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East Africa Tax Alerts

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We strive to keep you updated on tax developments in the East Africa Region. Our Tax Alerts contain detailed analysis of recent tax measures and their implications on businesses operating in the region.

Recent alerts and an archive of alerts from the previous 12 months appear below; for older issues, please email a request to tax@deloitte.co.ke
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Kenya
Tanzania
Uganda
Ethiopia
Zambia

Latest East African Tax Alerts

Kenya

The Court of Appeal of Kenya (“CoA”) vide its ruling delivered on 20 September 2024 (‘’the Ruling’’), granted a stay of execution of the judgment delivered by the High Court on July 12, 2024, which declared the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA), the Digital Health Act, and the Primary Health Care Act unconstitutional. 

 

Download the full alert here.

On 18 June 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning (“CS”) gazetted the Income Tax (Charitable Organisations and Donations Exemption) Rules, 2024 ("the Rules"). The Rules prescribe the application and processing, granting and retention of exemption from Income Tax.

 

Read the full alert here.

Following the recent withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2024, from Parliament, the Government of Kenya has implemented austerity measures and explored alternative revenue sources to prevent economic instability and meet revenue estimates. Some of these measures include the introduction of bills and the enactment of statutes addressing the gaps including the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2024, which authorized expenditure cuts amounting to KES. 344.3 billion, and the Tax Procedures (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (“the Bill”).

 

Read the full alert here.

 

The COMESA- EAC- SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement (TFTA) came into effect on 25 July 2024 following the ratification of the TFTA by 14 of the 29 member states who were required to deposit their instruments of ratification.

The Agreement establishes a Free Trade Area (FTA) among the Member States or Partner States aimed at the promotion of social and economic development, the creation of a single market with free movement of goods and services, and regional and economic integration all designed to benefit the people within the respective regions.

 

Read the full alert by clicking here.
 


 

The Court of Appeal of Kenya (“CoA”), vide its judgment in Civil Appeal no. E003 of 2023 – The National Assembly & 1 other v Okiya Omtatah Okoiti & 55 Others [2024] eKLR, delivered on 31 July 2024 (“the Judgment”), held that, among other things, the enactment process of the Finance Act, 2023 (“the Act”) was fundamentally flawed, rendering it unconstitutional. 

 

Download the tax alert here.

The Affordable Housing Act of 2024 was assented by the President on 19th March 2024, having been fast-tracked through Parliament. Sections 4 and 5 of the Act, which guide on the imposition of the levy and the obligations of the employer, came into force immediately on 19 March 2024 while the rest of the Act came into operation on 22nd March 2024 following gazettement by the Cabinet Secretary. 

Download the tax alert here.

As part of the government’s commitment to provide healthcare to all citizens, the government established the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) which was established by an Act of parliament in 1966 as a department within the Ministry Of Health. The Act was later amended in 2022 to become the National Health Insurance Fund Act (NHIF Act), and the name of the corporation was changed to National Health Insurance Fund.

The Government of Kenya has repealed the NHIF Act following the presidential assent of the 4 Bills (Primary Health Care Bill, Facility Improvement Financing Bill, Digital Health Bill and the Social Health Insurance Bill) on 19 October 2023. This also aims at replacing the National Health Insurance Fund by establishing the Social Health Authority.

The above 4 Acts are expected to strengthen the provision of Universal Health Coverage. This communication highlights the changes introduced through the Social Health Insurance Act and the Regulations released thereafter.

Download full report here.

Contacts:
Lilian Kubebea
Tax Partner
+254 719 039 111
lkubebea@deloitte.co.ke

David M’ibari
Associate Director
+254 719 039 111
dmibari@deloitte.co.ke

The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning (“CS”) has published the Excise Duty (Excisable Goods Management System ––“EGMS”) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (“Amendment Regulations”) vide Legal Notice No. 30 of 2023 dated 10 March 2023 in accordance with Section 45 of the Excise Duty Act (“EDA”).

The Amendment Regulations have, amongst other changes, increased the price of excise stamps on alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, juices, and cosmetics by between 78% and 317%.

This publication provides our detailed analysis of the amendments proposed through the Amendment Regulations and their impact.

Tax Alert-Increase in excise stamp fees

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) through a Public Notice published on 14 March 2023 notified all manufacturers to account for a Standards Levy (levy) of 0.2% of monthly turnover pursuant to the Standards Levy Order, 1990 (order). The levy was introduced in Kenya through the order, which was gazetted by the Minister for Industry vide Legal Notice No. 267 of 22 June 1990 and came into operation on 1 July 1990.

Tax Alert-Manufacturers to account for a standard Levy

The Finance Act, 2021 (“FA 2021”) amended the Tax Procedures Act, 2015 (“TPA”/ “the Act”) to introduce the Common Reporting Standards (“CRS”) regime in Kenya. The FA 2021 further provided that the CRS regime may be implemented in line with regulations prescribed by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning (“CS Treasury”).

In this alert, we summarise the key highlights of the Regulations and provide our view on the same. You are advised to read this alert together with the Regulations for more details. 

Tax Alert-TPA Common Reporting Standards(CRS) Regulations

The Finance Act, 2022 (“FA 2022”) amended the Income Tax Act (“ITA”) to introduce withholding tax (“WHT”) on gains accruing tonon resident persons from financial derivatives contracts entered into with resident persons. The FA 2022 further provided thatthe provisions shall be implemented in accordance with the Income Tax (Financial Derivatives) Regulations, 2023 Regulations (“theRegulations”) made by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning (“CS Treasury”).

Pursuant to the above,the CS Treasury gazetted the Regulations on 27 January 2023, with the aim of operationalizing theprovisions on WHT on gains accruing from financial derivatives.

In this alert,we summarise the key highlights of the Regulations and provide our view on the same. You are advised to read thisalert together with the Regulations for more details.

Tax Alert-Income Tax(Financial Derivatives)Regulations,2023

The NSSF Act, 2013 (“the Act”) assented into law on 24 December 2013, gazetted on 27 December 2013, and intended to commence on 10 January 2014. This publication summarizes our analysis of the Act’s key provisions as read together with supporting schedules and regulations thereunder and their consequent implications to employers.

Tax Alert-Reinstatement NSSF Act of 2013

The High Court of Kenya (“HC”) issued a ruling in a consolidated constitutionalpetition between Mwaura Kabata, Viva Africa Consulting LLP, Law Society of Kenya, Okiya Omtata, and Digital Financial Services Association of Kenya (“the petitioners”) versus the National Assembly, Attorney General, the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”) and the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury & Planning (“the respondents”). 
In this alert, we discuss the salient arguments advanced by the petitioners andthe respondents and our view on the judgement.

