Kenyans can now use their cell phones to obtain data on tax obligations, KRA has said.

The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have initiated a short message service that allows taxpayers to inquire about their tax information. Afterwards, an instant feedback is sent to their mobile phone.

The Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service enables seamless communication between the mobile phones and the service provider’s computer. It will be accessible from every mobile phone firm operating in Kenya.

“Taxpayers will ask for data from KRA and they will obtain an immediate feedback via text message,” KRA said in a statement Tuesday.

Taxpayers will access information on temporary car exportation, domestic taxes, tax station checker as well as individual or company Personal Identification Number.

Exporters and importers will also access data on different custom tax obligations, including clearing agents’ status, manifest amendment status and the bill of lading among others.

The short message service (SMS) that was launched on late last month will also feature driving license postage status and information on car logbooks.

This is the most recent attempt by the tax collector to cut off lines from its offices. This recent development comes after KRA assigned Postal Corporation of Kenya the responsibility of collecting stamp duty on property deals early this year.

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