How to File Nil Returns for Students: A Step-by-Step Guide

Attention all Students! Even though filing taxes isn’t exactly a fun activity, it’s a necessary part of being a good citizen and managing your finances responsibly. We understand that the phrase “tax” may not exactly bring you delight as a student, but have no worry! Filing tax nil returns is easy and enjoyable with our help.

Imagine this: you’ve just finished your final test, you’re relaxing with your buddies, and then the subject of taxes comes up. Gasp! Start rolling your eyes and groaning now. But hold on! The process of submitting your income tax returns to the KRA need not be difficult. In fact, it has the potential to be a growth experience that puts you on the road to prudent financial management.

Should College Students Fill Out Tax Returns for the KRA?

Students who have been issued a KRA pin are required to file tax returns. Prepare and submit your preceding year’s tax return. For tax returns that are due in 2023, the period from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, is quite important. No student worth their tuition would risk a yearly fine for failing to file their tax filings. But don’t worry; we’ve got you prepared with a comprehensive zero-returns filing guidance!

Student KRA Tax Exemption

Before we start into the application process, let’s talk about the student tax exemption. The annual tax return deadline often falls towards the end of June. The student may request a waiver if unavoidable circumstances prevented them from filing their taxes on time. Depending on the justifications you provide, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will assess your application and determine whether or not to accept it.

Step 1: Access the KRA iTax Portal

Visit https://itax.kra.go.ke to access the KRA iTax site and get started. Enter your KRA ID and password to log in. Follow the on-screen instructions to change your password if you’ve forgotten it. Don’t worry out if you can’t remember your registration email. You can get a speedy answer from KRA if you only scan your ID and send it to them by email (callcentre@kra.go.ke), Facebook, or Twitter.

Step 2: Select your profession

When you first sign in, a popup will display asking what field you’re in. Select “STUDENT” if you are not currently working to earn money and then select your current educational level (Certificate, Diploma, Degree, Master’s, Doctorate, or Other).

Step 3: Visit the KRA Returns Page

To do this, go to the site’s menu bar, select “Returns,” and then pick “File Nil Returns.”

Step 4: Fill out the Zero e-Return Form

Choose “self” as the taxpayer on the Nil e-Return form, input your KRA pin, and then under Tax obligation pick “Income Tax-Resident Individual.”

Step 5: Enter Tax Filing Period and Year

The form will fill up this field for you automatically. Tax returns must be postmarked between January 1 and December 31 of the calendar year before (for example, 2022-01-01 to 2022-12-31). If everything seems good, click “Submit.”

Step 6: Get Your KRA Income Tax Receipt

A confirmation message will show when you input your tax information. Keep in mind that you may need to go back to the KRA acknowledgment receipt in the future.

Conclusion

Every student with a KRA pin should complete the straightforward but essential procedure of filing a KRA income tax return. It teaches financial responsibility early on and saves money by avoiding fines. Even as a student, you must pay your share of taxes. Follow the detailed instructions here to easily submit tax returns reporting zero income. Take advantage of tax time to educate yourself about money management, and you’ll be laying the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous future.