How to Get a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) Online in Kenya (2026)

You apply for a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) on iTax under the Certificates menu. If you have filed all your returns and have no unpaid taxes, the TCC is usually issued online and you can download it as a PDF.

Last checked: November 2026. Confirm details on the official portal before you pay.

What is a Tax Compliance Certificate?

A TCC is a certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority confirming that you have filed your tax returns and paid the taxes due. Public sector jobs often call it "KRA clearance". It is different from your KRA PIN certificate, which only shows your PIN.

Who needs it?

• Shortlisted candidates for public service, county and parastatal jobs
• Applicants for public appointments under Chapter Six requirements
• Businesses bidding for government tenders
• Some licences, permits and private employers

It is one of the five documents in our Chapter Six clearance checklist.

Requirements

To be issued a TCC you generally need:

• A KRA PIN and access to your iTax account
• All income tax returns filed for the required years, including nil returns for years with no income
• No outstanding tax liabilities, or an approved payment arrangement
• Your obligations on iTax correctly set (for most employees, Income Tax – Resident Individual)

Step-by-step: how to apply on iTax

1. Log in to itax.kra.go.ke with your PIN and password.
2. Open the Certificates menu.
3. Select Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC).
4. Choose the reason for the application, for example employment or a tender.
5. Submit the application.
6. If you are compliant, iTax generates the certificate. Download it from the Certificates menu or from the link sent to your email.
7. If the application is rejected, iTax will show or email the reason, such as missing returns or unpaid tax.

How long does it take?

If your records are clean, the TCC is often issued quickly after you apply. If there are missing returns, unpaid tax or mismatched records, you must fix those first, which can take longer. Do not wait for the shortlist; check your compliance now.

How much does it cost?

KRA does not charge a fee for a Tax Compliance Certificate. Beware of anyone asking for payment to "process" your TCC. You may, however, owe penalties for late returns, which must be paid before a TCC is issued.

How long is a TCC valid?

A TCC is generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The expiry date is printed on the certificate. Some employers want one issued recently, so check the advert.

How to fix a rejected TCC application

Missing returns

Most rejections are caused by returns that were never filed. File each missing year:

• Employed: use the P9 form from your employer to file the employment income return.
• No income: file a nil return for each year.
• Late filing can attract penalties. Pay them on iTax by generating a payment slip.

Unpaid tax or penalties

Check your ledger on iTax. Generate a payment slip and pay through the official channels listed on the slip, such as M-Pesa paybill or bank. If you cannot pay in full, contact KRA about payment arrangements.

Wrong obligations

If iTax shows obligations you do not have, such as VAT or turnover tax you never registered for, you may need to deregister them through iTax or at a KRA office.

Records that need correcting

Visit a KRA service office or Huduma Centre with your ID for help, or contact KRA through the official channels on its website.

Verifying a TCC

Employers can check that a TCC is genuine using the TCC checker on iTax. Fake certificates are easy to detect, so never buy one.

Tips

• File your annual return every year by the deadline, even if you were unemployed. It keeps you TCC-ready.
• Keep your iTax email and password current.
• Download and save each TCC as a PDF with the date in the file name.

Next steps

While you sort your TCC, also apply for your HELB clearance, certificate of good conduct, CRB clearance and EACC clearance. Then look for government jobs on KaziMatch.