A KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number) is required for working, opening bank accounts, and many other services in Kenya. This guide shows you how to get yours online.
What is a KRA PIN?
KRA PIN is an 11-character number issued by Kenya Revenue Authority for tax purposes. Every Kenyan adult needs one. Format looks like this: A001234567B. You use it when filing taxes, getting employment, and many government services. Registration is free and takes about 10 minutes online.
Who Needs a KRA PIN?
Anyone over 18 years old. People starting employment or business. Students applying for HELB loans. Anyone opening a bank account. People applying for tenders or licenses. Both Kenyans and foreigners working in Kenya need one.
What You Need Before Starting
Valid national ID or passport. Working email address. Active phone number. Clear photo or scan of your ID (both sides). Recent passport-size photo (digital). Internet connection and device—phone, computer, or tablet.
Step 1: Visit the iTax Website
Open your web browser on phone or computer. Type www.itax.kra.go.ke in the address bar. Press Enter to load the page. Wait for the iTax homepage to appear completely. Don’t use shortcuts or old bookmarks—always type the full address.
Example: The correct website starts with “itax” not “etax” or anything else. Make sure you see “Kenya Revenue Authority” on the page.
Step 2: Find PIN Registration
On the iTax homepage, look at the top menu. Find a section that says “New PIN Registration” or “Register PIN”. Click on it once. A new page will load showing PIN registration options. You’ll see options for “Individual PIN” and other types.
Example: If you don’t see the registration link immediately, scroll down the homepage—it might be in the middle section under “Quick Links”.
Step 3: Select Individual PIN
Click on “Individual PIN” or “Personal PIN”. This is for regular people, not companies. A form will open with many boxes to fill. Read the instructions at the top of the form carefully. Don’t rush—you can take your time filling it.
Step 4: Enter Personal Details
In the “Full Name” boxes, enter your names exactly as shown on your ID. There are separate boxes for First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name. Use capital letters for first letters only.
Example:
- First Name: John
- Middle Name: Kamau
- Last Name: Mwangi
Step 5: Enter Your ID Number
Find the box labeled “ID Number” or “National ID”. Type your ID number carefully using only numbers. No spaces, no dashes, just numbers. Double-check it matches your physical ID card exactly.
Example: If your ID is 12345678, type 12345678.
Step 6: Select Date of Birth
Click on the date boxes to enter your birthday. Format is usually Day/Month/Year. You can type or select from a calendar popup. Make sure the date matches what’s on your ID.
Example: If born on 15th March 1990, enter 15/03/1990 or 15-03-1990 depending on format shown.
Step 7: Enter Contact Information
Type your active phone number in the “Mobile Number” box. Use format: 0712345678 or +254712345678. In the “Email Address” box, type your email carefully. Check for spelling mistakes as you’ll receive your PIN here.
Example: Phone: 0722123456 Email: john.mwangi@gmail.com
Step 8: Enter Postal Address
Fill in your postal address details. Box Number: your P.O. Box number. Postal Code: the code for your area. Town: where you collect mail.
Example:
- P.O. Box: 12345
- Postal Code: 00100
- Town: Nairobi
Step 9: Enter Physical Address
Type your actual home or residence address. Include building name or plot number if applicable. Enter the street name. Select your county from the dropdown menu. Select your sub-county or constituency.
Example:
- Physical Address: Kilimani Apartments, Ngong Road
- County: Nairobi
- Sub-County: Dagoretti North
Step 10: Upload Your ID Photo
Look for a button that says “Upload ID” or “Attach ID”. Click it. Find where you saved your ID photo on your device. Select the file. Make sure it’s clear and readable. Upload both front and back of ID.
Example: The file should be in JPEG or PDF format, less than 2MB in size.
Step 11: Upload Your Passport Photo
Find the “Upload Photo” section. Click the upload button. Select your passport photo from your device. The photo should show your face clearly. Make sure it’s a recent photo on white or light background.
Example: Photo requirements: head and shoulders visible, looking at camera, no sunglasses, file size under 1MB.
Step 12: Review All Information
Scroll through the entire form from top to bottom. Check every detail you entered. Make sure names are spelled correctly. Verify ID number is accurate. Confirm phone number and email are correct. Look for any red error messages.
Step 13: Accept Terms and Submit
Scroll to the bottom of the form. Find the checkbox for terms and conditions. Read the terms if you want, then tick the box. Look for a “Submit” or “Register” button. Click it once and wait. Don’t click multiple times.
Example: After clicking Submit, you might see a loading circle or message saying “Processing”. Be patient.
Step 14: Receive Confirmation
The page will show a success message if registration worked. You’ll see a reference number on screen. Write down this reference number. Check your email for a confirmation message from KRA. The email contains your application details.
Example: Reference number might look like: REF123456789. Save this number.
Step 15: Wait for Approval
KRA reviews your application. This usually takes 1-3 working days. You’ll receive an email when approved. The email will contain your official KRA PIN. Sometimes it takes up to 7 days if there are many applications.
Step 16: Receive Your PIN
When approved, you’ll get an email with subject like “KRA PIN Registration Successful”. Open the email carefully. Your PIN will be clearly shown. It has 11 characters with letters and numbers.
Example: Your PIN: A123456789Z. Write it down and keep it safe.
How to Check Application Status
If you haven’t received your PIN after 3 days, visit iTax again. Click “Check PIN Application Status”. Enter your ID number and reference number. Click “Search”. The page will show whether your application is approved, pending, or rejected.
Common Problems and Solutions
Email not received: Check spam or junk folder. Wait 24 hours as system can be slow. Contact KRA if no response after 7 days.
ID photo rejected: Make sure photo is clear and not blurry. File size should be under 2MB. Try uploading in JPEG format.
Form won’t submit: Check all required fields are filled. Make sure you ticked the terms box. Try using a different browser like Chrome or Firefox.
Wrong details entered: Contact KRA immediately via callcentre@kra.go.ke or call 0711-099-999.
What to Do After Getting Your PIN
Save your PIN in a secure place. Write it in your notebook or phone. Never share your PIN with strangers. Use your PIN when filing tax returns. Provide it when starting employment. Banks will ask for it when opening accounts. Keep the email from KRA as proof.
Using Your PIN on iTax Portal
After receiving your PIN, activate it on iTax. Go to www.itax.kra.go.ke. Click “Register Taxpayer”. Enter your PIN and other details to create a full iTax account. This allows you to file returns and access more services.
Cost and Important Notes
KRA PIN registration is completely free. Never pay anyone to help you register. Beware of scammers claiming they can fast-track your application. The whole process is free and anyone can do it themselves. If you have problems, visit any Huduma Centre for free assistance. Or call KRA customer care at 0711-099-999 for help.
Getting your KRA PIN is now easier than before with online registration. Follow these steps carefully and you’ll have your PIN within a few days without visiting any office.