Taxes for small Kenyan businesses
A gentle introduction to KRA, turnover tax, VAT, and what an investor will expect to see.
Tax feels heavy, but the basics for most small Build Kenya businesses fit on a single page. An accounting partner can handle the details with you.
Turnover tax (TOT)
For businesses with annual turnover between KSh 1M and KSh 25M, TOT is filed monthly on iTax.
It is a simple percentage of sales — no complex deductions.
VAT
If your annual turnover crosses KSh 5M, you must register for VAT.
You then charge VAT on sales and can reclaim VAT on qualifying purchases.
What investors expect to see
A KRA PIN certificate for the business, recent tax compliance certificate if available, and a simple monthly view of sales and expenses.
Key ideas
- TOT is simple; VAT applies above KSh 5M turnover
- Keep a monthly sales-and-expense summary
- An accounting partner can file for you monthly
A gentle next step
Talk to an accounting partner about a monthly bookkeeping arrangement.
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