The High Court of Kenya (“HC”) has, in a case between an exporter (“Appellant”) and the Commissioner of Investigations and Enforcement (“Respondent”), held that the burden of proof that goods have been exported lies with the exporter. In addition, the HC held that a certificate of export is not sufficient evidence that goods have been exported. Exporters may be required under Section 78(3) the East African Community Customs Management Act (“EACCMA”) to furnish the Commissioner with sufficient evidence including a certificate of landing. The owner as defined under Section 2 of the EACCMA is liable for import duties under the law and transfer of ownership of goods for customs purposes should be done in accordance with the law.In this alert, we discuss the salient arguments advanced by the Appellant and the Respondent and our view on the Judgement.

Tax Alert-The High Court rules on proof of exported goods and validity period of security bonds

The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning (“CS”) has published draft Excise Duty (Excisable Goods Management System) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (“Regulations”) in accordance with Section 45 of the Excise Duty Act (“EDA”). The Regulations seek to amend the Excise Duty (Excisable Goods Management System) Regulations 2017 (“Principal Regulations”). Some of the key proposals include increase in the price of excise stamps on alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, juices and cosmetics.
This publication provides our detailed analysis of the amendments proposed through the Regulations and their impact.

Tax Alert-Excise Duty (Excisable Goods Management System) (Amendment) Regulations 2023

The Court of Appeal of Kenya (“CoA”) vide its judgement issued on 2 December 2022 (“the Judgement”) determined Civil Appeal No. E591 of 2021 upholding the decision by the High Court of Kenya (“HC”) which had declared Section 12D of the Income Tax Act (“ITA”) unconstitutional. Section 12D sought to impose a Minimum Tax (“MT”) regime in Kenya through which taxpayers would be required to pay MT at the rate of 1% of their gross turnover where the instalment tax payable by the taxpayer is lower than the MT payable.
We discuss hereunder the salient arguments advanced by the Petitioners and the Respondents, the basis of the judgement, and our view on the same.

Minimum Tax-The Court of Appeal upholds the High Court decision declaring minimum tax unconstitutional and therefore null and void

The East African Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) has approved preferential tariff treatment on originating goods imported from State Parties of the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) vide Legal Notice No. EAC/321/2022 dated 06 September 2022. The preferential treatment will apply on Category A Products which covers products that will be liberalized within 10 years using linear approach for developing countries.

Tax Alert-Preferential treatment of goods imported from AfCFTA

The Commissioner General (“CG”) of the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”) hasadjusted excise duty on excisable goods with specific rates by the average inflationfor the last financial year of 6.3% pursuant to Section 10 of the Excise Duty Act 2015.Further, the CG has adjusted the export levy on raw hides and skins by the inflationrate of 6.3% in accordance with Section 5(4) of the Miscellaneous Fees and LeviesAct (“MFLA”).

The new excise duty and export levy rates were published in Legal Notice No 177 dated 3 October 2022 and took effect on 1 October 2022.

Tax Alert-Excise duty and export levy rates inflation adjustment

The KRA clarifies applicability of electronic tax register on registered non-resident suppliers of digital services.

Tax Alert-The KRA clarifies applicability of electronic tax register on registered non-resident suppliers of digital services

High Court determines that the KRA cannot demand unpaid withholding tax arising between June 2016 and November 2019 from withholders. In this alert, we discuss the salient arguments advanced by the parties to the dispute, and our view on theRuling.

Tax Alert-High Court determines that the KRA cannot demand unpaid withholding tax arising between June 2016 and November 2019 from withholders

The East African Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) in its pre budget meetings held in May 2022 approved several measures on customs duty rates and remission of duty on inputs imported for manufacture of goods. The Council also approved the adoption of a four band common external tariff with a maximum rate of 35%, tariff splits and merges, amendment of the First Schedule of the EAC Rules of Origin amongst other measures. The changes were adopted by the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) and published in the EAC Gazette Notice dated 30 June 2022.

Customs Alert-The East African Community (EAC) Gazette 2022

The Industrial Training (Amendment) Act, 2022 was assented to on 4 April 2022 and became effective on 22 April 2022. It made some crucial amendments to the Industrial Training Act (CAP 237) relating to responsibility for collection and remission of the training levy to the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

This publication summarizes our analysis of the key issues resulting from these amendments and the consequent implications to employers.

The Industrial Training (Amendment)-Levy now payable monthly and KRA responsible for collecting the training levy

The President signed the Finance Act, 2022 into law on 21 June 2022. The Act was published on 23 June 2022 in the special issue of the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 106 (Acts No. 22) and gazetted on 8 July 2022 in Vol. CXXIV – No. 131 of the Kenya Gazette. The Act has introduced amendments to the various tax statutes in Kenya, and other laws such as the Stamp Duty Act, the Insurance Act, the Capital Markets Act, the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act, the Statutory Instruments Act, the Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act, the Evidence Act, the Kenya Roads Board Act, the Road Maintenance Levy Fund Act and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, 2015.
This publication outlines the changes introduced by the Act and their effective dates.

Finanace Act 2022 Insights Deloitte Kenya

The Finance Bill, 2022 proposed to amend Section 10 of the VAT Act, 2013 to exclude services provided through digital marketplace platforms from the purview of VAT on imported services (reverse charge VAT). The Government has now, through Gazette Notice dated 27 May 2022, amended the applicable Regulations to operationalize the Bill’s proposed changes as and when it is passed into law.

This Tax Alert highlights the changes to the Regulations and their potential implications.

Kenya Tax Alert-The Government ammend the VAT (Digital Marketplace Supplies) Regulations, 2020

The Supreme Court of Kenya (“SC”), vide its ruling delivered on 19 May 2022 (“the Ruling”), confirmed its appellate jurisdiction to determine an appeal by Absa Bank Kenya Plc (formerly Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited) (“the Bank”) against the decision of the Court of Appeal (“the CoA decision”) in Commissioner of Domestic Taxes (Large TaxPayersOffice) v Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd [2020] eKLR.

In this alert, we provide a brief background of the tax dispute, the parties’ arguments, and our view on what the SC’s ruling means for the banking sector and taxpayers in general.

Tax Alert-Supreme Court to determine the appeal aganist the imposition of withholding tax on card-related payments

The East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers, on 5th May 2022 , adopted a maximum import duty rate of 35% as the 4th band of the EAC Common External Tariff (CET). The implementation of the reviewed CET shall commence on 1st July, 2022. However, the Council agreed on flexibility in implementation of the revised CET, particularly on products currently affected by the current global economic realities.

This communication details our analysis of the change and the anticipated implications.

Customs Alert- The Comprehensive review of the East African Community Common External Tariff

The High Court has invalidated the VAT Regulations, 2017 and also determined that maritime agency services provided to non resident shippers qualify as exported.

High Court Invalidates VAT Regulations, 2017

The High Court rules that not all software related payments are subject to withholding tax. In this alert, we discuss the salient arguments advanced by the Appellant and the Respondent and our view on the Judgement.

Kenya Tax Alert-HC Judgement on WHT on Software Payments

In a bid to provide clarity on the CbC reporting requirements, the Cabinet Secretary for The National Treasury and Planning (“the CS”) has issued the draft Income Tax (Country by Country Reporting ) Standard for Multinational Enterprises Regulations 2021.In this alert, we summarise the key components of the draft regulations and implementation process

Kenya Tax Alert-Country by  Country Reporting Draft Regulations Issued

The Commissioner General (“CG”) of the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”), through Legal Notice No 217 dated 25 October 2021, published new excise duty rates on certain excisable goods with specific rates to take into account the average inflation for the last financial year of 4.97%. The new rates have been adjusted for inflation in accordance with Section 10 of the Excise Duty Act. Download our tax alert to read more.

