Stay ahead of your taxes and avoid unnecessary penalties.

This guide breaks down the key monthly tax deadlines in Kenya, from PAYE and VAT to Withholding Tax and Turnover Tax, so you always know what’s due and when.

Why This Guide Matters

Running a business already comes with enough responsibilities. Tax compliance shouldn’t be another source of stress.

At Zalisafe Solutions, we focus on making compliance simpler—helping you keep track of deadlines, file correctly, and stay on the right side of the law.

Here’s a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of what you need to know.

1. PAYE (Pay As You Earn)

Deadline: On or before the 9th of every month

PAYE is deducted directly from employee salaries and submitted to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Who it applies to:
All employers

What to remember:
You must file a return every month—even if you don’t have employees. In that case, a NIL return is required.

2. Value Added Tax (VAT)

Deadline: On or before the 20th of every month

If your business is VAT-registered, you’re required to file monthly VAT returns and pay any tax due.

Who it applies to:
VAT-registered businesses

What to remember:
Even if there’s no VAT to declare, you still need to file a NIL return where applicable.

3. Withholding Tax (WHT)

Deadline: Within 5 working days after deduction

Withholding tax is deducted at the source when making certain payments, including:

• Professional fees
• Rent
• Contractor payments

What to remember:
This tax must be remitted shortly after deduction. Delays can quickly lead to penalties and interest.

4. Monthly Rental Income (MRI)

Deadline: On or before the 20th of the following month

This tax applies to residential landlords earning rental income.

Who it applies to:
Individuals earning up to KES 10 million annually from rental income

5. Turnover Tax (TOT) – For SMEs

Deadline: On or before the 20th of the following month

Turnover Tax is designed for small and medium-sized businesses.

Rate:
3% of gross turnover

Who it applies to:
Businesses earning KES 5 million or less annually

What to remember:
This tax does not apply to businesses that are VAT-registered.

Final Word

Missing a tax deadline can lead to penalties that are easy to avoid with a bit of planning.

Keep these dates in mind, set reminders, and make compliance part of your routine. If it ever feels overwhelming, getting the right support can make all the difference.

Need help? Consult Zalisafe Solutions today and stay ahead, always.