Kenya VAT calculator (16%)

Add 16% VAT to a net price or extract VAT from a gross price. Useful for invoices, budgets, and verifying receipts. Default rate matches Kenyan standard VAT.

Add VAT

Net amount (excl VAT)

KES

VAT rate

Result

VAT

KES 1,600

Gross (incl VAT)

KES 11,600

Extract VAT (reverse)

Gross amount (incl VAT)

KES

VAT rate

Result

Net (excl VAT)

KES 10,000

VAT

KES 1,600

Kenya VAT rates

16%: standard rate, applies to most goods and services
0%: zero-rated goods (exports, certain food items, raw materials for manufacturers)
Exempt: financial services, education, medical, residential rent, agricultural inputs, and others

When you charge VAT

Businesses with annual taxable turnover above KES 5M must register for VAT and charge 16% on standard-rated supplies. Below that threshold, VAT registration is optional. If you are not VAT-registered, you do not charge VAT, and your customers see the gross price as the net price.

Filing VAT

VAT is filed monthly on iTax by the 20th of the following month. The return shows output VAT (charged to customers) minus input VAT (paid to suppliers). The difference is what you owe KRA. Pay via paybill 572572.

Frequently asked

How do I extract VAT from an inclusive price?

Divide the gross price by 1.16 to get the net, multiply by 0.16 to get the VAT. Use the reverse calculator above for instant results.

Are M-PESA fees subject to VAT?

No. M-PESA fees attract excise duty (1%), not VAT. The customer fee on a transaction already includes excise.

Is rent VAT-able?

Residential rent is VAT-exempt. Commercial rent (offices, shops) is VAT-able at 16% if the landlord is VAT-registered.