Tax Alert-Specific excise duty rates adjusted for inflation 

Tanzania

Following the issued notice from National Social Security Fund (NSSF) to the public informing on the amnesty to all employees with arrears. Deloitte has listed in this alert services that can be provided in regards to this.

Keeping up the loop

Further to our Budget Highlights, this update sets out a high-level summary of updates and clarifications contained in the Finance Act, 2023 (“the Act”), which may have not been included in the Budget Speech read by the Minister for Finance and Planning (the Minister) or the Finance Bill.

 

Keeping you updated Finance Act (2023) Alert

On 1 March 2023, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (the “TRA”) issued a Public Notice requiring all Taxpayers to verify their Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) /Virtual Fiscal Devices (VFDs) registered under their Taxpayers IdentificationNumber(s) (TIN).

This alert highlights the key issues provided in this Notice and potential implications for taxpayers in case of breach of the laws governing the use of the EFDs/VFDs machines as provided under Section 86 (1) of the Tax Administration Act, CAP. 438 R.E 2019 (“TAA, 2019”).

Tax Alert-Verification of registered EFD/VFD machines by all taxplayers

On 29 August 2022, the Government of Tanzania tabled an Investment Bill (‘TheBill’). The Bill intends to replace the Investment Act of 1997. The Bill has largely maintained what was provided in the current Investment Act with an introduction ofsome new changes.

This alert provides a detailed summary of what is proposed in the Bill.

Regulation Alert-Investment Bill, 2022

The Minister of Finance and Planning has issued the National Payment Systems (Electronic Money Transactions Levy) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022 (“the Amendment Regulations”) that came into force on 1 October 2022. The Amended regulations have made minor changes to the National Payment Systems (Electronic Transactions Levy) Regulations, 2022 (“the Regulations”) which was issued in July 2022, by expanding the definition of transfer and revising the chargeable rates for the levy.

This alert provides a high-level summary of the amended provisions and our comments with respect to this Amendment.

Tax Alert-The National Payments Systems (Electronic Money Transactions Levy) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022

On 13th May 2022 the Bank of Tanzania (“BoT”) published the Foreign Exchange Regulations, 2022 (“the Regulations”) in accordance to section 6(1) of the Foreign Exchange Act, 1992 (‘‘ the Act’’) which empowers the BoTto exercise or discharge all functions, powers and duties relating to the administration, control and management of all dealings and transactions in relation to gold and foreign exchange matters. Furthermore, Section 7 of the Act vests the BOT with powers to make regulations, rules, orders, or directions in relation to foreign exchange in Tanzania.

This alert provides a detailed summary of the key provisions and our comments in respect to the published Regulations.

Tax Alert-Foreign exchange Regulations, 2022

Following the various amendments to the Income Tax Act and the Value Added Tax Act respectively, The Minister of Finance and Planning has issued the Income Tax (Registration of Non-resident electronic service providers) Regulations, 2022 and the Value Added Tax (Registration of Non-resident electronic service suppliers) Regulations, 2022.

This update provides a detailed summary of the newly released regulations which came into effect on 1 July 2022 and the tax implications of the same on digital businesses and services in Tanzania.

Tax Alert-New VAT & Income Tax (Registration of Non-Resident Electronic Service Providers) Regulations, 2022

The Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania passed the Finance Bill, 2022 which was subsequently assented to by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 30 June 2022, hence effectively making it the Finance Act, 2022.
Further to our Budget Highlights and our Finance Bill Alert, this update sets out a high-level summary of updates and clarifications contained in the Finance Act, 2022 (“the Act”).

Deloitte Tax Alert- Finanace Bill

Following the budget speech delivered by the Minister of Finance and Planning on 14 June 2022, the Finance Bill (‘‘the Bill’’) was released on 15 June 2022.
This alert sets out a high-level summary of the key changes and specifications contained in the Bill, which if ratified will become law effectively from 1 July 2022.

Finanace Bill Alert

On 4 February 2022, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (“the TRA”) issued a public notice informing taxpayers and the general public that it has upgraded the Value Added Tax (VAT) electronic filing system with the aim of simplifying the VAT filing processes. The upgraded system will be rolled out effective from 1 March 2022 and will be operational for the VAT returns from the month of March 2022 which are to be filed on or before 20 April 2022.

In this alert, we summarize the key changes, advantages and key issues for consideration regarding the upgraded VAT electronic filing system.

Deloitte Tanzania Tax Alert- Upgraded VAT E-Filling System

The Finance Act Introduced the changes to the Value Added Tax, Cap 148 [RE 2019] and the The Excise (Management and Tariff) Act, 147 as elaborated in our tax alert

Tanzania Tax Alert-Indirect Tax Changes Introduced by Finanace Act 2021

This update provides a detailed summary of the amendment which came into effect on 1 st July 2021 and the following public notice by the ZMIT that came into effect on 21st September 2021.

Deloitte Tax Alerts-Zanzibar Company Reregistration

Uganda

Uganda Revenue Authority recently updated the web portal and included a feature that requires taxpayers to upload their signed audited financial statements when submitting the final income tax return. This requirement is in line with Section 16(5) of the Tax Procedures Code Act.

 

Download the full tax alert here

Transfer Pricing has become a key focus area for revenue authorities. To mitigate tax leakages, tax authorities are implementing a robust tax system and an effective tax administration that ensures compliance

Download the full tax alert here.

Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a public notice on 11th September, 2024 informing all Value Added Tax (VAT) registered taxpayers about changes in the treatment of credit notes issued through Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing Solution (EFRIS).

 

Download the full tax alert here.

 

On 13th September 2024, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a notice stating that it had embarked on plans to optimize revenue mobilization to drive Uganda’s economic growth and development through the Compliance Improvement Plan (CIP).
 

Download the full alert here.

In an effort to bolster the compliance from taxpayers, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued an alert indicating the intention to commence enforcement measures related to EFRIS, DTS (Digital Tax Stamps) as well as obligations related to rental tax.  It is crucial to note that legislation pertaining to the above is already in place under the various tax heads and this move is targeted at enforcement of affected legislative provisions.

Our tax team has analyzed the public notice published by the URA, and our insights are highlighted in this alert. Should you wish to seek any further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.

Download full report here.

This publication highlights the tax and other measures proposed as per the 2023/24 Amendment Bills. Thispublication constitutes only a brief guide and is not intended to be a comprehensive summary of the tax law andpractice. This publication summarizes our analysis of the proposed amendments bills and their impact of thefollowing:

  1. The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023;
  2. The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023;
  3. The Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill, 2023; and
  4. The Tax Procedures Code (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Deloitte Tax Alert-2023 Tax Amendment Bills

On 10 th October 2022, five (5) days before the due date for filing of monthly taxreturns, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a Public Notice communicating to the Public about changes that were to be made to the PAYE and VAT Return.

