How to get a KRA PIN online

A KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number) is your tax number. You need it to get a job, open some bank accounts, register a business, buy land or a car, and to apply for many government services. Getting one is free and you can do it yourself.

Beware: You don't need to pay anyone at a cyber café or online to get a PIN. Registration on iTax is free.

Register on iTax

1. Go to itax.kra.go.ke and click New PIN Registration.
2. For taxpayer type, choose Individual. For mode of registration, choose Online Form, then click Next.
3. Enter your ID number and date of birth. iTax checks them against the national register and fills in your name.
4. Fill in your contact details: postal address (if you have one), physical address, phone number and email address. Use an email address you can open, because your PIN certificate will be sent there.
5. Under obligation details, tick Income Tax – Resident Individual. This is the right choice for most people. Leave the others unless you know you need them.
6. Answer the security question (a small sum), tick that you agree, and click Submit.
7. iTax shows a message that your PIN has been created. Open your email: you'll get your PIN certificate and your iTax password.

After you get your PIN

• Log in to iTax with your PIN and the password from the email, then change the password to one you'll remember.
• Keep the PIN certificate (PDF) safe. Employers, banks and many offices ask for it.
• File a return every year, even if you have no income. If you have no income, file a nil return between January and 30 June. See how to file a KRA nil return.

If something goes wrong

• "ID number already has a PIN": you (or someone) registered before. Use Forgot PIN on the iTax login page, or visit a KRA office or Huduma Centre with your ID.
• No email arrived: check your spam folder. If it still isn't there, use Reprint PIN certificate after logging in, or contact KRA.
• Your details don't match: your ID details are checked against the national register. If your name or date of birth is wrong there, it has to be corrected at the registration of persons office first.