Authority encourages taxpayers with disputes to access service virtually in bid to adhere to social distancing directive

By Alice Gworo

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has introduced online Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) sessions to safeguard taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement to newsrooms, KRA said it has continued to establish measures for taxpayers to access all essential services online.

“The ADR sessions can now be held, uninterrupted through virtual facilities. The facilities bring together the taxpayer, the assessing Commissioner and a facilitator who chairs the session as would happen in a face to face ADR session,” read the statement signed by Deputy Commissioner for Tax Dispute Resolution Ms. Risper Simiyu.

She said the online session is cost effective and convenient to taxpayers as it covers a larger geographical area with the option of multiple individuals at different locations dialling in.

“KRA can now connect with taxpayers and their agents from the comfort of their offices or homes through video/teleconferencing technology applications such as Zoom, Skype or Google hangouts to ensure business continuity, whilst keeping the safety and security of these platforms in mind,” she said.

She encouraged parties with tax disputes to engage virtually under the ADR framework.

“ADR is cost effective, presents an opportunity for faster resolution of tax disputes, improves compliance and preserves the relationship between the disputants,” she added.

The programme was rolled out in June 2015 to complement litigation by providing amicable and timely settlement of tax disputes.

“The 2018/2019 financial year saw the sharpest spike in ADR applications where 502 applications were received. Some 237 of the cases with a revenue yield of Sh8.1 billion were successfully resolved,” she observed.

According to her statement, this was a phenomenal improvement compared to the 2017/18 Financial Year where 90 cases were resolved with a yield of Sh3 billion.