This communication highlights the key changes and rationale for the same.

Keeping you in the loop Recent developments-Changes to VAT  &PAYE Returns

Recently, we have noted written requests by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to taxpayers (payers) asking them to amend their Withholding Tax (WHT) returns to capture payee Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN).

This communication highlights the key issues relating to URA’s request for inclusion of TINs in WHT returns.

Keeping you in the loop- Recent developments-URA requests for inclusion of TINs in WHT returns

This publication highlights the tax and other measures proposed as per the 2022/23 amendment bills.

Uganda Tax Alert-Tax Amendment Bills, 2022

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a Public Notice announcing the commencement of applications for exemption from withholding tax (WHT) and withholding VAT (WVAT)... 

Deloitee Tax Alert- WHT and WVAT exemption application

The DRAFT Amendment Bills which propose changes to the Income Tax Act, The Value Added Tax, The Tax Procedure Code Act among others are currently before Parliament for debate . This Alert highlights the key changes to the tax laws as contained in the amendment bills.

Uganda DRAFT Tax Amendment Bills 2022-2023

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a Public Notice on the registration and return filing requirements for non residents supplying electronic services to non-taxable persons in Uganda.

This notice has been issued in accordance with section 16(2)(d) of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act Cap 349 (VAT Act).

Deloitte Tax Alert-VAT registration for Non-Resident suppliers of services 

In accordance with section 19A and 19B of the Tax Procedure Act (TPCA) 2014, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a public notice expanding the list of locally manufactured or imported goods required to have digital tax stamps affixed. Tax & Legal Alert February 2022

Deloitte Tax Alert-Additional Digital Tax Stamps

Following the Public Notice issued by URA in November 2021 in respect to reinstatement of VAT withholding, the Authority has issued further guidance on implementation of the VAT withholding.

This communication highlights the key features of the updated guidance

Deloitte Tax Alert-Clarification on VAT withholding

Following the suspension of the operation of VAT Withholding in September 2018, URA has issued a Public Notice that re instates the obligation on designated VAT Withholding agents to withhold VAT effective 1 December 2021 on any taxable supplies made to the agent.

This communication highlights the key features of the obligation imposed and related potential implications to taxpayers

Deloitte Tax Alert-Reinstatement of operation of VAT Withholding

Ethiopia

Pursuant to the power granted to the Ministry of Finance by way of Art. 79 (2) and (4) of the Federal Income Tax Proclamation (“ITP”), the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation (“MoF”) has issued a Directive to provide Rules on Transfer Pricing (“2024 TP Rules, “Rules”). The preamble of the Directive No. 981/2024 is to facilitate proper implementation of the arm’s length principle as stated under Art. 79 of the ITP. The 2024 TP Rules are effective as from January 2024.

The rules are largely consistent with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s Transfer Pricing Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations (“OECD Guidelines”). In this alert, we summarise the key highlights of the 2024 TP Rules.

Download full report here.

Zambia

During his 2024 Budget address to the National Assembly, Finance and National Planning Minister, Honourable Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane noted that the growing digital economy presents an opportunity for Zambia to further expand the tax base and collect more revenue from non-resident suppliers. Accordingly, improving Valued Added Tax (“VAT”) collection and facilitating compliance in the digital economy remains an important focal point of government’s strategy. 

In view of this, on 26 February 2024, the Value Added Tax (Cross Border Electronic Services) Regulations, 2024 were published introducing new rules that require non-resident suppliers of Cross Border Electronic Services ( “e-Services”), both Business-to-Business (“B2B”) and Business-to-Consumer (“B2C”) transactions, to register online under the Simplified Registration Regime administered by the Zambia Revenue Authority (“ZRA”) for the purpose of accounting for VAT. In a press release of 21st March 2024, the ZRA indicated that the requirement to levy VAT on e-Services under the new rules is effective from 1st April 2024.

 

Download the tax alert here.

Archived Tax Alerts

Uganda Tax Alert - Changes to VAT PAYE Returns

On 10 th October 2022, five (5) days before the due date for filing of monthly taxreturns, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a Public Notice communicating to the Public about changes that were to be made to the PAYE and VAT Return.

This communication highlights the key changes and rationale for the same.

Find more

Tanzania Tax Alert - The National Payment Systems (Electronic Money Transactions Levy) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022

The Minister of Finance and Planning has issued the National Payment Systems (Electronic Money Transactions Levy) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022 (“the Amendment Regulations”) that came into force on 1 October 2022. The Amended regulations have made minor changes to the National Payment Systems (Electronic Transactions Levy) Regulations, 2022 (“the Regulations”) which was issued in July 2022, by expanding the definition of transfer and revising the chargeable rates for the levy.

This alert provides a high-level summary of the amended provisions and our comments with respect to this Amendment.

Find more

Kenya Tax Alert - Preferential treatment of goods imported from AfCFTA

The East African Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) has approved preferential tariff treatment on originating goods imported from State Parties of the African Continental Free Trade Area ( AfCFTA ) vide Legal Notice No. EAC/321/2022 dated 06 September 2022. The preferential treatment will apply on Category A Products which covers products that will be liberalized within 10 years using linear approach for developing countries.

Find more

Keny Tax Alert - Excise Duty & Export Levy Inflation Adjustment

The Commissioner General (“CG”) of the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”) hasadjusted excise duty on excisable goods with specific rates by the average inflationfor the last financial year of 6.3% pursuant to Section 10 of the Excise Duty Act 2015.Further, the CG has adjusted the export levy on raw hides and skins by the inflationrate of 6.3% in accordance with Section 5(4) of the Miscellaneous Fees and LeviesAct (“MFLA”).

The new excise duty and export levy rates were published in Legal Notice No 177 dated 3 October 2022 and took effect on 1 October 2022.

Find more

Recently, we have noted written requests by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to taxpayers (payers) asking them to amend their Withholding Tax (WHT) returns to capture payee Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN).

This communication highlights the key issues relating to URA’s request for inclusion of TINs in WHT returns.

Find more

On 13th May 2022 the Bank of Tanzania (“BoT”) published the Foreign Exchange Regulations, 2022 (“the Regulations”) in accordance to section 6(1) of the Foreign Exchange Act, 1992 (‘‘ the Act’’) which empowers the BoTto exercise or discharge all functions, powers and duties relating to the administration, control and management of all dealings and transactions in relation to gold and foreign exchange matters. Furthermore, Section 7 of the Act vests the BOT with powers to make regulations, rules, orders, or directions in relation to foreign exchange in Tanzania.

This alert provides a detailed summary of the key provisions and our comments in respect to the published Regulations.

Find more

The KRA clarifies applicability of electronic tax register on registered non-resident suppliers of digital services.

Find more

High Court determines that the KRA cannot demand unpaid withholding tax arising between June 2016 and November 2019 from withholders. In this alert, we discuss the salient arguments advanced by the parties to the dispute, and our view on the
Ruling.

