Your KRA PIN is the foundation of every business transaction in Kenya. Here's how to get one, what you need it for, and how to get the Tax Compliance Certificate that unlocks most serious business.
The KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number) is Kenya's tax identification number. You need one for almost everything that matters: opening a business bank account, signing contracts, filing tax returns, importing and exporting goods, buying land, and registering a company.
Every Kenyan adult citizen or resident earning income needs a KRA PIN. All companies registered in Kenya need one. Foreign nationals living or doing business in Kenya need one.
1. Visit itax.kra.go.ke 2. Click New PIN Registration 3. Select your taxpayer type: Individual, Company, Partnership, etc. 4. For individuals: enter your national ID or passport number, date of birth, and contact details 5. For companies: enter the Certificate of Incorporation number from BRS, directors' details, and company address 6. Select your obligation types: income tax is mandatory; add VAT if your turnover will exceed KSh 5 million per year 7. Submit — your PIN is issued instantly for most individual registrations
Your PIN for individuals starts with A, companies with P. It's valid for life and doesn't expire.
The TCC is a document from KRA confirming that you are up to date with all your tax obligations — returns filed, taxes paid. It is valid for 12 months from issuance and is required for:
1. Log in to iTax 2. Under Certificates, select Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate 3. The system checks your compliance automatically — all returns must be filed and balances cleared 4. If compliant, the certificate is issued immediately as a PDF 5. If there are outstanding returns or balances, resolve those first and reapply
A common mistake is assuming the TCC will issue despite pending PAYE or VAT returns. All obligations must be current.
Mycrea builds business web applications that integrate KRA workflows — from automated VAT calculations to tender document management tools for Kenyan companies.
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