(Tax compliance certificate Kenya)
Are you looking to apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya? Whether you’re bidding for government tenders, seeking business permits, or applying for a job, a TCC from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is often a must-have.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya online via iTax, eligibility requirements, common reasons for rejection, and how to increase your chances of approval.
What is Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya?
A (TCC) is an official document issued by the Kenya revenue authority (KRA) to prove that you have paid all your taxes and filed all relevant returns. It is also known as a tax clearance certificate and is a requirement in various legal and business transactions.
Several transactions and activities require a Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya. Whether you are individual or a business understanding the TCC application process and requirements is crucial. We prepare this guide to show you to apply for the KRA Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya and the requirements.
What are the reasons for applying for a tax compliance certificate from KRA?
KRA issues Tax Compliance Certificates because it is a requirement when, among others:
- Applying for a job. For jobs however, a Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya is required upon being offered the job.
- Applying for a government tender
- Applying for renewal of Work Permit
- Applying for clearing and forwarding agents license
- Registering a business license
- One wants to confirm their compliance status
Requirements for one to apply for a compliance certificate.
KRA can approve or reject your Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya application, depending on several factors. It is important to know whether you even qualify for the certificate before wasting time and resources applying for one.so, who qualifies for a Tax compliance Certificate Kenya? Below are the Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya;
- You have a valid KRA PIN
- You have filed all due tax returns
- You have paid all outstanding taxes and have no penalties
What are the documents and information required to apply for TCC in Kenya?
Once you have determined you are eligible for a KRA tax clearance certificate, the next step is to prepare the document and information required to complete the application process. Preparing these documents beforehand will simplify the application and save time. Below are the required documents to apply for KRA TCC:
- KRA PIN
- National ID
- Certificate of incorporation (for businesses)
- An up-to-date tax return history, like business invoices for VAT, pay slips for PAYE, KRA acknowledgement receipts etc.
- Relevant tax obligations like income tax, PAYE, VAT, MRI, etc.
How to Apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya
Now that you have all the information and documents needed for the application process, let’s get into the steps
Would you like to get a Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya? KRA TCC application is conducted online via the itax portal. Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for KRA tax compliance certificate in Kenya:
Step 1: access the KRA portal
Visit the itax portal on a web browser e.g. chrome.log in to your account using your KRA PIN and password. Follow the on screen instructions like solving an arithmetic question, to complete the login process.
KRAhttps://itax.kra.go.ke
Step 2: Navigate to the certificates section
Once you have logged into your account, navigate to the certificate section. Click on the menu and select “apply for tax compliance certificate. You will be taken to a new window with a form.
Step 3: fill out the online application form
The website will auto fill the Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya application form with your details, including KRA PIN, name, address personal and business information. Verify the details to ensure they are accurate. If you need to updates some of the details, like phone number and email addresses, do so. you will also be asked why you are applying for the TCC certificate. Select the applicable reason.
Step 4: submit the application
Quickly go over your completed form one last time to verify that all the information is correct. Once you are satisfied, click submit to tender the application to KRA.
Step 5: wait for feedback
KRA will assess your application and provide feedback as soon as possible. If the application was successful, i.e. you don’t have pending tax returns and penalties, etc., the system will auto generate an approved message alongside the TCC certificate.
“Auto approved for tax compliance certificate has been submitted successfully. “Alongside this message is an acknowledgment number and a download link for the tax compliance certificate.
Step 6: download the tax compliance certificate
Once you receive the approved notification, the acknowledgement number, and the download link, you are good to go. Click on the provided download link to download the tax compliance certificate this certificate is valid for 12 months (I year).
How Long Does It Take to Get a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) in Kenya?
If all your tax obligations are up to date, it usually takes 1 to 3 working days to receive your Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) after submitting your application via the iTax portal.
What Can Affect the TCC Processing Time?
Timely Tax Filing & Payments
If you’ve consistently filed all required returns (PAYE, VAT, and Income Tax) and paid any taxes due, approval is usually quick—within 24 to 48 hours.
Outstanding Issues
if you have pending:
- Unfiled returns-Unfiled returns refer to tax returns that a taxpayer (individual, business, or organization) has failed to submit to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) by the required deadline. These returns could relate to Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax, or Turnover Tax, among others.
- Unpaid penalties.
- KRA audit queries
Then KRA may delay, reject, or flag your application for review.
System Delays
During peak periods (e.g., before deadlines or tender seasons), processing may take slightly longer due to high volume.
Tips to avoid rejection from tax compliance application
KRA might reject your TCC application for various reasons. You need to understand common reasons for rejection to avoid them. Here are some of the common reason why the KRA TCC application is declined:
- Pending tax returns and debts
- Incorrect personal and business information
- Incomplete tax obligation. For example, a retailor who only files income tax, even though they are eligible for VAT.
- Audit inconsistencies and flagged accounts
If your TCC application has been declined and the online steps to rectify the issue do not resolve the issue, you can contact KRA customer care or get assisted by a professional body.
Conclusion
The KRA tax compliance certificate Kenya is important for individuals and businesses. It is required in various legal and business contexts, and obtained it when needed is crucial. This detailed guide explained what TCC entails, the requirements and how to apply for one in Kenya.
Applying for a Tax Compliance Certificate Kenya is straightforward, but you can never go wrong by hiring an expert to handle it for you. At junyan and associates we provide comprehensive tax compliance services, including the application for a KRA TCC certificate.
Our expert team will facilitate the whole application process to ensure all required data is provided accurately for prompt approval. We will help you all your tax obligations, file returns on time and solve any pending issue.
Need help with your KRA tax compliance certificate application? Let our expert tax consultancy handle it for you a quick, accurate and transparent. Get in touch.
Need Help Applying for a Tax Compliance Certificate in Kenya?
At Junyan & Associates, we simplify the process of obtaining your KRA Tax Compliance Certificate. We help:
- Review your tax position
- File outstanding returns or resolve disputes
- Submit the application and follow up with KRA
✅ Whether you’re applying as an individual, SME, or large business—we ensure fast, efficient, and compliant processing.
Contact Junyan & Associates – Tax Experts in Kenya
📍 Nakuru | Online Services Available
📧 junyanassociates@gmail.com
📱 +254 724786089
Let us handle your tax headaches—so you can focus on growing your business.