Current KRA VAT math for Kenya: 16% general VAT, 0% zero-rated supplies, VAT-inclusive totals, VAT-exclusive totals, and reverse VAT extraction for imported or tax-inclusive amounts.
Calculate how much VAT the buyer withholds and remits to the tax authority on this transaction.
The standard VAT rate in Kenya is 16%. KRA's current VAT page lists 16% as the general rate and 0% as the zero-rate for supplies listed in the Second Schedule to the VAT Act, 2013.
No. KRA says the former 8% rate for certain petroleum supplies was deleted by the Finance Act, 2023 with effect from July 1, 2023. In 2026, KRA lists only 16% and 0% as current VAT rates on its VAT page.
Exempt services include: financial services (banking, insurance), life insurance, educational services, passenger transport, and agricultural services. These do not charge VAT to customers.
To extract VAT from a total amount (reverse VAT): Divide the total by 1.16 to get the net, then subtract net from total to get VAT amount. This calculator does this automatically when you select "Remove VAT" mode.
KRA says businesses supplying or expecting to supply taxable goods or services worth KSh 5 million or more in a year must register for VAT. Those below the threshold may still apply for voluntary registration subject to KRA conditions.
VAT-registered businesses must file monthly VAT returns with KRA and remit VAT owed by the 20th of the following month through iTax. KRA's business penalties page says late filing attracts 5% of tax due or KSh 10,000, whichever is higher, while late payment attracts 5% plus 1% monthly interest.