NAIROBI – Churches have been handed a big relief after the High Court stopped the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) from demanding tax on tithes, donations and offerings without exemptions.
Justice David Majanja upheld a ruling of the tax Appeals tribunal, which barred the taxman from demanding tax from Thika RoadBaptist
Church. The taxman wanted the church to pay Sh5.5 million, arguing that it failed to produce a tax exemption certificate. While churches are exempted from paying taxes on tithes, the KRA insisted they must get the exemption, which is subject to certain conditions. “I, therefore, find and hold that since tithes, offering and freewill donations are not income chargeable with income tax, it was not necessary for the church to seek
an exemption,” Justice Majanja said.
DAILY NATION, Kenya.
