After filing your annual tax return, the system calculates whether you have a tax refund due. A negative Tax Due figure on your receipt means KRA owes you money. But filing the return does not automatically trigger the refund. You must make a separate application, and you can track its progress every step of the way.
When You Are Eligible for a Refund
A tax refund happens when your tax liability is less than the taxes you paid during the year. This often occurs due to excess PAYE deductions by your employer or because you failed to claim reliefs like insurance premiums, NHIF contributions, or mortgage interest when filing your return. If you overpaid, you are entitled to that money back.
How to Apply for Your Refund on iTax
Step 1: Confirm You Have Credits Available
Before applying, check your general ledger in your iTax profile. Confirm that your employer has accounted for all PAYE deducted from your salary. This step saves you from applying for a refund that KRA does not actually owe you.
Step 2: Log into iTax
Go to itax.kra.go.ke and log in using your KRA PIN and password.
Step 3: Navigate to the Refund Section
Click the Refund tab on the main dashboard. From the dropdown menu, select Income Tax. In some cases, this may appear under the Applications menu.
Step 4: Confirm Your Details
The system will display your personal and tax details. Review everything carefully to confirm it is correct before proceeding.
Step 5: Provide Your Bank Account Details
Enter your bank account name, account number, and branch. This is where KRA will send your money once the refund is approved. Double-check these details to avoid payment delays.
Step 6: Fill in Claim Details
Select the refund type and specify the relevant tax year. Clearly state the reason for the claim. Common reasons include excess PAYE deductions, unclaimed insurance relief, or mortgage relief. Enter the amount you are claiming and provide a brief explanation to support your application.
Step 7: Attach Supporting Documents
Upload all required documents to back up your claim. These include your P9 form, insurance premium certificates, mortgage interest statements, and certificates of exemption where applicable. These documents help KRA verify that your request is legitimate.
Step 8: Review and Submit
Review all the information you have entered. Click Submit. The system will generate an acknowledgment number and send it to you via email. Use this number to track your claim.
How to Track Your Refund Status
Once you have submitted your application, you can log back into iTax at any time to check its progress. Go to the Refund tab and select Track Status of Application under Useful Links. Enter your acknowledgment number to see whether your refund has been approved, rejected, or is still under review.
KRA will also send updates to your registered email address as your application moves through the process.
Important Timelines to Know
A decision on your refund application must be communicated within 90 days of receiving your claim. The actual payment timeline can take 60 to 90 days officially, but sometimes longer depending on verification and KRA workload.
You can claim a refund within five years of the date the tax was paid. If you miss this window, you lose the money.