Find more

The East African Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) in its pre budget meetings held in May 2022 approved several measures on customs duty rates and remission of duty on inputs imported for manufacture of goods. The Council also approved the adoption of a four band common external tariff with a maximum rate of 35%, tariff splits and merges, amendment of the First Schedule of the EAC Rules of Origin amongst other measures. The changes were adopted by the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) and published in the EAC Gazette Notice dated 30 June 2022.

Find more

Following the various amendments to the Income Tax Act and the Value Added Tax Act respectively, The Minister of Finance and Planning has issued the Income Tax (Registration of Non-resident electronic service providers) Regulations, 2022 and the Value Added Tax (Registration of Non-resident electronic service suppliers) Regulations, 2022.

This update provides a detailed summary of the newly released regulations which came into effect on 1 July 2022 and the tax implications of the same on digital businesses and services in Tanzania.

Find more

The Industrial Training (Amendment) Act, 2022 was assented to on 4 April 2022 and became effective on 22 April 2022. It made some crucial amendments to the Industrial Training Act (CAP 237) relating to responsibility for collection and remission of the training levy to the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

This publication summarizes our analysis of the key issues resulting from these amendments and the consequent implications to employers.

Find more

The President signed the Finance Act, 2022 into law on 21 June 2022. The Act was published on 23 June 2022 in the special issue of the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 106 (Acts No. 22) and gazetted on 8 July 2022 in Vol. CXXIV – No. 131 of the Kenya Gazette. The Act has introduced amendments to the various tax statutes in Kenya, and other laws such as the Stamp Duty Act, the Insurance Act, the Capital Markets Act, the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act, the Statutory Instruments Act, the Betting Lotteries and Gaming Act, the Evidence Act, the Kenya Roads Board Act, the Road Maintenance Levy Fund Act and the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, 2015.

This publication outlines the changes introduced by the Act and their effective dates.

Find more

The Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania passed the Finance Bill, 2022 which was subsequently assented to by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 30 June 2022, hence effectively making it the Finance Act, 2022.

Further to our Budget Highlights and our Finance Bill Alert, this update sets out a high-level summary of updates and clarifications contained in the Finance Act, 2022 (“the Act”).

Find more

Following the budget speech delivered by the Minister of Finance and Planning on 14 June 2022, the Finance Bill (‘‘the Bill’’) was released on 15 June 2022.

This alert sets out a high-level summary of the key changes and specifications contained in the Bill, which if ratified will become law effectively from 1 July 2022.

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The Finance Bill, 2022 proposed to amend Section 10 of the VAT Act, 2013 to exclude services provided through digital marketplace platforms from the purview of VAT on imported services (reverse charge VAT). The Government has now, through Gazette Notice dated 27 May 2022, amended the applicable Regulations to operationalize the Bill’s proposed changes as and when it is passed into law.

This Tax Alert highlights the changes to the Regulations and their potential implications.

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The Supreme Court of Kenya (“SC”), vide its ruling delivered on 19 May 2022 (“the Ruling”), confirmed its appellate jurisdiction to determine an appeal by Absa Bank Kenya Plc (formerly Barclays Bank of Kenya Limited) (“the Bank”) against the decision of the Court of Appeal (“the CoA decision”) in Commissioner of Domestic Taxes (Large TaxPayersOffice) v Barclays Bank of Kenya Ltd [2020] eKLR.

In this alert, we provide a brief background of the tax dispute, the parties’ arguments, and our view on what the SC’s ruling means for the banking sector and taxpayers in general.

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The East African Community (EAC) Council of Ministers, on 5th May 2022 , adopted a maximum import duty rate of 35% as the 4th band of the EAC Common External Tariff (CET). The implementation of the reviewed CET shall commence on 1st July, 2022. However, the Council agreed on flexibility in implementation of the revised CET, particularly on products currently affected by the current global economic realities.

This communication details our analysis of the change and the anticipated implications.

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This publication highlights the tax and other measures proposed as per the 2022/23 amendment bills.

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The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a Public Notice announcing the commencement of applications for exemption from withholding tax (WHT) and withholding VAT (WVAT)...

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The DRAFT Amendment Bills which propose changes to the Income Tax Act, The Value Added Tax, The Tax Procedure Code Act among others are currently before Parliament for debate . This Alert highlights the key changes to the tax laws as contained in the amendment bills.

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The High Court has invalidated the VAT Regulations, 2017 and also determined that maritime agency services provided to non resident shippers qualify as exported.

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The High Court rules that not all software related payments are subject to withholding tax. In this alert, we discuss the salient arguments advanced by the Appellant and the Respondent and our view on the Judgement.

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On 4 February 2022, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (“the TRA”) issued a public notice informing taxpayers and the general public that it has upgraded the Value Added Tax (VAT) electronic filing system with the aim of simplifying the VAT filing processes. The upgraded system will be rolled out effective from 1 March 2022 and will be operational for the VAT returns from the month of March 2022 which are to be filed on or before 20 April 2022.

In this alert, we summarize the key changes, advantages and key issues for consideration regarding the upgraded VAT electronic filing system.

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The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a Public Notice on the registration and return filing requirements for non residents supplying electronic services to non-taxable persons in Uganda.

This notice has been issued in accordance with section 16(2)(d) of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Act Cap 349 (VAT Act).

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In accordance with section 19A and 19B of the Tax Procedure Act (TPCA) 2014, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has issued a public notice expanding the list of locally manufactured or imported goods required to have digital tax stamps affixed. Tax & Legal Alert February 2022

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Following the Public Notice issued by URA in November 2021 in respect to reinstatement of VAT withholding, the Authority has issued further guidance on implementation of the VAT withholding.

This communication highlights the key features of the updated guidance

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In a bid to provide clarity on the CbC reporting requirements, the Cabinet Secretary for The National Treasury and Planning (“the CS”) has issued the draft Income Tax (Country by Country Reporting ) Standard for Multinational Enterprises Regulations 2021.In this alert, we summarise the key components of the draft regulations and implementation process

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Following the suspension of the operation of VAT Withholding in September 2018, URA has issued a Public Notice that re instates the obligation on designated VAT Withholding agents to withhold VAT effective 1 December 2021 on any taxable supplies made to the agent.

This communication highlights the key features of the obligation imposed and related potential implications to taxpayers.

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The Finance Act Introduced the changes to the Value Added Tax, Cap 148 [RE 2019] and the The Excise (Management and Tariff) Act, 147 as elaborated in our tax alert.

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The Commissioner General (“CG”) of the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”), through Legal Notice No 217 dated 25 October 2021, published new excise duty rates on certain excisable goods with specific rates to take into account the average inflation for the last financial year of 4.97%. The new rates have been adjusted for inflation in accordance with Section 10 of the Excise Duty Act. Download our tax alert to read more.

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This update provides a detailed summary of the amendment which came into effect on 1 st July 2021 and the following public notice by the ZMIT that came into effect on 21st September 2021.

