In Kenya, a KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a crucial document that is necessary for conducting various financial transactions, such as filing tax returns, opening bank accounts, and even applying for jobs.
However, if you have forgotten KRA PIN, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take to retrieve it.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of retrieving your KRA PIN certificate, including the documents you will need and the steps involved.
What is a KRA PIN?
A KRA PIN (Kenya Revenue Authority Personal Identification Number) is a unique identification number issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to individuals and entities for tax purposes.
RIt is a mandatory requirement for anyone engaging in taxable activities in Kenya, including filing tax returns, conducting business transactions, and accessing various government services.
What is retrieving a KRA PIN?
KRA PIN Retrieval is a process whereby a taxpayer who has forgotten their KRA PIN Number or KRA PIN Certificate takes so as to Retrieve the lost or forgotten KRA PIN or KRA PIN Certificate.
The process involves retrieving of the taxpayers KRA PIN Certificate which contains his or her Personal Identification Number (PIN) from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
KRA PIN retrieval requirements
- ID number.
- Date if Birth (D.O.B)
How to retrieve a KRA PIN certificate
To retrieve a KRA PIN certificate, follow these steps below;
- Visit KRA portal.
- Click the Register button.
- Select Individual on the Taxpayer Type drop down and Online Form on the Mode of Registration drop down menu and hit Next.
- Select Kenyan as Citizenship the enter your ID Number and Date of Birth.
- You will then visit a cyber cafe and request to retrieve a lost KRA PIN Certificate, and it will cost Ksh 200. The cyber cafe attendant will request your Names, ID Number and Date of Birth.
- Eventually you will receive your KRA PIN Number and KRA PIN Certificate.
Key points
1. Identification
A KRA PIN serves as a unique identification number for individuals and entities in Kenya. It helps the KRA track and monitor their tax-related activities.
2. Tax Compliance
Obtaining a KRA PIN signifies that an individual or entity is recognized by the tax authority and is compliant with the tax regulations in Kenya.
3. Application Process
To obtain a KRA PIN, an individual or entity must apply to the Kenya Revenue Authority. The application can be done online through the KRA iTax portal or physically at a KRA office.
4. Types of KRA PINs
There are different types of KRA PINs depending on the nature of the taxpayer. These include:
- Individual PIN: Issued to individual taxpayers who are Kenyan citizens or residents.
- Non-Individual PIN: Issued to non-individual taxpayers such as companies, partnerships, trusts, and NGOs.
- Withholding Tax Agent PIN: Issued to entities responsible for deducting and remitting withholding taxes on behalf of others.
5. Uses of KRA PIN
A KRA PIN is required for various purposes, including;
- Filing tax returns: Individuals and entities must include their KRA PINs when filing tax returns to ensure accurate tax assessment.
- Business transactions: A KRA PIN is often required for conducting business transactions, opening bank accounts, and obtaining government tenders.
- Access to government services: Many government services, such as vehicle registration, land transactions, and passport applications, require a KRA PIN.
- Importance of KRA PIN: The KRA PIN is crucial for maintaining proper tax compliance and record-keeping. It helps the tax authority track taxpayers’ income, tax payments, and overall tax liabilities.
- Verification: The authenticity and validity of a KRA PIN can be verified by using the KRA PIN checker available on the KRA website or by contacting the KRA directly.
KRA contacts
Address: Times Tower Building, Haile Selassie Avenue, P. O. Box 48240 – 00100
Tel: +254 20 4 999 999 or +254 711 099 999
Email: callcentre@kra.go.ke
FAQ
What is a KRA PIN?
A KRA PIN is a Personal Identification Number issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to Kenyans or Non-Kenyan residents essential for opening a bank account, getting a job and doing business in Kenya.
How do I get a KRA PIN?
You can register for a KRA PIN online or at any KRA office. To register online, you will need to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and national ID number.
What are the requirements for registering for a KRA PIN?
The requirements for registering for a KRA PIN are as follows:
- You must be a Kenyan citizen or a resident of Kenya.
- You must have a valid national ID card or passport.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
What are the benefits of having a KRA PIN?
There are many benefits to having a KRA PIN, including;
- You can open a bank account.
- You can get a job.
- You can do business in Kenya.
- You can file your taxes with KRA.
What are the penalties for not having a KRA PIN?
The penalties for not having a KRA PIN can be severe. If you are caught without a PIN, you may be fined or even imprisoned.
Where can I get help with my KRA PIN?
If you have any questions about your KRA PIN, you can contact KRA customer service. You can also visit the KRA website or your local KRA office for more information.