To get a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), also called a Tax Clearance Certificate, log in to the official iTax portal at itax.kra.go.ke, open the Certificates tab, choose Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate, pick your reason, and submit.
If your returns are filed and you have no outstanding tax liabilities (or you have an approved payment plan), KRA can issue the certificate immediately. You may get a download link on screen, or the TCC is sent to the email registered on iTax. Keep that email address up to date.
A TCC is valid for 12 months from the issue date. You can renew from 7 days before the current one expires.
What you need before you apply
Before you submit, make sure you meet KRA’s current conditions:
A valid KRA PIN and iTax password.
All applicable tax returns filed on or before the due date.
Taxes paid on or before the due date.
All outstanding tax debt cleared, or an approved payment plan in place.
VAT compliance, including VAT Special Table status where it applies.
TAX AND REVENUE
How to Get a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate
Sep 5, 2026
Sep 5, 2026
6 min read
Published
Updated:
To get a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), also called a Tax Clearance Certificate, log in to the official iTax portal at itax.kra.go.ke, open the Certificates tab, choose Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate, pick your reason, and submit.
If your returns are filed and you have no outstanding tax liabilities (or you have an approved payment plan), KRA can issue the certificate immediately. You may get a download link on screen, or the TCC is sent to the email registered on iTax. Keep that email address up to date.
A TCC is valid for 12 months from the issue date. You can renew from 7 days before the current one expires.
What you need before you apply
Before you submit, make sure you meet KRA’s current conditions:
A valid KRA PIN and iTax password.
All applicable tax returns filed on or before the due date.
Taxes paid on or before the due date.
All outstanding tax debt cleared, or an approved payment plan in place.
VAT compliance, including VAT Special Table status where it applies.
eTIMS/TIMS registration if you earn income other than employment income (business income). Pure employment-income earners are not under this extra eTIMS rule for TCC.
Official portals
iTax portal: https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/
TCC / Certificate Checker (verify a certificate): use the checkers on the same iTax portal, or the KRA M-Service app.
KRA TCC information: kra.go.ke tax compliance page
Enhanced TCC (eTIMS) FAQs: KRA enhanced TCC FAQs
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How to apply on iTax
Go to https://itax.kra.go.ke/KRA-Portal/ and log in with your KRA PIN (or ID) and password.
Open the Certificates section and select Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate (wording may appear under Certificates or Registration, depending on your iTax layout).
Confirm the auto-filled personal details. Update your phone or email on iTax first if they are wrong.
Select the reason for the application (for example job application, government tender, work permit, liquor licence, clearing and forwarding, or other regulatory needs), then submit.
Note the acknowledgement. If you are compliant, download the TCC from the link shown, or check the email registered on iTax for the certificate.
You can also apply through the KRA M-Service app, which KRA lists alongside iTax for TCC applications and validity checks.
Enhanced eTIMS rule (important)
KRA enhanced the TCC process so taxpayers who earn income other than employment income must be registered on TIMS/eTIMS before a TCC can be issued. This applies immediately to business-income earners.
If you only have employment income, the extra eTIMS registration requirement does not apply for TCC. If you are exempted from eTIMS, KRA says you can apply for a TCC at your Tax Service Office (TSO).
How long it takes
When you have no outstanding liabilities and returns are in order, KRA states the certificate can be issued immediately and sent to your email, or downloaded from the link on successful application.
KRA’s Tax Compliance Certificate FAQ also notes that successful applicants may receive the email with the TCC attached within 5 working days, and unsuccessful applicants are told what is non-compliant.
Validity and renewal
Validity: 12 months only.
Renewal: apply again from 7 days before expiry.
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To check if a TCC is still valid, use the TCC/Exemption Checker on iTax or the KRA M-Service app.
If your application is rejected
Common blockers are unfiled returns, unpaid taxes, unsettled debt without an approved payment plan, VAT non-compliance, or missing eTIMS/TIMS registration when you have business income.
Fix the issues KRA lists in the rejection email, then apply again. File missing returns and settle debt (or get a payment plan approved) before reopening the Certificates flow.
Related XTRAfrica guides
Need a PIN first? How to Apply for a KRA PIN Online
Returns must be filed before a TCC: How to File Your KRA Tax Return Online
Scam warning
Only use official KRA channels: iTax, the KRA M-Service app, and kra.go.ke. KRA does not ask you to pay a broker for a TCC through WhatsApp or social media. Report corruption concerns to KRA’s published corruption reporting contacts on kra.go.ke.
KRA contacts
Contact Centre: 0711 099 999 / 020 4 999 999, email callcentre@kra.go.ke.
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Help desks are available at Tax Service Offices countrywide. Times Tower, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi.
FAQs
Is a TCC the same as a Tax Clearance Certificate?
Yes. KRA uses Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) and Tax Clearance Certificate for the same official document proving you have filed and paid (or arranged) your taxes.
Do I need eTIMS for a TCC if I only earn a salary?
No. KRA’s enhanced eTIMS requirement for TCC applies to persons who earn income other than employment income.
How do I prove my TCC is genuine?
Use the TCC/Exemption Checker on iTax or the KRA M-Service app. Do not rely on a PDF alone without checking validity.
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