A new bill seeking to extend the tax amnesty period and streamline tax recovery procedures is set to be considered by the National Assembly.
The Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichung’wah, seeks to extend the tax amnesty period and streamline the process of recovering taxes.
The Bill amends Section 37E to extend the tax amnesty period that expired on June 30, 2024. This extension will allow more taxpayers to take advantage of the amnesty program and settle their outstanding tax liabilities without facing penalties or interest.
The Bill also amends Section 77 of the Tax Procedures Act to exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from the computation of time for appeals to the tax appeals tribunal, High Court, and Court of Appeal. This amendment is expected to streamline the appeals process and reduce delays in resolving tax disputes.
In addition, the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill, 2024, seeks to clarify and strengthen the provisions related to tax relief in cases where recovery is difficult or uncertain.
If enacted the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning will have the power to grant relief as determined by the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes. To ensure transparency and accountability, any approved reliefs must be gazetted and presented to Parliament for oversight.
The National Assembly is expected to commence consideration of the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill, 2024 after recess.
