Sport
Top Kenya athletes may defect over proposed tax plan
The legislator stated that the oil-rich countries pay handsomely for gold medals won in competitions yet Kenya’s tax collector wants to find ways of making money from the athletes’ earnings.
He said that, contrary to common belief, they earn huge sums of money but pocket only 15 percent of their winnings.
“The breakdown for taxation and deductions is as follows: 30 to 35 percent for the country of origin, 15 percent for the agent, 10 percent for the manager, and now the Kenya Revenue Authority wants to add salt to injury by slapping a 30 percent tax of that amount,” he said. “That is exploiting us.”
However, the country’s revenue authority spokesperson Maureen Njongo said they would ensure athletes do not pay the same taxes in 2 countries.
“Sportsmen should furnish us with details of their taxation abroad to be factored in our records,” said Njongo.
Twice world 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop said the taxation plan would spell doom for the athletes.
“Athletes live in debt and pay so many bills to those who make them run, including air ticket refunds that if the taxation plan is implemented, it will kill the sport,” he said.
Source: Reuters
