When does KRA's automatic linking of customs data to VAT returns take effect?

The new system will begin in May 2026.

What data must exporters provide to ensure their export values appear in VAT returns?

Export values must be verified in iCMS, linked to the taxpayer’s PIN, and supported by a valid electronic tax invoice issued through TIMS/eTIMS.

How will services exports be handled under the new system?

Services exports will be prefilled in VAT returns based on transmitted electronic invoices.

What happens to export values not captured at customs clearance?

They will not appear in VAT filings, effectively blocking unsupported refund claims at the source.

KRA Tightens Grip on VAT Refund Claims by Linking Customs and Tax Data

KRA Announces New VAT Return Rules for Exporters Starting May 2026

Kenyans · 1 day ago

The Kenya Revenue Authority will integrate export VAT return data from its integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) with the iTax filing platform effective May 2026. Exporters will see validated export values automatically prefilled in their VAT returns, but must capture their PIN and a valid TIMS/eTIMS zero‑rated invoice number when lodging export documents in iCMS. Only transactions validated and linked to the taxpayer’s PIN and invoice will be accepted in VAT returns.

Kenya cuts fuel VAT to 13% on inflation pressure

VatCalc · 12 days ago

Kenya has temporarily reduced VAT on petrol and diesel from 16% to 13% for a three‑month period, effective 15 April to 14 July 2026. The measure, announced under Legal Notice No. 69, aims to ease inflationary pressure from rising global energy prices.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Exemption for Insurance Intermediaries Does Not Extend to Asset Management Services

KPMG · about 1 month ago

Kenyan KPMG commentary analyzes the Tax Appeals Tribunal decision that clarified the VAT treatment of insurance intermediaries. The Tribunal ruled that while insurance brokerage services remain exempt, asset management services are taxable at the standard 16% rate. The decision also highlights the High Court's 2021 ruling restoring the exemption and the appellant's unsuccessful deregistration attempt.

Relief for Farmers as Finance Bill 2026/27 Cuts VAT to 8%

LinkedIn · 3 months ago

The Finance Bill 2026/27 will cut the input VAT for agricultural exporters from 16% to 8%, remove excise duty on packaging materials such as kraft paper, and scrap export promotion levies. It also allows faster offsetting of VAT refunds, offers special tax treatment for long‑standing 100% exporters, and rationalises regulatory levies to ease logistics costs. The bill is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament in March 2026.

Egypt extends VAT registration certificate validity to June 30th

Zawya · about 21 hours ago

The Egyptian Tax Authority has extended the validity of VAT registration certificates until June 30, 2026, giving taxpayers who had certificates expire on March 31 or April 18, 2026, additional time to renew. The extension is the final opportunity; the deadline will not be extended further.

Egyptian Tax Authority extends VAT certificate validity to June 30

Daily News Egypt · 1 day ago

The Egyptian Tax Authority has extended the validity of VAT registration certificates until 30 June 2026. Taxpayers whose certificates expired on 31 March or 18 April 2026 must renew before the deadline, with integrated offices required to submit electronically via SAP and non-integrated offices in person.