Ever been ready to file your returns, only to stare blankly at the iTax login screen? That moment when your mind goes totally blank and you can’t remember your KRA PIN or iTax password is a classic Kenyan stress moment. It happens to the best of us, especially with deadlines looming.
But hakuna wasiwasi, you’re not stuck. This guide cuts straight to the chase and shows you exactly how to recover your KRA PIN or reset your iTax password fast, using your phone or laptop. No long stories, just the clear steps you need to get back in and sort your tax business.
First, Know the Difference: PIN vs. Password
Before you start clicking everywhere, let’s be clear on what you’ve actually forgotten. Mixing these up is where many people waste time.
Your KRA PIN (Personal Identification Number)
This is your unique 11-digit tax identity. It looks like this: A001234567X. You get it once when you register with KRA. You don’t change it; it’s yours for life. You need it to log into iTax and for many other official transactions.
Your iTax Password
This is the secret word you created yourself to access the iTax portal. You must change it every 90 days for security. If you forget this, you need a password reset, not a PIN recovery.
How to Recover Your Forgotten KRA PIN Online
If that 11-digit number has completely vanished from your memory, here’s how to find it again without visiting Times Tower.
Grab your phone or computer and go to the official KRA iTax portal. Do not use any other website to avoid scams. Look for the “PIN Registration & KRA Services” menu. Click on “Verify/Register PIN”.
You will need the following details ready:
- Your full name (exactly as on your ID).
- Your valid Kenyan ID number or Passport number.
- Your registered mobile phone number.
Enter these details and submit. Your KRA PIN will be sent via SMS to the phone number KRA has on file for you. The process is instant if your details match. If you don’t get the SMS, your registered number might be outdated.
How to Reset Your Forgotten iTax Password
Forgot your iTax password? This is more common, especially with the mandatory 90-day changes. The reset is done entirely online.
On the iTax login page, click the link that says “Forgot Password?”. You’ll be asked to enter your KRA PIN (see why knowing it is key?). After entering your PIN, you must verify your identity.
You have two main options for verification:
- Registered Email: A reset link is sent to the email you gave KRA.
- Registered Phone via SMS: A one-time PIN (OTP) is sent via SMS.
Choose your preferred method, get the code or link, and follow the prompts to create a new, strong password. Make sure you can remember this one, or save it securely!
What If You Don’t Get the OTP or Email?
This is a frequent headache. If you’re not receiving the reset SMS or email, it usually means your contact details on the KRA system are old. Maybe you changed your Safaricom line or switched from Yahoo to Gmail. In this case, you must update your details first before you can reset the password.
To update, you’ll need to download a CRB Form from the KRA website, fill it, and submit it to your nearest KRA office. Which brings us to the offline option.
When You Must Visit a KRA Office: The Offline Process
Sometimes, the digital road hits a dead end. If online recovery fails—maybe due to mismatched details, a lost phone number, or system issues—you’ll need to physically visit a KRA station. Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds if you go prepared.
Head to your nearest Huduma Centre or dedicated KRA office. For Nairobians, the main ones are at Times Tower, the Huduma Centre at GPO, or the one at Anniversary Towers. Go early to beat the queues.
You must carry:
- Your original National ID or Passport and a copy.
- A duly filled CRB Form (get it online or at the office).
- For password reset, you may need to provide your registered email or phone.
The officer will verify your identity and help you recover your PIN or reset your password on the spot. There’s no direct fee for this service from KRA.
The Kenyan Reality: Beats, Updates, and Pro Tips
Let’s keep it real. Trying to recover your KRA PIN or password during the last-week rush before the return deadline is like trying to get a matatu from Kencom at 5 PM on a rainy Friday—chaotic. The iTax portal can be slow or time out due to high traffic. Here’s the local knowledge to navigate this smoothly.
Timing is Everything: Don’t wait for the deadline week in June or January. Do your recovery or reset during off-peak times. The best time is mid-month, and avoid Monday mornings or Friday afternoons. The system works faster when fewer people are hammering it.
The Cost of “Agents”: You might see guys on social media or near tax offices offering to “help” you recover your PIN for a fee of KSh 500 to KSh 2,000. Don’t do it. The official process from KRA is FREE. These agents just use the same free online steps. You’re only paying for what you can do yourself in 5 minutes and risking your sensitive data.
Update Your Details Proactively: If you know you’ve changed your phone number (maybe from Airtel to Safaricom) or email, update your details on iTax before you have a problem. This is the single best thing you can do to avoid future headaches. Treat it like servicing your car before a long trip upcountry.
Security First: Never share your KRA PIN, OTP, or password with anyone, even someone claiming to be from “KRA Support.” KRA will never call or email you asking for this info. That’s a scam.
Stay Logged In and Avoid This Stress Next Time
Now that you’re back in, let’s make sure you don’t go through this again. A little organization saves you a major hustle later.
Use a secure password manager app (there are several good free ones) to store your iTax password, especially since you have to change it quarterly. Alternatively, keep a dedicated, old-school notebook in a safe place at home where you note down the new password each time you change it.
Always ensure the mobile number and email address on your iTax profile are active and ones you check regularly. Set a calendar reminder on your phone for 80 days after a password change, so you update it before it expires and locks you out.
Finally, save your KRA PIN somewhere you can’t lose it—like in a secure note on your phone or written behind your diary. This number is as important as your ID number for official business.
Get Back on Track and File On Time
Forgetting your KRA PIN or iTax password is a frustrating bump in the road, but it’s a fixable one. The key is knowing the right, official path to recovery. Remember: use the free online portal first, have your ID details ready, and update your contact information with KRA regularly to avoid future lockouts.
Don’t let a forgotten credential make you miss a deadline or fall for a scam. Get your access sorted today, so you can file your returns in peace and avoid those penalty charges. Now that you’re sorted, share this guide with a friend or family member who might be in the same stressful situation—saving someone a trip to Times Tower is a solid favour!