Frequently asked questions
Questions clients ask us most
Short answers about working with us, Kenyan tax, audits and company paperwork. If yours is not here, ask us directly.
Working with us
How do I start working with Kfred & Associates?
Send us an enquiry or request a quote. We arrange a first conversation about your business and what you need, then send an engagement letter that sets out the scope, timetable and fee. Work starts once you have signed it.
How much do your services cost?
It depends on the size of your business, how many transactions you have, and how up to date your records are. Two companies of the same size can need very different amounts of work, so we do not publish a price list. Request a quote and you will get a written fee before you commit.
Do you work with clients outside Nairobi?
Yes. We are based in Nairobi and meet in person when it helps. Routine work such as monthly bookkeeping and tax returns is handled by email and video call, so location is rarely a problem.
Will my financial information be kept confidential?
Yes. Only the team working on your file sees your records. Our Privacy Policy explains what we collect and how we protect it.
Tax and KRA
When are my monthly tax returns due?
As a general guide: PAYE is due by the 9th of the following month and VAT by the 20th. Companies pay instalment tax on the 20th day of the 4th, 6th, 9th and 12th months of their financial year. Individual income tax returns are due by 30 June, but the Finance Act 2026 moves this to the last day of the fourth month after the year end (30 April for most people) from 1 January 2027. Company returns are due within six months of the financial year end. Your own dates depend on your registrations, so we confirm them at the start of every engagement.
I have received a letter or assessment from KRA. What should I do?
Do not ignore it. Objections to a tax assessment generally have to be lodged within 30 days of receiving it, so time matters. Send us a copy as soon as it arrives and we will tell you what it means and what your options are.
What is eTIMS, and does it affect my business?
eTIMS is the Kenya Revenue Authority's electronic Tax Invoice Management System. Businesses are expected to issue invoices through it, and expenses that are not backed by a valid eTIMS invoice can be disallowed when your income tax is worked out. We can set it up for you and check that your supplier invoices will hold up.
My books are months behind. Can you still help?
Yes. We start by reconciling your bank and M-Pesa statements and rebuilding the records for the missing months. Once you are up to date, we keep you current every month so you do not fall behind again.
Audit
Does my company need an audit?
Under the Companies Act, 2015, most companies need audited financial statements every year. Some small private companies qualify for an exemption. We can check whether yours does before you spend money on an audit you may not need.
What will you need from us for an audit?
Usually your trial balance, bank statements and reconciliations, fixed asset register, supporting documents for major transactions, and last year's financial statements. We send a full list at the planning stage so you can gather everything at once.
How long does an audit take?
It depends on the size of the business and how ready the records are. We agree the timetable with you in the engagement letter, working back from any deadline set by your board, lender or funder.
Company secretarial
What is a CR12?
A CR12 is an official search from the Business Registration Service that shows a company's current directors and shareholders. Banks, landlords and tender evaluators often ask for a recent one.
Does my company have to file annual returns?
Yes. Companies registered in Kenya must file an annual return with the Business Registration Service every year. We keep track of the date and file it for you.
What is a beneficial ownership register?
It is a record of the people who ultimately own or control a company. Companies must keep this register and lodge it with the Registrar of Companies, and update it when ownership changes.