Updated 2026-11-14
A KRA Tax Compliance Certificate, also called a TCC or tax clearance certificate, is KRA's proof that you have filed and paid the taxes that apply to you. KRA says it is required for a job when you have been offered the job. If an employer asks for one, apply through iTax, not through an agent.
Never pay anyone to secure a job or to obtain a recruitment opportunity.
You need an iTax PIN and password to sign in. KRA's iTax home page also provides options for new PIN registration and password recovery.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open iTax and log in with your PIN and password. |
| 2 | Choose the Certificates tab, then select “Apply for Tax Compliance Certificate.” |
| 3 | Check the auto-populated personal details, enter the reason for the application, then submit. |
| 4 | Watch the email address registered on iTax. KRA says the certificate is sent there once the application is approved. It may also be available immediately through a link on the landing page after you apply. |
KRA says a certificate can be issued immediately where the taxpayer has no pending tax liabilities. If your iTax email is wrong or you cannot access your account, use KRA's official support channels rather than sharing your login details with another person.
A TCC is not simply a document download. KRA says an applicant must have filed returns by the due date for every applicable tax obligation, paid tax by the due date and cleared outstanding tax debt. KRA also says a taxpayer with an approved payment plan can continue with the self-service TCC application process.
| Your situation | What KRA says to check |
|---|---|
| Any taxpayer | File all applicable returns on time, pay tax on time and clear outstanding tax debt. |
| You have tax debt | Settle it, or apply for a payment plan. KRA says an approved plan enables continuation of the self-service application. |
| You are in business or have income other than employment | KRA's 24 October 2025 enhancement notice says eTIMS/TIMS registration compliance applies. |
| You have VAT obligations | KRA says you must be VAT compliant, including VAT Special Table status. |
The business and VAT points above come from KRA's 2025 TCC enhancement notice. If your situation is unusual or the iTax result is not clear, contact KRA or visit a Tax Service Office or Huduma Centre, as directed in that notice.
A prospective employer may ask you to provide the TCC after an offer, or earlier if its recruitment notice specifically asks for it. Do not assume every vacancy requires one: KRA's current guidance says the job requirement applies upon being offered the job.
The certificate is valid for 12 months only, according to KRA. Check the validity before you send it and do not submit an old certificate as if it were current.
KRA's official Certificate Checker lets a user enter a certificate number and select the certificate type. For a TCC, it displays the holder's PIN, the holder's name and the certificate status. The iTax home page also links to a TCC/Exemption/Excise License Checker.
Give an employer the certificate, not your iTax password. A certificate number can be checked through KRA's official checker.
No. KRA says that for jobs, a TCC is required upon being offered the job. Follow the specific employer's advert or request if it asks for the document at an earlier stage.
KRA states that a TCC is valid for 12 months only.
Yes. KRA's Certificate Checker accepts a certificate number and displays the holder's PIN, name and certificate status for the selected certificate type.
KRA says immediate issue is possible where there are no pending tax liabilities. Check whether returns, tax payments or outstanding debt for your applicable obligations need action. An approved payment plan can allow you to proceed with the self-service process.
Do not use a broker or give out your password. Contact KRA through its official contact centre, visit a Tax Service Office or Huduma Centre, or use the support options on iTax.