The Kenya Revenue Authority has clarified why some Kenyans receive tax compliance messages addressed to unfamiliar names. The issue stems from phone numbers previously registered by other users. This comes amid a push to file annual returns before the June 30 deadline.
The Kenya Revenue Authority addressed growing complaints from citizens who received messages urging them to file tax returns for names they did not recognize. Officials stated that the notifications likely belonged to prior owners of the same phone numbers before reassignment to new subscribers.
KRA quoted a clarification message sent to affected users: "Kindly note they could be the ones who had registered with your current number before it was transferred to you." The authority added that recipients should not panic, as the messages do not indicate any personal tax issues.
The messages targeted salaried individuals who had not filed returns, including reminders for those who had never submitted since obtaining their PIN. KRA has promoted easier filing options, such as its WhatsApp chatbot named Shuru, during the current compliance drive.