How to Get a KRA PIN for a Business in Kenya (2026): Sole Proprietor and Company

Oct 19, 2026

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A KRA PIN is your tax identity in Kenya. You need it to register a business, open a business bank account, apply for an M-Pesa till, supply bigger customers and sell on most platforms. Which PIN your business uses depends on how it is registered.

Quick answer: A sole proprietor or business name does not get a separate PIN: it uses the owner's personal KRA PIN, which you get free on iTax (itax.kra.go.ke) with your ID. A limited company gets its own PIN as part of company registration on eCitizen (BRS). Company PINs usually start with P, personal ones with A.

Which PIN Do You Need?

Business type	PIN used	How you get it
Sole trader (no registration)	Your personal PIN	iTax, free
Registered business name	Owner's personal PIN	iTax, free; then register the name on eCitizen
Partnership	Partners' personal PINs	iTax for each partner
Limited company	Company PIN	Issued with company registration

How to Get a Personal KRA PIN on iTax

Go to the official iTax portal (itax.kra.go.ke).
Choose new PIN registration for an individual (non-individual is for companies and organisations).
Fill in your ID details, contacts and, where asked, income sources (for example business income).
Submit and check your email for the PIN certificate.
Log in to iTax and keep your password safe.

If You Already Have a PIN

Many people already have a personal PIN from employment or a past application. If you will earn business income, update your PIN obligations on iTax (for example income tax for business income, and others that apply to you) so your returns match your business.

Company PIN

When you register a limited company on eCitizen, the company receives its own PIN. Directors still need their own personal PINs, which are entered during registration.

Common KRA PIN Problems

Problem	What to do
Forgot iTax password	Use the reset option on iTax; the reset goes to your registered email
Email on iTax no longer works	Update your details through KRA support channels
Two PINs or wrong details	Contact KRA to correct or merge records
PIN certificate needed again	Log in to iTax and reprint it

What Comes After the PIN

File returns on time every year, even when there is no income (a nil return).
Keep records of sales and expenses.
Check whether eTIMS invoicing applies to your business and register if required.
Use your PIN for your M-Pesa till application (how to accept M-Pesa) and business name (register a business name).

Note: tax rules, obligations and portal screens change. Use only official KRA channels, never share your iTax password, and ask a qualified accountant or KRA directly when unsure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Paying someone to "make" a PIN you can get free.
Not filing nil returns (penalties add up).
Using a relative's PIN for your business.
Ignoring eTIMS requirements for invoices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a KRA PIN for my business?

Sole traders and business names use the owner's personal PIN from iTax; limited companies get a company PIN through registration.

Is a KRA PIN free?

Yes, registering for a PIN on iTax is free.

Does a business name have its own KRA PIN?

No, it uses the owner's personal PIN.

What is the difference between a personal and a company PIN?

A personal PIN usually starts with A; a company PIN usually starts with P.

Do I need to file returns if I made no money?

Yes, file a nil return by the deadline to avoid penalties.

Cover photo: Nairobi showing KICC Times Tower and City Hall.jpg by Arthur Buliva, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped.

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