Tax and money

How do I calculate VAT in Kenya?

Updated June 2026

Short answer

Kenya VAT is 16 percent on most goods and services. To add VAT, multiply the price by 1.16. To remove VAT from a VAT-inclusive price, divide by 1.16. The free VAT calculator does both instantly.

More detail

The common mistake is treating a VAT-inclusive price as if it were exclusive, which overstates the VAT. If a price already includes VAT, you divide by 1.16 to find the net amount.

For day-to-day billing, a POS that files eTIMS handles the VAT split on every sale automatically, so the numbers are always right on the receipt.

Related questions

What is the VAT rate in Kenya?
The standard VAT rate is 16 percent. Some goods are zero-rated or exempt, which are treated differently from the standard rate.
How do I remove VAT from a price?
Divide the VAT-inclusive price by 1.16 to get the amount before VAT. The difference is the VAT portion.

Veira gives Kenyan shops one calm app for selling, M-Pesa, KRA eTIMS and stock, with a free terminal. Book a demo and see it set up for your trade.

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