KUSNET Advocates for Changes on Tax Exemption Renewal for People with Disabilities
The Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) has urged the Commission for Domestic Taxes to revise the legal notice requiring disabled people to renew their income tax exemption certificates every three years.
KUSNET According to Secretary General James Torome, the procedure of renewing the certificate is too stressful for all employees with disabilities who must go through a lengthy process to obtain the important document.
Torome, speaking to journalists on Saturday at his Narok office, questioned why this vulnerable group is need to renew their certifications while other forms of disability are irreversible.
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Mr. Torome expressed concern about the larger issue surrounding irreversible disabilities. He highlighted the potential injustice of requiring individuals with disabilities to consult a doctor for a recommendation after three years, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach.
If individuals with disabilities fail to renew the certificate, they will experience a loss of approximately 16% in their basic salary, as highlighted by the unionist.
The process requires individuals to initially visit a nearby hospital to secure a recommendation letter. Subsequently, they must await an invitation to the National Council of Persons Living with Handicap, where the certificate is awarded.
Torome asked members of parliament to advocate for the bill’s amendment in parliament.
She pointed out that this requirement is impacting not only teachers but also all employees with disabilities who must renew their certificates every three years.
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A medical report, a letter from the employer, a disability membership card, and a tax compliance certificate are all necessary when registering for an income tax exemption for people with disabilities.
When the council receives the application, it arranges for the vetting committee to evaluate the applicant and make a recommendation to the commissioner on whether the applicant is eligible for income tax exemption.
The commission verifies the correctness and completeness of the application, and upon satisfaction, issues a tax exemption certificate.
If the application is denied, the applicant may file an appeal with the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.
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KUSNET Advocates for Changes on Tax Exemption Renewal for People with Disabilities