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More Alerts

Tanzania Tax Alert - National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Alert

On 1st October 2021 National Social Security Fund (NSSF) issued public notices to all employers offering amnesty with outstanding arrears of contribution and penalty as per certain conditions. Read more.

.Kenya Tax Alert - High Court Ruling on Minimum Tax

In the Judgement, the High Court declared, inter alia, that Section 12D of the ITA is unconstitutional and ultimately null and void to the extent that it violated the principles of public finance itemized under Article 201 (b) ( i ) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 (“the CoK"). Read the full analysis.

Tax Alert on the new ETR devices

This alert provides highlights on the key information from the guidelines issued on 5 October 2021. Read it here.

Kenya Tax Alert - Voluntary Tax Disclosure Program

The advent of the Voluntary Tax Disclosure Program (“VTDP”) on 1 January 2021 as provided for in the Finance Act 2020 gave taxpayers a window to voluntarily and confidentially disclose any tax liabilities that were previously undisclosed to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) covering the period of five years running up to 30 June 2020. Find out more here.

Tanzania Tax Alerts - Amendment to the mobile transfer and withdrawal levy

Following our Finance Act, 2021 (“the Act”) Alert published on August 20,2021, this update sets out a high level summary of the amendments madeto the National Payment Systems (Electronic Mobile Money Transfer andWithdrawal Transactions Levy) Regulations, 2021 (“the Regulations”). Read the full analysis here.

Kenya Tax Alert - Revocation of stay of application on CET footwear

The East African Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) has revoked the stay of application of the East African Community Common External Tariff (CET) rates on footwear that was granted to Kenya under Legal Notice No EAC/118/2021 vide EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 No 14 of 30 June 2021. The revocation was communicated through EAC Gazette Vol. AT 1 No. 21 dated 27 August 2021 and will take effect on the date of publication. Read more..

Tanzania Tax Alert - Finance Act Alert

This update sets out a high level summary of the changes and clarifications contained in the Finance Act, 2021 (“the Act”), which may have not been included in the Budget Speech read by the Minister for Finance and Planning (the Minister) and in the Bill. Read it here.
 
KRA issues extension of time to comply with the Value Added Tax (Electronic Tax Invoice) Regulations, 2020

On 9 July 2021, the Kenya Revenue Authority issued a public notice announcing an extension of time to comply with the Value Added Tax (Electronic Tax Invoice) Regulations, 2020.
Below, please find the public notice or access it via the KRA web site.
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Extension of Time to Comply with the Value Added Tax (Electronic Tax Invoice) Regulations, 2020

The Value Added Tax (Electronic Tax Invoice) Regulations, 2020 were gazetted on 25th September 2020 vide Legal Notice No. 189 of 2020. The regulations areaimed at facilitating administration of VAT through Electronic Tax InvoiceManagement.

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) wishes to inform the public that the roll out of the Electronic Tax Invoice pursuant to the provisions of the Value Added Tax(Electronic Tax Invoice) Regulations, 2020 shall commence on 1st August 2021.

All VAT registered taxpayers shall thereafter be required to comply with therequirements of the regulations on implementation of the Electronic Tax Invoicewithin a period of twelve (12) months from the date of the roll out.

Where a person is unable to comply within the timelines, they shall apply to theCommissioner Domestic Taxes for extension of time to comply which shall notexceed six months as provided for in the regulations. The application forextension shall be made at least thirty (30) days before the expiry of thetwelve-month period specified.
KRA invites VAT registered taxpayers and suppliers of Electronic Tax Register (ETR) to contact us via: timsupport@kra.go.ke for further guidance.

For other general inquiries and support please call our Contact Centre on Tel: (0) 20 4999 999, 0711 099 999 or Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke. www.kra.go.ke

Uganda Tax alert - Changes in tax payment process

Uganda Revenue Authority (“URA”) has issued a Public Notice prescribing changes in the taxpayment process. Read about these changes here.

Kenya Tax Alert - EAC Gazette

The East African Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) in its pre budget meetings held in May 2021 approved several measures on customs duty rates and remission of duty on inputs imported for manufacture of goods. The changes were adopted by the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) and published in the EAC Gazette Notice dated 30 June 2021. Read more here.

Kenya Tax Alert - The Finance Act, 2021: Tracking the changes

The President signed the Finance Act, 2021 (“the Act”) into law on 29 June 2021. The Act has introduced amendments to the various tax statutes in Kenya, the Capital Markets Act, the Insurance Act, the Retirement Benefits Act, 1997, and the Central Depositories Act. Amendments introduced by the Act largely mirror those under the Bill. However, there are some notable changes in the Act that we wish to bring to your attention. Find our full analysis here.

Tanzania Tax Alert - Finance Bill Alert 2021

The budget speech read by the minister of finance and planning on 10 June 2021 set out the proposed tax changes. Following the release of the Finance Bill 2021 (''the Bill''), this update sets out a high level summary of the changes and clarifications contained in the Bill, which when ratified will become law effectively from 1 July 2021.Read it here..

Kenya Tax Alert - Finance Bill, 2021

The Finance Bill, 2021 was published on 5 May 2021 and tabled in Parliament on 11 May 2021. Based on the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, the Bill should be assented into law by the end of June 2021. This publication summarizes our analysis of the amendments proposed by the Bill and their impact. Find it here.

Tax Alert - Tax Appeals Tribunal Ruling

In a ruling delivered on 13 May 2021, the TAT held that taxpayers must lodge an application for tax overpaid with the Commissioner before utilizing it to offset tax due. Read our analysis here..

Tax Alert - Commissioner revokes restriction of bonded warehousing

On 15 April 2021, the Commissioner of Customs and Border Control (“Commissioner”) revoked Gazette Notice No. 3530 of 2020, which had prohibited bonded warehousing of certain goods, vide Gazette Notice No. 3738 of 2021. Read our analysis of the change and the anticipated implications here.

Deloitte Uganda Tax Alert - Tax Laws Amendment Bill 2020 (April 2021)

This publication constitutes only a brief guide and is not intended to be acomprehensive summary of the tax law and practice. The publicationsummarizes our analysis of the proposed amendments bills and their impacton various articles. Read it here..

Tax Alert - Tax Appeal Tribunal ruling on WHT on professional fees under the Kenya-South Africa DTA

The Tax Appeals Tribunal (“TAT”) has pronounced judgement on the applicability of withholding tax (“WHT”) on professional fees under the Kenya-South Africa Double Taxation Agreement (“the DTA”), in a case pitting McKinsey and Company Inc. Africa Proprietary Ltd (“McKinsey” or “the Appellant”) against the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA” or “the Respondent”). Read more...

Deloitte Uganda Tax Alert: Uganda DRAFT Tax Amendment Bills 2021 - 2022

The DRAFT Amendment Bills which proposes changes to the Income Tax Act, The Value Added Tax, The Tax Procedure Code Act among others arecurrently before Parliament for debate. Read our analysis here..

