How to Apply for a KRA PIN for a Student
Students in Kenya usually need a KRA PIN for HELB (Higher Education Loans Board) applications, opening a bank account, or starting an online hustle.
Requirements:
- A valid National ID number.
- An active Email Address (that you can access right now).
- Your Parent’s ID Number (optional but helpful for some fields).
- Your Home Address (Physical location and Postal code).
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Visit the iTax Portal
Go to the KRA iTax Portal. On the left side under “New PIN Registration,” click the link that says “Register.”
Step 2: Basic Selection
- Taxpayer Type: Select “Individual.”
- Mode of Registration: Select “Online Form.”
- Click Next.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Details (Section A)
- Citizenship: Select “Kenyan.”
- National ID Number: Enter your ID number.
- Date of Birth: Enter as it appears on your ID.
- The system should automatically pull your name from the Integrated Population Registration System (IPRS). If it doesn’t, ensure your ID number is correct.
Step 4: Address & Contact Details
- Enter your Physical Address (Town, Street, District).
- Email Address: This is the most important part. KRA will send your PIN certificate here. Click “Send OTP” (One-Time Password) and check your email to verify it.
Step 5: Income Tax Details (Section B)
Since you are a student, you likely have no official income.
- Select “Income Tax-Resident” as your tax obligation.
- Registration Date: Use the current date.
- Source of Income: Tick “No” for Business, Rental, and Employment income.
Step 6: Submit and Solve the Arithmetic
- At the bottom of the page, solve the simple math problem (e.g., 25 + 5 =) provided for security.
- Click Submit.
Step 7: Download Your PIN Certificate
Once submitted, your KRA PIN will be displayed on the screen. Click the “Download” button to save it as a PDF. A copy will also be sent to your email.
Student Tip
“Once you get your PIN, you must file Nil Returns every year between January and June 30th, even if you are not working. Failure to do so leads to a KSh 2,000 fine per year!”
