How to Get a KRA PIN Online (Step by Step)

A KRA Personal Identification Number (PIN) is your tax number from the Kenya Revenue Authority. You need it to be employed formally, open many bank accounts, register a business, get a Tax Compliance Certificate and access many government services. Registration is free and done online.

Who needs a KRA PIN?

• Anyone starting a formal job: employers need your PIN for payroll.
• Job seekers applying for government jobs, who will later need a Tax Compliance Certificate.
• Anyone opening a business, buying property or registering a vehicle.

You only ever have one PIN. If you think you registered before, check before applying again (see below).

Step by step: registering on iTax

1. Go to the KRA iTax portal and choose New PIN Registration.
2. Select Individual as the taxpayer type and Online Form as the mode of registration.
3. Fill in Section A (basic information): your ID number, date of birth and contact details. Your names are checked against the national registration records.
4. Fill in Section B (obligations): for most employed people and job seekers this is Income Tax – Resident Individual.
5. Fill in Section C (source of income): employment (with your employer's PIN), business, or other, as applicable.
6. Submit the form. You receive an acknowledgment with a reference number.
7. Once approved, your PIN certificate and iTax login details are sent to your email.

Print your PIN certificate

Log in to iTax with your PIN and password and use the option to reprint your PIN certificate. Save it as a PDF; employers often ask for a copy, and the EACC self-declaration requires one.

Already registered? Recover your PIN

If you registered before but lost your PIN or password, do not register again. Use the iTax options to check your PIN using your ID number or to reset your password (the reset link goes to the email you registered with). If you no longer use that email, contact KRA to update it.

What to do next: file every year

Once you have a PIN, you must file an income tax return every year by 30 June, even if you had no income (a nil return). Missing returns attract penalties and stop you from getting a Tax Compliance Certificate when a job asks for one.

Beware of PIN "agents"

KRA PIN registration is free. Cyber cafés may charge for helping you fill the form, but never pay anyone who claims to sell PINs or "fast-track" certificates, and never share your iTax password.