Deloitte Uganda Tax Alert : Application forwithholding tax and withholding VAT exemption – 2021/2022

Uganda Revenue Authority (“URA”) has issued a Public Notice prescribing changes in the process of application for exemption from withholding tax (“WHT”) and withholding VAT (“WVAT”) effective 9 March 2021. This communication highlights the changes and related potential implications to taxpayers. Read more..

Rwanda - General rules on transfer pricing 2020

The Rwanda government published a ministerial Order number 003/20/10/TC of 11/12/2020 establishing the general rules on transfer pricing (TP) between related parties involved in controlled transactions (related party transactions). The rules came into effect on 14 December 2020.

This tax alert summarises the key components of the rules that companies should consider in respect to related party transactions. Read our analysis here.

Deloitte Tax alert - Six months objection settlement deadline

The Finance Act, 2020 that became effective on 1 July 2020 made some crucial amendments to the Tax Administration Act, Cap 438 [RE 2019] (“TAA”). The amendments dealt with the tax dispute resolution mechanism in Tanzania, specifically the resolution of objections filed with the TRA.

This communication highlights the key issues resulting from these amendments and related potential implications to taxpayers. Read more here....

Kenya Tax Alert - The Income Tax (Digital Service Tax) Regulations 2020

The Government of Kenya (GoK) introduced the Digital Service Tax (DST) with effect from 1 January 2021 vide the Finance Act 2020. The Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Planning (“the CS”) issued the Draft Income Tax (Digital Service Tax) Regulations, 2020 in August 2020 and invited the public to submit their views on the draft regulations. Following the submissions of the views by the members of the public, the CS has now published, vide Legal Notice No 207, the Income Tax (Digital Service Tax) Regulations, 2020 (“the Regulations”).

In this alert, we summarise the Regulations and provide our point of view on the key provisions. Please access our analysis here

Kenya Tax Alert: The Tax Laws (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2020

In April 2020, the Government of Kenya introduced measures that were aimed at cushioning individuals and businesses from the impact of Covid-19. Some measures comprised of lowering of the income tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) rates. In The Tax Laws (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2020 alert, we highlight the proposed amendments and their impact. Please click here to read our analysis.

Tax Alert: Court of Appeal ruling on payments to card companies and interchange fees

The Court of Appeal (“COA”) has pronounced judgement on the applicability ofwithholding income tax (“WHT”) in a matter pitting Absa Bank Kenya Plc(formerly Barclays Bank of Kenya) (“the Bank”) against the Kenya RevenueAuthority (“KRA”) through the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes (“theCommissioner”). Read more here....

EAC Tax Alert: Preferential tariff treatment extension

The East African Community Council of Ministers has granted the Republics of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya a stay of application of the East African Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET) on originating goods imported from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021. Similarly, the Council has granted Tanzania a stay of application of the EAC CET on originating goods imported from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021. Read more here....

The East African Community (EAC) Gazette 2020

The East African Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) has considered and adopted Partner States budget proposals for the financial year 2020/21. The approved measures include stays of application of the Common External Tariff (CET), remission of duty on industrial inputs and amendment of the exemption regime under the Fifth Schedule of the EACCMA. During a meeting held on 31 May 2020, the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (SCTIFI) adopted these changes which were subsequently published in the EAC Gazette Notice dated 30 June 2020. Read more here....

Kenya Tax Alert - Finance Act, 2020

The President assented the Finance Act, 2020 (“the Act”) into law on 30th June 2020. The Act, which was published in Vol. CXXII – No. 133 of the Kenya Gazette of 10th July 2020, seeks to amend various laws relating to taxes and duties and for matters incidental thereto. Read more..........

Kenya Tax Alert: Kenya introduces a voluntary tax disclosure Programme

The Finance Act 2020 (“the Act”) was signed into law on 29 June 2020. The Act introduced a raft of key tax measures among them the Voluntary Tax Disclosure Programme (“VTDP” or “the Programme”). The VTDP, a tax amnesty programme, will run for a period of three years effective 1 January 2021. Read more here.....

Kenya Tax Alert: Finance Bill 2020

On 5 May 2020, the Finance Bill, 2020 was published by the Government ofKenya. The Bill was tabled in the National Assembly on 6 May 2020 and isexpected to be passed by the end of June 2020. The Bill proposes to amend anumber of different statutes. Read our alert for an analysis of the amendmentsproposed by the Bill and their impact as well as related potential implicationsto taxpayers.

Tanzania Tax Alert: Remission of Interest and Penalties

On 8 May 2020, the Minister of Finance and Planning published a notice in the government gazette on the coming into force of the new regulations, the Tax Administration (Remission of Interests and Penalties) Regulations, 2020. The Regulations clarify the procedures and eligibility of remission of assessed interest and penalties that may be imposed under Tanzanian tax laws. Read our alert for the highlights of the key issues in the new regulations and related potential implications to taxpayers.

Uganda Tax Alert: Tax Law Amendment Act 2020

The Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill and The Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill 2020 were published on 30 March 2020. The Bills do not include the interim administration tax measures announced by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) towards the end of March 2020 aimed at encouraging compliance among taxpayers in light of the COVID-19 situation.

The Bill is currently before Parliament and, subject to any changes that may be passed, will take effect after assent by the President on 1 July 2020.

This publication summarizes our analysis of the proposed amendments and their impact. Read more here....

Kenya Tax Alert: Tax Law Amendment Act 2020

The President assented to the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 on 25 April 2020 thus giving it the force of law. The Tax Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020 has introduced amendments to the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, 2013, Excise Duty Act, 2015, Tax Procedures Act, 2015, Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, 2016, Kenya Revenue Authority Act, 1995 and the Retirement Benefits Act, 1997.

Please read through the tax alert for a high-level summary of the amendments introduced by the Act here......

Kenya Tax Alert: Kenyan Government response to COVID-19

The President of the Republic of Kenya delivered a speech on 25 March 2020,outlining a number of measures aimed at cushioning Kenyans against the economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement has come along with other actions across the globe, as respective governments have come up with various fiscal and monetary measures to mitigate the impact on households and businesses. Read the alert to view the key changes here…

Tax Laws Amendment Bill 2020

The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was published on 30 March 2020. The Bill has proposed amendments to the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, 2013, Excise Duty Act, 2015, Tax Procedures Act, 2015, Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Act, 2016 and the Kenya Revenue Authority Act, 1995. Read the alert to view the key changes here....

Kenya Finance Act 2019 Insights: Unravelling the puzzle

Following the assent of the Finance Bill, 2019 into law by the President on 7 November 2019, this publication sets out a high-level summary of the changes and clarifications contained in the Finance Act 2019. Read more....

Keeping you in the loop: Tanzania Court of Appeal’s decision on waiver of objection deposits

The Court of Appeal of Tanzania issued a ruling regarding an Appeal on the Commissioner General’s decision on waiver of objection deposits on 31 May 2019. We have prepared this alert to give you a summary of the ruling and its potential implications for your business. Read more....

