The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has outlined the process taxpayers can follow to cancel their Personal Identification Number (PIN) or deregister a tax obligation through the iTax system.

A PIN cancellation may be necessary when a taxpayer no longer requires tax registration. This commonly applies to people who have permanently stopped business operations, are no longer earning employment income subject to Pay As You Earn (PAYE), have permanently left Kenya, or obtained a PIN by mistake.

However, KRA says a PIN cannot be cancelled if there are outstanding tax obligations.

Taxpayers must first clear all pending tax returns, unpaid taxes, and penalties before their application can be considered.

How to Cancel a KRA PIN or Tax Obligation

Applications for PIN cancellation or tax obligation deregistration are made through the iTax portal.

Step 1: Log in to iTax

Access your iTax account using your PIN and password.

Step 2: Select the Registration Menu

Once logged in, click on the Registration tab on the dashboard to access registration-related services.

Step 3: Choose E-Cancellation

Under the Registration menu, select E-Cancellation to begin the deregistration process.

Step 4: Select the PIN or Tax Obligation

Choose whether you want to cancel your entire PIN registration or remove a specific tax obligation, such as VAT or PAYE, depending on your circumstances.

Step 5: State the Reason for Cancellation

Provide the reason for requesting the cancellation. This could include closure of a business, cessation of employment, permanent relocation outside Kenya, or any other valid reason.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review the information provided and submit the application. KRA will forward it to the relevant office for assessment and approval.

Supporting Documents May Be Required

KRA may request supporting documents depending on the reason for the application. Taxpayers should ensure the information submitted is accurate and that any requested documents are provided promptly.

Applicants are also required to continue filing tax returns and paying any taxes due until they receive official communication confirming that the PIN or tax obligation has been cancelled.

Submitting an application does not automatically result in deregistration. KRA reviews every request before making a decision.



How Foreigners Can Deregister a KRA PIN

Foreign nationals who are permanently leaving Kenya must meet additional requirements before their PIN can be cancelled.

Step 1: File All Outstanding Tax Returns

Ensure that all tax returns due have been filed before beginning the deregistration process.

Step 2: Pay Any Outstanding Taxes

Clear any taxes, penalties, or other outstanding liabilities owed to KRA.

Step 3: Apply Through iTax

Log in to the iTax system and initiate the PIN deregistration process.

Step 4: Provide Proof of Departure

Submit evidence showing that you have permanently left Kenya. An endorsed passport exit stamp is accepted as proof.

Step 5: Submit a Sworn Affidavit

Provide a sworn affidavit confirming that you do not own any property in Kenya.

Step 6: Obtain the Application Acknowledgment Receipt

After submitting the application, retain the acknowledgment receipt as proof that your request has been received by KRA.



Deregistration Is Subject to KRA Approval

KRA reviews every application before approving the cancellation of a PIN or tax obligation.

Taxpayers should not assume that their PIN has been cancelled immediately after submitting an application.

They are expected to continue complying with tax filing and payment requirements until they receive official confirmation from KRA that the deregistration has been approved.

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KRA Commissioner General Adan Abdulla Mohammed during the release of the authority's 2025/26 financial year revenue performance. PHOTO/KRA
KRA Commissioner General Adan Abdulla Mohammed during the release of the authority’s 2025/26 financial year revenue performance. PHOTO/KRA