Paying tax is mandatory for any taxpayer in Kenya when it is due. If one does not pay taxes, one usually gets penalties and interests. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) introduced the M-service platform where taxpayers can access the KRA services and pay taxes. KRA makes it easy to pay VAT through Mpesa using the KRA pay bill number 572572.
KRA intends to go paperless and wants to automate all its processes. It will help them be more efficient, convenient and prevent corruption. KRA introduced the KRA Mpesa pay bill number, which simplifies and fastens the payment processes in the organization.
The Kenya Revenue Authority introduced the USSDC code *572#: where people can ask queries and get services. When you dial *572#, you will have two choices: Enquiry or E-slip generation. For the inquiry option, you will find the below services:
- Domestic taxes: Individual PIN checker, tax station inquiry, tax compliance certificate, and status checker
- Custom services: clearing agent status, IDF status, Simba entry payment status. E-slip status, cargo status
- Traffic revenue: driving license status, driving license classes, and logbook postage status
For the E-slip generation, you will get
- Traffic revenue: driving license application, PSV application, motor vehicle transfer, logbook copy records, etc.
- Domestic taxes
- Custom taxes
If you want to make pay VAT through Mpesa, make sure you have the E-slip number or KRA payment reference number.
How can you pay VAT trough Mpesa?
- Go to your Safaricom App, Mpesa App, or sim toolkit
- Select the Lipa Na Mpesa option
- Select pay bill.
- The official KRA pay bill number is 572572. Enter it in the pay bill/ business number
- For the account number, use the E-slip number obtained online
- Fill in the exact amount as stated in the KRA E-slip
- Enter your Mpesa PIN
- Before pressing submit, make sure all the details you have entered are the right ones
- Press OK.
You should get a confirmation message from Mpesa if your transaction is successful. You will also receive a confirmation SMS from KRA informing you the payment has been received.
Make sure you pay your taxes on time because failure to do it will attract penalties.
It is advantageous to pay VAT through Mpesa because you can make the payments from anywhere. You do not have to go to the banks. You can also make the payment at any given time of the day. You will also have evidence that you have paid your taxes in case you need proof.