KRA Warns of Impostors Masquerading as Tax Officers to Solicit Bribes from Taxpayers

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has urged traders to beware of fraudsters masquerading as tax officers to extort them.

Through a notice, the tax authority urged taxpayers not to fall prey to the impostors who have been soliciting bribes from unsuspecting traders.

“Kindly note that all KRA staff on duty must always provide identification before entering your premises or transacting on behalf of KRA,” KRA’s Deputy Commissioner, Marketing and Communication Grace Wandera said.

Wandera asked traders to confirm the identity of KRA officers using the agency’s impostor detection system including the KRA website, USSD via *572#, or through the KRA M-Service App.

“If in doubt, call telephone number 0726984668 and report the matter,” reads the notice.

The impostors appear to be taking advantage of KRA’s heightened clampdown on tax cheats, which has seen its officers conduct raids on business premises. The taxman is relying on bank statements, import records, motor vehicle registration details, and Kenya Power records to nab tax evaders.

Last month, KRA announced it had acquired geo-mapping technology to monitor landlords’ tax payments in major towns across the country.

“We are investing in block management and geo-mapping systems to map out all these urban areas like Nairobi and Mombasa and get to know where these landlords are and who is paying what tax and who is not paying what tax,” KRA Commissioner for Legal Services and Board Co-ordination Paul Matuku told Business Daily.

KRA also said it had acquired technology to scan activities of social media users in a bid to ensure their tax returns match their online image.