High Court yet again, rules in favour of the taxpayer on the VAT treatment of internationally traded services

The High Court of Kenya, at Nairobi, in its decision in Panalpina Airflo Limited vs Commissioner of Domestic Taxes (Income Tax Appeal No. 5 of 2018) has upheld the application of destination principle in determining the country with taxing rights over internationally traded services. In doing so, the Court held that the Appellant’s services were exported and therefore zero-rated for VAT. The Court further held that the Appellant was entitled to the refund of any excess input tax arising from the provision of the impugned services. Read more......

KRA issues update on VAT Auto Assessments (VAA)

The VAT Auto Assessment (VAA) tool was rolled out in October 2018 and piloted on the January 2018 VAT return. The tool was aimed at cross-validating input tax claimed as credit by purchasers against corresponding output tax declared by sellers.  Read more....

Gazettement of Tax Appeals Tribunal members; Introduction of Tax Invoice Management System & Housing Fund levy update

In accordance with the Tax Appeals Tribunal (TAT) Act, new members have been appointed to the TAT by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Planning for a period of 3 years through a Gazette Notice published on 15 April 2019.  Read more....

Mauritius Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) Ruling and Housing Levy Update

The High Court of Kenya, Constitutional, Judicial Review and Human Rights Division, sitting in Nairobi, on 15 March 2019 delivered judgement declaring that Legal Notice No. 59 of 2014, gazetting the Kenya – Mauritius DTA, was not properly laid out... Read more....

Requirement for HR Professionals to attach a Clearance Certificate from the Institute of Human Resource Management to Work Permit Applications

The Department of Immigration Services is in the process of implementing a directive, requiring work permit applications under the Human Resource field to be accompanied by a clearance certificate from the Institute of Human Resource Management. Read more....

Deloitte Africa Tax & Legal Appeal Court ruling on withholding tax

The Kenyan Court of Appeal delivered a judgement on 5 February 2019 to the effect that an accrual (of an expense) in the books of accounts falls within the meaning of the word “paid” for Income Tax purposes and therefore withholding tax becomes due upon such accrual. Read more....

Tax Alert - Appeal Court ruling on withholding tax

The Kenyan Court of Appeal delivered a judgement on 5 February 2019 to the effect that an accrual (of an expense) in the books of accounts falls within the meaning of the word “paid” for Income Tax purposes and therefore withholding tax becomes due upon such accrual. Read more....

Tanzania’s amended Value Added Tax Regulations

The Value Added Tax (General) (Amendment) regulations, 2018 effected on 19th Oct have implications for financial services as well as touching upon other industries. Issues addressed include deferment of capital goods, apportionment of input tax among other prescribed requirements. Read more....

Tanzania’s new Transfer Pricing Regulations

The Tanzanian Tax Administration (Transfer Pricing) Regulations, 2018 (“TP Regulations 2018”) are now in force, repealing the previous regulations that have been operational since February 2014. The new regulations require more detailed documentation and supporting information and impose stricter penalties for non-compliance. Read more...

High Court declares VAT not applicable on sale or purchase of land irrespective of the nature of buildings situated thereon

The High Court of Kenya, Commercial & Admiralty Division, sitting in Nairobi, on 29 November 2018 delivered judgement declaring that Value Added Tax (VAT) is not applicable on transactions for the sale or purchase of land. The Court further noted that for VAT purposes, it is immaterial whether the buildings situated on the land are residential or commercial. Read more...

Kenya Revenue Authority seeks to introduce a requirement for oil marketers to issue ETR compliant invoices  - 9 November 2018

In a stakeholder seminar held by the KRA on 25 October, 2018 for the Petroleum and LPG sector, the revenue authority indicated that it is expected of oil marketers to issue Electronic Tax Register (ETR) or Electronic Signature Device (ESD) compliant tax invoices to all buyers. Read more

KRA comes up with new measures aimed at improving Value Added Tax compliance - 1 November 2018

The Kenya Revenue Authority has commenced implementation of an online tool that will generate automated VAT assessments through the iTax platform. In this alert, we discuss the key features of this tool and highlight our view on this initiative. Read more

Changes in the work permit application process - 28 August 2018

Following the administrative and policy changes recommended last month, the Government of Kenya has directed that all foreigners wishing to work in Kenya should have a work permit approved and issued before they can travel to take up their assignment in the country.. Read more

KRA indefinitely postpones implementation of EGMS on bottled water and juice - 10 August 2018

Following extensive consultations between the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”) and various stakeholders in the water and juice industry, the KRA, through a joint statement dated 31 July 2018, postponed the implementation of the Excisable Goods Management System (“EGMS”) on bottled water and juices that was to commence on 1 August 2018. Read more

Administrative and policy changes in the management of Work Permits regime - 2 August 2018

The Government of Kenya, through the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, has issued a report on the just-concluded Work Permit verification exercise recently carried out during the period from 21 May to 22 July 2018. Out of this, the government issued its recommendations for administrative and policy changes in relation to the management of Work permits. Read more
 
High Court temporarily suspends the implementation of “Robin Hood Tax” - 30 July 2018

The High Court on 19 July 2018 issued conservatory orders suspending the implementation of excise duty introduced by the Finance Bill 2018 in Paragraph 6 of Part II of the First Schedule of the Excise Duty Act, 2015 (“EDA”).  Read more
 
Commissioner General adjusts specific excise duty rates for inflation - 20 July 2018

The Commissioner-General (“CG”) of the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”) has vided Gazette Notice No 164 of 2018 adjusted specific excise duty rates for inflation on certain excisable goods in accordance with Section 10 of the Excise Duty Act. The new rates will take effect on 1 August 2018. Read more
 
The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018 - 25 April 2018

The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill (2018) (“the Bill”) was gazetted on the 10 April 2018. In this alert, we provide you with an analysis of the proposals in the bill, the affected products and our view on the proposed changes and the possible impact of the legislation. 
 
High Court Nullifies EGMS Regulation - 18 April 2018

The High Court on 12 March 2018 made a ruling invalidating the Excisable Goods Management System (EGMS) Regulations introduced vide Legal Notice 53 of 2017 on the premise that they were enacted in a manner that did not conform to the Constitution and the Statutory Instruments Act. This alert explores the case and the ruling made.

The Finance Act 2017

The Finance Act 2017 was assented into law by the President on 21 June 2017.

The analysis captures salient changes that have been effected to the Income Tax Act, 2015, the Tax Procedures Act, 2015, the Value Added Tax Act, 2013 and the Excise Duty Act, 2015 following the enactment of the Finance Bill, 2017. The analysis only reflects changes not originally contained in the Finance Bill and changes to some of the provisions of the Bill. 
 
The East Africa Community Gazette Notice 2017 – 16 August 2017

The East Africa Community Council of Ministers (‘Council’) reviewed the East Africa Community Customs Management Act (EAC CMA) and the East Africa Community Common External Tariff (EAC CET).
 
Tax Amnesty: Remission of interest and penalties

In response to the tax amnesty announced by the Government of Tanzania in the Budget Reading of 2018/19, we have prepared this alert to give you an overview, and responses to frequently asked questions with respect to the provisions under the Tax Administration (Remission of Interest and Penalty) Order, 2018. Read more...