KRA’s New iTax Mobile Number Verification Requirement: Everything You Need to Know
In a significant update for Kenyan taxpayers, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has added a new step in its iTax process: mobile number verification. This requirement is designed to ensure that KRA has accurate and verified contact information for every taxpayer using the system.
The initiative underscores the authority’s commitment to enhancing taxpayer service, security, and communication.
Why KRA Introduced Mobile Verification
KRA’s push for mobile number verification stems from an increased focus on security and data accuracy.
Accurate contact details allow KRA to communicate with taxpayers efficiently, ensuring that vital information such as payment reminders, deadline alerts, and general updates reach them without delay.
This initiative is also part of KRA’s mission to improve transparency and accountability within the tax system, creating a safer, more efficient environment for taxpayers.
Step-by-Step Verification Process on iTax
The mobile verification process is straightforward but essential for compliance:
Login to iTax: Taxpayers are prompted to access the iTax portal using their credentials.
Verify or Update Your Number: On the iTax dashboard, taxpayers must review and confirm their registered mobile number. If the number is outdated or incorrect, they should update it to ensure accuracy.
Complete SMS Verification: Once confirmed, the system sends a unique code via SMS to the provided number. Entering this code finalizes the verification, securing the contact information.
By making this process mandatory, KRA emphasizes the importance of maintaining updated records to avoid lapses in communication.
Part of a Larger Data Clean-Up Initiative
This mobile verification requirement is one component of KRA’s broader data clean-up campaign, which began in June 2024.
This initiative targets outdated or incomplete records, aiming to optimize the quality of data stored in the iTax system. By verifying contact numbers, KRA can better prevent identity theft, tax fraud, and other potential misuse of the system. The initiative aims to promote a more transparent tax system in Kenya by directly addressing these challenges.
What This Means for Taxpayers
Taxpayers must ensure their contact details are verified and up-to-date to maintain access to KRA services without disruptions. This updated system may also signal more streamlined communication, with alerts and reminders reaching taxpayers in real time.
Importantly, this shift is part of a wider effort to keep up with global standards in tax administration, prioritizing efficiency, safety, and convenience for users.
