Kenya : KRA Goes After Farmers Selling Maize in New Regulations
Kenyan maize millers, including Buffalo Millers, have adopted the e-TIMS (electronic Tax Invoice Management System) for payments, requiring suppliers to have active e-TIMS accounts. This move complies with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) regulations to track sales and ensure accurate tax records. Buffalo Millers offers a competitive price of Ksh3,500 per 91kg bag of maize. However, some farmers have raised concerns about privacy and potential overtaxation. The government is also planning to classify pay bills as virtual electronic tax systems to broaden the tax base by December 2024.
Maize millers across the country have rolled out a mandatory e-TIMS payout system for their customers. eTIMS (electronic Tax Invoice Management System) is a software by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) that offers invoicing solutions.
Among the millers is Buffalo Millers Limited, popularly known for its flagship brand Mfalme Unga, which has sent out an alert to farmers informing them of the new changes.
In an announcement, the company stated that customers supplying maize to the millers must have an active e-TIMS account to receive payments.
Additionally, Buffalo Millers noted that it was purchasing maize at a revised market rate of Ksh3,500 per 91kg bag, a competitive price as an incentive to farmers.
“Buffalo Millers Limited (Mfalme Unga) wishes to inform you that we are buying maize at a revised market price of 3,500/= per 91kg bag.
“You will be required to have an active e-TIMS account to facilitate payment after e-TIMS invoicing. This can be accessed by dialling 222# or on the eCitizen platform,” the statement read in part.
The company reassured its customers that staff would be available to assist those unfamiliar with the platform during maize deliveries.
The Maize Millers Explain Reasons for the Move
Speaking to The Kenya Times, a representative from Buffalo Millers explained that the move was not a scheme to frustrate farmers but a compliance measure in line with new government regulations.
Further, the company revealed that the government had implemented new rules to track and keep data on the number of farmers selling products and at what price.
“This will enable KRA to maintain accurate records of the sales and implement the right tax measures,” said the representative.
However, the move has not been welcomed by farmers across the country, who have expressed their concern for invasion of privacy by the government.
Additionally, several users online have insisted that the move is a government’s plan to overtax the already burdened farmers.
KRA Links to Paybills and Till Numbers
In an effort to increase tax collection in the country, the government has proposed a raft of measures, including having Pay bills be classified as virtual electronic tax receipt systems.
According to Senior Government Advisor Moses Kuria, a decision was made to implement the move by December 25, 2024, to broaden the tax base.
Further, Kuria explained in October that there was a significant gap between the number of Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) registered Electronic Tax Registers (ETRs).
“We have agreed that all those pay bills, come Christmas 2024, will be virtual ETRs for KRA,” stated Kuria.
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Source Link : Kenya Times
