Tax Compliance Advocates in Nairobi, Kenya

Tax compliance law covers the statutory rules and obligations requiring individuals and businesses to register, file accurate returns, keep proper financial records, and pay the correct taxes on time to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Formed in 1995 under the Ministry of Finance, KRA has administered Kenya’s tax laws ever since, and it is the authority every business and individual taxpayer in Kenya ultimately answers to. At Ondieki & Matoke Company Advocates, we advise on Kenyan and cross-border tax matters planning, compliance, registration, and representation when a dispute with KRA arises.

Core Compliance Obligations

  • Registration — Every taxpayer must obtain a valid Personal Identification Number (PIN) and register for the tax obligations applicable to their income or business activity.
  • Filing — Accurate periodic returns income tax, VAT, and others as applicable must be submitted on or before their legal due dates.
  • Payment — The correct tax liability must be remitted to KRA in full and on time.
  • Record Keeping — Transparent financial books, invoices, and receipts must be maintained, typically for at least five years, to support what has been filed.
Tax compliance law in Kenya

Enforcement and Proof of Compliance

  • Audits and Checks — KRA conducts returns reviews, audits, and investigations to detect discrepancies or suspected tax evasion.
  • Penalties — Late filing, underreporting, or late payment can attract significant fines, compounded interest, and in serious cases, attachment of assets.
  • Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) — A Tax Compliance Certificate confirms a taxpayer is cleared of outstanding tax debts, and is frequently required for employment, government tenders, and business licensing.

What We Do

  • Compliance Review — Reviewing your financial records and past filings to identify gaps before KRA does.
  • Tax Planning & Structuring — Advising on lawful, tax-efficient corporate structures for new and growing businesses.
  • Audit & Investigation Support — Representing you through KRA audits and investigations, from initial notice to resolution.
  • Tax Dispute Resolution — Filing objections and negotiating resolutions where you disagree with an assessment issued against you.
  • Tax Appeals Tribunal Representation — Representing clients before the Tax Appeals Tribunal where a dispute cannot be resolved directly with KRA.
  • Tax Registration — Assisting with PIN registration and registration across applicable tax regimes — VAT, PAYE, corporate tax, and others.
  • TCC Applications — Supporting applications for a Tax Compliance Certificate where one is required for a tender, license, or employment purpose
Tax compliance lawyers in Nairobi, Kenya

When to Engage a Tax Lawyer

  • A sudden KRA audit or notice of a significant tax penalty has been issued.
  • Your business needs guidance on VAT, PAYE, or corporate tax obligations.
  • You’re structuring a cross-border deal or new investment with tax implications.
  • You disagree with a tax assessment and want to formally object or appeal it.

Why Ondieki & Matoke Company Advocates

  • Direct access to your advocate throughout — not a call centre or a junior clerk.
  • Practical guidance grounded in how KRA audits and disputes actually unfold, not just statutory theory.
  • Clear communication about your options and realistic timelines from the outset.
  • A transparent process and fee structure, explained clearly before work begins.
Tax Compliance in Kenya

What to Expect — Our Process

  • Initial consultation — you share the notice, assessment, or compliance question you’re facing.
  • Review — we assess your records, filings, and the specific KRA correspondence involved.
  • Strategy — we outline your options, whether that’s a compliance fix, an objection, or a Tribunal appeal.
  • Representation — we handle correspondence, filings, and representation with KRA or the Tribunal on your behalf.
  • Resolution — we see the matter through to resolution and advise on staying compliant going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my business is audited by KRA?

KRA will typically issue a notice requesting specific records or explanations relating to your filings. How you respond matters — providing accurate, well-organised information promptly, ideally with legal guidance, generally leads to a faster and less costly resolution than an uncoordinated response.

How do I dispute a tax assessment in Kenya?

You can lodge a formal objection with KRA within the statutory timeframe, setting out the grounds for disagreement. If the objection is unsuccessful or unresolved, the matter can be escalated to the Tax Appeals Tribunal for an independent determination.

What is the Tax Appeals Tribunal process?

The Tax Appeals Tribunal independently hears disputes between taxpayers and KRA that could not be resolved through the objection process. It involves filing a formal appeal, an exchange of submissions, and a hearing before the Tribunal issues its decision.

What is a Tax Compliance Certificate and when do I need one?

A Tax Compliance Certificate confirms you have no outstanding tax debts with KRA. It’s commonly required for government tenders, business licensing, and certain employment or immigration processes, and it typically needs to be current at the time it’s submitted.

How long do I need to keep tax records in Kenya?

Financial books, invoices, and receipts should generally be retained for at least five years, since KRA can request them during an audit or investigation well after the relevant filing period has closed.

Call now for a Free Consultation

Contact

0710942629 / 0736677646 / omaadvocates@gmail.com / info@omaadvocates.co.ke

Office

A.C.K. Garden Annex, 1st Ngong Avenue, Ground Floor, Suite 04, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya

Open Hours

Monday-Saturday 8 am – 5pm
Weekends on Appointments only.