How To Use KRA’s Chatbot “Shuru” To Access Services And File Returns

Filing taxes in Kenya is getting a lot easier. The Kenya Revenue Authority is now offering a WhatsApp chatbot called Shuru to help taxpayers get the services they need and submit returns all from the palm of their hand. No more messing about on complex portals or queuing up in offices, all you need to do is have a simple chat

So how exactly do you use it? Let's break it down.

What is the Shuru Chatbot?

Shuru is a digital assistant that Kenya Revenue Authority have built, and they've hosted it on WhatsApp. The chatbot lets taxpayers interact with KRA services in a nice simple menu - and it even has your details pre-filled in so you can get on with the job a whole lot quicker.

The idea is pretty straightforward really: Just fire up WhatsApp and have a chat with the chatbot - then just follow along and answer a few simple questions. No more dealing with complicated logins or long lines, just straight-forward access to all the services you need.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Shuru

Getting going with Shuru is a doddle - here's how to do it.

1. Save the Official KRA Chatbot Number

First off save this number - 0711099999 - in your phone. That way you know it's the genuine article and not some dodgy imposter.

2. Have a Chat

Just open up WhatsApp and send a simple message like “Hi” or “Hello”. The chatbot will then come back to you with a list of all the services you can use.

3. Pick a Service

Once the menu comes up you can pick from a load of different options - things like filing your tax returns, paying your tax, looking up your KRA PIN details and so on.

Filing your tax returns
Paying your tax
Checking your KRA PIN details
Applying for a Tax Compliance Certificate
Getting access to your eTIMS services
Talking to a real human KRA support agent if you get stuck

Just reply with the number of the one you want.

4. Verify Your Identity

Next the chatbot is going to ask you for some details - like your National ID number and your KRA PIN. Don't worry, all is not lost - you'll then get a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number. Just pop that in and you're good to go.

5. Get Your Info

Once you've got in, the chatbot will preload some of your tax details for you. That saves a load of hassle and makes filing your returns a whole lot quicker.

6. Get Your Job Done

From here on in, just follow the prompts to file your nil return, submit your income details, download your compliance certificates and so on.

The chatbot will guide you all the way through the process.

Services You Can Get with Shuru

The Shuru chatbot is designed to take care of all the things taxpayers need to do. Here are some of the key services you can get using it.

Filing Tax Returns

You can submit your annual returns right from WhatsApp - no more messing about on the iTax portal.

Tax Payments

The chatbot will take you through all the steps you need to make payments, and gives you all the details you need.

PIN Verification

You can check your KRA PIN status in about two ticks of the clock.

Tax Compliance Certificate Application

You can apply and track your certificate all from within the chat.

eTIMS Services

Businesses can get access to all the electronic Tax Invoice Management System options they need.

Get Human Help

If you get stuck, you can just ask for human assistance and someone from KRA will come and sort you out.

Why Shuru Makes Your Life Easier When it Comes to Tax

Because Shuru integrates with WhatsApp, you won't have to learn some new and complicated system - you're probably already using it every day. And the best part? The chatbot reduces the hassle of:

Long, drawn-out login processes
The risk of errors when filling in forms manually
The need to travel to KRA offices
Time wasted trying to figure out multiple complicated portals

It's all right there in one place - your chat window. Easy. 🚀

Protecting Your Data - How Shuru Keeps You Safe

KRA has taken extra steps to secure your personal data. This includes:

Using OTP verification to add an extra layer of security
Requiring PIN and ID verification to make sure only you can access your info
Always keeping an eye on things with internal security monitoring

This means your taxpayer information is in safe hands.