Did you forget your KRA PIN, or are you unsure if the number you have is still valid? This guide shows you exactly how to check, verify, and retrieve your PIN online—and how to do it without a smartphone.
What is a KRA PIN?
A KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number) is an 11-character alphanumeric code (e.g., A123456789X) issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority for tax purposes. It is a mandatory prerequisite for almost every major financial and business transaction in Kenya, including filing taxes, opening bank accounts, registering land, applying for tenders, and obtaining utility connections.
1: Check Your KRA PIN Online (The Standard Way)
If you have your PIN and just want to verify it is “Active,” or if you need to see the details associated with it, follow these steps:
- Visit the Official KRA Portal: Go to
itax.kra.go.ke. - Locate the “PIN Checker” Tool: On the homepage, look for the “PIN Checker” option. It is usually found under “Online Services” or as a quick link.
- Enter Your KRA PIN: Carefully type the 11-digit PIN you want to verify.
- Complete the Security Check: Solve the arithmetic question or captcha to prove you are not a robot.
- Click “Consult” or “Submit”: The system will display the taxpayer details, including the name, PIN status (e.g., Active, Dormant, Cancelled), and tax obligations.
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Method 2: Retrieve a Lost PIN Certificate
If you have forgotten your PIN, you can re-download your certificate by following these steps:
- Log in to the iTax Portal: Visit
itax.kra.go.keand log in using your KRA PIN and password. - Navigate to “Registration”: Find the “Registration” tab in the main menu.
- Click “Reprint PIN Certificate”: Select this option from the dropdown menu.
- Submit: Click “Submit” without altering any of the details. The system will generate a PDF of your PIN certificate, which you can print or save.
Method 3: Retrieve/Verify Your PIN via USSD
In a major move to improve accessibility, KRA introduced a USSD service for taxpayers without a smartphone or internet connectivity.
- *Dial 222#: From your mobile phone.
- Select Option 5: This is for KRA services.
- Follow the Prompts: You can now retrieve your old PIN or verify a PIN directly from any phone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What information does the PIN Checker show?
A: It shows the taxpayer name, the status of the PIN (Active, Dormant, Cancelled), the iTax status, and their tax obligations.
Q: What do the letters in my KRA PIN mean?
A: The first letter is the prefix. “A” is for individuals, and “P” is for non-individuals (companies, partnerships, societies).
Q: Is the KRA PIN Checker tool free?
A: Yes, all self-service options on the iTax portal are free
