THE ACCOUNTANT'S MIND:
2025 AREAS OF FOCUS
1. Digital Tax Reforms
Businesses providing digital services such as e-commerce, streaming, and app-based services will need to ensure compliance with the Digital Services Tax (DST).
2. Corporate Tax Reforms.
Gok contemplates adjusting corporate tax rates or introduce new incentives, especially for businesses focused on innovation, tech startups, or green initiatives.
- Transfer Pricing Guidelines: The KRA continues to focus on transfer pricing rules to ensure that multinational companies are paying their fair share of taxes in Kenya. Accountants will need to be aware of updates to these regulations and help companies in the preparation of transfer pricing documentation.
3. Enhanced Focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Reporting
- There is an increasing emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility. Accountants will play a key role in ensuring these reports comply with local and international standards.
4. IFRS Implementation and Updates
- IFRS for SMEs and Full IFRS: Entities are required to comply with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In Accountants will need to stay updated on any new IFRS updates, particularly related to financial instruments, leases, and revenue recognition. IFRS 16 (Leases):IFRS 16, which requires companies to recognize nearly all leases on their balance sheets, will continue to be relevant for accountants in Kenya as businesses align their financial reporting with this standard.
5. Taxation of Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets
- There's increasing interest in regulating cryptocurrencies. The government may introduce more guidelines or regulations around this area this year.
6. Kenya's Adoption of E-Invoicing and E-Receipts
-E-Invoicing System: KRA is expected to continue pushing for the widespread adoption of e-invoicing and e-receipts as this shift aims to reduce tax evasion and improve VAT collection efficiency.
7. Changes in Payroll and Employment Taxation
- PAYE& WHT: There may be updates to the tax rates or thresholds for PAYE and other withholding taxes.
- NSSF and SHA Contributions: Adjustments in NSSFand SHA contributions, including potential increases in contribution rates, may require updates to payroll systems.
8. Public Sector and Infrastructure Accounting Updates
- Public institutions may undergo reforms that affect the accounting systems and financial reporting processes, which accountants in the public sector will need to adopt.
9. Taxpayer Audits and Risk Management
- With enhanced data analytics, the KRA is expected to focus on more targeted audits. Accountants will need to be vigilant in maintaining transparent financial records and preparing for potential audits.
Accountants, stay updated on these changes, particularly in tax and reporting requirements, in order to guide businesses through an increasingly complex financial landscape.
Solutions Architecture Lead @ Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Startups
2moCongratulations Ajay Gopal Marvin Galang on the huge milestone!