A KRA PIN, short for Personal Identification Number, is the unique number the Kenya Revenue Authority gives each taxpayer. It identifies you on every tax return, payment and certificate, and it is needed for many everyday transactions that have nothing obvious to do with tax.

Who needs a PIN

You need a PIN if you earn income, run a business, own rental property, import goods, or want to do any of several things that require proof of tax registration. Common examples include:

  • starting a job, because employers need your PIN to remit tax on your pay;
  • opening some bank accounts or applying for a loan;
  • registering a business name or a company;
  • registering a motor vehicle or transferring land and property;
  • applying for a licence, a tender or a work permit;
  • claiming a refund.

Having a PIN does not mean you owe tax. Many people with a PIN are fully covered by their employer's PAYE deductions, but they still have to file an annual return.

What a PIN looks like

An individual's PIN begins with the letter A, followed by nine digits and ending with a letter. A company's PIN begins with the letter P. Do not share the PIN carelessly: it is not a secret like a password, but it is tied to your tax affairs, and misuse can create problems.

How to apply

The application is made online on iTax, KRA's portal, and it is free.

  1. Open the official site (kra.go.ke) and go to the new PIN registration page for individuals.
  2. Enter your ID number, date of birth, email address and phone number.
  3. Submit and follow the verification steps.
  4. Download your PIN certificate and keep a copy. You will be asked for it often.

Non-citizens register with a passport and, where relevant, a permit. Companies and businesses register through the portal using the details of the entity and its directors, and a business also registers for the taxes that apply to it.

Common problems

  • ID details do not match. KRA checks your ID against the national registry. If your name or date of birth differs, correct the record with the registry and try again.
  • A PIN already exists. You cannot have two. If you forgot yours, use the retrieval option on the site rather than applying again.
  • Wrong email. Registering with someone else's email gives them access to your account. Always use your own.

Do not pay middlemen

Registration is free and takes minutes. Some people pay agents to do it, which may be reasonable for help with a form, but you should hold the login and the password yourself, and never hand over your credentials.

After you have a PIN

Make sure your tax obligations are right, file your annual return by 30 June each year and keep your PIN certificate somewhere safe. If you employ someone, you will need their PIN too.

Our calculators never ask for your PIN, because they do not need it. This guide is general information and not tax advice.

Common questions

Who needs a KRA PIN? Anyone who earns taxable income, runs a business, pays or receives rent, opens a bank account, applies for a job in many cases, or deals with government services such as business registration and import clearance.

Can I get a PIN for a company or for a minor? A company is registered by its directors under its own PIN, and parents can apply for children where needed. Each has its own documents, so follow the iTax process for that type.

What if I forgot my PIN or lost the certificate? You can retrieve the PIN from the iTax login page using your ID number and registered details, and download the certificate again from your profile.