Tax calculators

Kenya VAT Calculator: calculate VAT, withholding VAT, and total price

Kenya VAT calculator
Calculate 16% VAT from inclusive/exclusive prices, plus 2% withholding VAT for appointed agents.
Calculate VAT and total from a net amount.
Results
Base amount0,00 KES
VAT0,00 KES
Total0,00 KES
Rate16 %
Formula
Standard-rated: r = 0.16. If VAT-exclusive: Base = A, VAT = Base × r, Total = Base + VAT. If VAT-inclusive: Base = A ÷ (1 + r), VAT = A − Base. Zero-rated/exempt: VAT = 0. Withholding VAT (if applicable): Withholding = 2% × Base; Supplier receives = Total − Withholding.

Examples

Standard-rated sale (VAT exclusive)
Amount KES 10,000 → VAT 1,600; total 11,600.
VAT-inclusive with withholding
Amount KES 58,000 (inc VAT) → base 50,000; VAT 8,000; withholding 1,000; supplier receives 57,000.
Use this calculator to compute Kenya VAT (Value Added Tax) on a transaction: VAT-exclusive or VAT-inclusive prices, zero-rated (0%) and exempt supplies, plus 2% withholding VAT when the buyer is an appointed withholding VAT agent. You mainly need the amount, whether it includes VAT, and the VAT status (standard / zero-rated / exempt). Checked/verified: 29 Jan 2026 (Europe/Madrid).

FAQs

When do I charge VAT in Kenya?

When you make a taxable supply and you’re VAT-registered (or required to register).

What’s the VAT rate in Kenya right now?

For most taxable supplies it’s 16%, and 0% for zero-rated supplies.

What’s the difference between zero-rated and exempt?

Zero-rated is taxable at 0% (still a taxable supply); exempt is not taxable.

How do I calculate VAT if the price already includes VAT?

Base = Total ÷ 1.16, VAT = Total − Base (for standard-rated 16%).

Who must register for VAT?

If taxable supplies reach KES 5,000,000 in any 12-month period (plus special rules for imported digital services).

When does withholding VAT apply, and what rate is it?

It applies when the buyer is an appointed withholding VAT agent: 2% of the taxable value (not for zero-rated/exempt).

If VAT isn’t shown on the invoice, can withholding VAT still apply?

Yes—if VAT isn’t indicated, the price is deemed VAT-inclusive, so you back out the base before applying 2%.

What’s the due date for VAT filing/payment?

KRA states VAT return and payment are due by the 20th of the following month.

Why might my result differ from the official VAT on a receipt/invoice?

Invoice rounding, adjustments, and the exact VAT status (First/Second Schedule) can change the final VAT.

Note: This calculator provides an estimate. Rates can vary by region and change over time. It is not tax advice.

See more in calculators for Kenya.

Sources

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