How to Get Your KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya (2025 Guide)

Q: Is it free to get a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya in 2025?

Yes! Applying for a Tax Compliance Certificate through the KRA iTax portal is completely free. You don’t need to pay any agent or third party unless you’d like professional help with the process.

Q: How long is a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate valid in Kenya?

A TCC is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. After it expires, you’ll need to reapply, but only if you’ve remained tax compliant throughout the year.

How to Get Your KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya (2025 Guide)

September 2, 2025

Getting a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) in Kenya doesn’t have to be confusing.

Whether you’re an SME owner, NGO manager, corporate executive, or job seeker, this 2025 step-by-step guide by Quartet Consulting breaks everything down in simple, clear steps – with screenshots included to make the process even easier.

Table of Contents:

1. What is a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya?

2. Why Do You Need a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in 2025?

3. Who Needs a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya?

4. Requirements for a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya

5. How to Apply for a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya – Step by Step

Step 1: Log into iTax
Step 2: Go to “Certificates”
Step 3: Fill in the Form
Step 4: Submit
Step 5: Wait for Feedback
Step 6: Download Your Certificate

6. How to Reapply After Your KRA Tax Compliance Certificate Expires

7. Common Questions About the KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya

8. Pro Tips to Avoid Your Tax Compliance Certificate Application Being Rejected

9. Final Thoughts

10. Disclaimer

What is a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya?

A KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) is an official document issued by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to prove that you have:

Filed all your tax returns on time.
Paid all your taxes and cleared any penalties.

Think of it as your tax clearance report card in Kenya.

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Why Do You Need a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in 2025?

Here’s why having a valid KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya matters:

Applying for jobs – most employers in Kenya will ask for it after offering you a job.
Government tenders – it’s a must-have when bidding for contracts.
Renewing a work permit – foreigners in Kenya need it.
Licenses – for example, liquor store licenses or clearing & forwarding licenses.
Transparency – NGOs and businesses use it to show donors or investors they’re fully compliant.

Who Needs a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya?

Basically, if you have a KRA PIN, you should stay compliant. This includes:

Individuals – job seekers, employees, consultants.
Businesses – SMEs, NGOs, corporates, partnerships.

Requirements for a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya

Before applying, make sure you:

Have a valid KRA PIN.
Filed all your tax returns (Income Tax, PAYE, VAT, etc.).
Paid all taxes due.
Cleared any penalties or disputes with KRA.

How to Apply for a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya – Step by Step

Step 1: Log into iTax

Go to the iTax portal.
Enter your KRA PIN and password.
Solve the simple arithmetic (security check).

Step 2: Go to “Certificates”

On the menu, click Certificates > Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate.

Step 3: Fill in the Form

Your details will auto-fill.
Choose the reason (job application, tender, license renewal, etc.).

Step 4: Submit

Review details.
Click Submit.

Step 5: Wait for Feedback

If you are tax compliant, you’ll get an auto-approval message.
If not, KRA will notify you to fix pending issues.

Step 6: Download Your Certificate

Click the download link provided.
Your KRA TCC will also be emailed to you.
Note: Your TCC is only valid for 12 months only.

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How to Reapply After Your KRA Tax Compliance Certificate Expires

A KRA Tax Compliance Certificate is only valid for 12 months.

Once it expires, you’ll need to reapply to keep using it for jobs, tenders, or licenses.

The good news? Reapplying is exactly the same process as applying for the first time:

Log into iTax with your PIN and password.
Go to Certificates > Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate.
Fill in your details and reason for applying.
Submit and wait for approval.

As long as you’ve filed all returns and cleared any taxes or penalties, your new certificate will be auto-approved instantly.

Common Questions About the KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya

Q: Is it free to get a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya in 2025?

Yes! Applying for a Tax Compliance Certificate through the KRA iTax portal is completely free. You don’t need to pay any agent or third party unless you’d like professional help with the process.

Q: How long does approval take?

If all your tax returns are up to date and no penalties are pending, approval is instant — you’ll get an auto-approval message immediately.
If you have unresolved issues, the application will remain pending until you clear them. In such cases, KRA may send you a notice explaining what needs fixing.

Q: How long is a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate valid in Kenya?

A TCC is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. After it expires, you’ll need to reapply, but only if you’ve remained tax compliant throughout the year.

Q: Can I check if my TCC is genuine or still valid?

Absolutely. You can quickly verify the validity of a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate using the KRA M-Service App or directly on the iTax portal. This is especially useful for employers, government tender committees, and NGOs that want to confirm authenticity.

Q: Why is my TCC not being approved?

This often happens if you haven’t filed all your returns or cleared penalties. Check out our step-by-step guide on filing your taxes in Kenya to stay compliant and avoid rejection.

Pro Tips to Avoid Your Tax Compliance Certificate Application Being Rejected

File your tax returns on time (Income Tax, PAYE, VAT, etc.) – even nil returns if you have no income.

Learn how to file your tax returns in Kenya step by step

Pay your taxes before the deadline – late payments usually attract penalties.
Keep your iTax details updated – especially your phone number and email, since KRA uses these for notifications.
Clear penalties early – unresolved disputes or balances can block approval.

Following these simple steps will save you time, stress, and unnecessary back-and-forth with KRA.

Final Thoughts

Your KRA Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya is more than a piece of paper – it’s your pass to jobs, tenders, licenses, and business opportunities.

At Quartet Consulting, we help SMEs, NGOs, and corporates stay tax compliant and get TCCs approved without stress.

Do you need help with your TCC application or other tax issues?

Talk to Quartet Consulting Today – Your First Consultation is Absolutely Free.

Your Tax Compliance Certificate isn’t just paperwork — it’s your pass to new opportunities.

Why struggle alone?
Talk to Quartet Consulting today – Free First Consultation.

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Disclaimer

This 2025 KRA Tax Compliance Certificate guide is for general information only. It should not be taken as legal or tax advice. For personalized support with your taxes or compliance needs in Kenya, please contact Quartet Consulting.

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