Kenyans may soon have less time to file their taxes after the government proposed a major change in the Finance Bill 2026 that will shorten the filing window.
Under the proposal, individuals and companies will be required to submit their tax returns by April 30 starting in 2027. This is a shift from the current deadline of June 30, effectively reducing the filing period by two months.
The change has been introduced by the National Treasury as part of efforts to improve tax compliance and streamline revenue collection. If approved by Parliament, it will affect all taxpayers across the country.
Currently, the law allows taxpayers to file returns within six months after the end of their financial year. However, the new proposal will tighten this timeline, requiring faster preparation and submission of tax returns.
The move is expected to push both individuals and businesses to plan earlier and keep better financial records throughout the year to avoid last-minute pressure.
While the proposal aims to improve efficiency in tax collection, it may also create challenges for taxpayers who are used to the longer filing period, especially those who delay filing until the last months.
If passed, the new deadline will officially take effect from January 2027, marking a significant shift in how tax compliance is handled in Kenya.