Common reporting standard Kenya

Last updated September 10, 2024

The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) in Kenya: Explained Simply


Imagine this: You are checking your email one morning and you see a message from your bank. It says that they need some information from you regarding your bank account. They ask you to fill out a form and provide details such as your name, address, tax identification number, and your country of origin. They say that this is part of a new initiative called the Common Reporting Standards (CRS) that aims to enhance tax compliance and reduce tax evasion on a global scale. They also warn you that if you fail to comply, you may face penalties or even lose access to your account.

You are confused and worried. What is this CRS thing? Why do they need this information? How will it affect you and your finances? Is this a scam or a legitimate request?

If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic. In this blog post, I will explain everything you need to know about the CRS regulations in Kenya, how they impact you, and how we can help you comply with them.


Background and Implementation

 

Imagine you have a piggy bank, but instead of keeping it at home, you keep it in a bank. What if you lived in one country and kept your money in a bank in another country? The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) is like a set of rules that helps countries share information about people’s "piggy banks" across borders. This helps governments know who has money in different countries so that people pay the right amount of taxes.

 

What is CRS?

CRS stands for the Common Reporting Standard. It’s a system created by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group of countries working together. The CRS is a global agreement that helps countries share information about people’s financial accounts.

Let’s say someone from Kenya has a bank account in another country, like the UK. Kenya can use CRS to ask the UK for details about that person’s account to make sure they’re paying the right taxes on the money they earn. This way, people can’t hide their money in other countries to avoid paying taxes.

 

Why is CRS Important?

 

CRS helps countries fight tax evasion (which is when people try to avoid paying taxes). It’s like having a set of rules that makes sure everyone pays their fair share, no matter where they keep their money. By working together, countries can find out if someone is hiding money abroad and not paying taxes on it.


How Does It Work?

Here’s a simple breakdown of how CRS works:

  1. Bank Information: When you open a bank account, the bank collects details about you, such as your name, address, and where you live (your tax residence). If you’re a Kenyan citizen but have an account in another country, that bank will keep track of this information.

  2. Sharing Info: If Kenya and the other country are part of the CRS system, the bank in the other country will share information about your account with Kenya.

  3. Tax Authorities: The tax authorities in Kenya will then look at this information to make sure you’re paying the correct taxes on your money, even if it’s in a different country.


Kenya and CRS

Kenya is part of this global system. This means that Kenyan banks share information with other countries, and banks in other countries share information with Kenya. This cooperation makes it harder for people to hide money overseas and avoid paying taxes.


What Does This Mean for You?

For most people, the CRS doesn’t change much about their day-to-day life. But if you’re someone who has a bank account in another country, it’s important to know that the Kenyan government will get details about that account. This helps make sure that taxes are paid fairly.


In Conclusion


The CRS regulations mark a critical step for Kenya in joining a global effort to improve financial transparency and combat tax evasion. The CRS regulations affect both the financial institutions and the accounts holders in Kenya, who need to understand the changes and assess their potential impact. The CRS regulations also present an opportunity for Kenya to enhance its tax compliance and cooperation, and to foster a more transparent and fair global financial system.

If you are an account holder or a financial institution in Kenya, and you need help with the CRS regulations, we are here for you. We can help you with establishing your tax residency, filling out the forms, and complying with the CRS requirements. Contact us today and let us take care of your CRS needs.


Penned by Joseph Wachira
The author is an International Tax Consultant and can be reached via wachira@cleartax.co.ke

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