-out-electronic-system-for-rental-income-tax
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