May 2019 - Winstar Technologies

This is how you file nil returns on the iTax portal. Nil return for income tax is filed by the unemployed and those with no taxable income. It is mandatory for Kenyans within the tax bracket to file returns.

The KRA pin makes it possible to file returns. A PIN is a Personal Identification Number used while conducting business with Kenya Revenue Authority, other Government agencies and service providers.

Individual Income Tax is charged for each year of income on all the income of a person, whether resident or non-resident, which accrued in or was derived from Kenya. Income tax is a direct tax that is imposed on income derived from Business, Employment, Rent, Dividends, Interests, Pensions among others.

To File Nil Return for Income Tax, Log in to iTax portal using your pin and password — iTax Log in

If you have a KRA PIN, you should file returns. If you fail to file your return by the stipulated time, the taxman will penalize you. At the moment, the penalty is Kshs 2,000.

Note that the taxman can review it at any moment. A compliance certificate is issued to those who have filed returns and paid any dues. Make sure your pin is updated on iTax.

The return process starts on the 1^st of January and ends on the 30th of June every year. You will be very lucky to find the system working normally during the last few days. Meaning you should file your returns earliest possible.

You are liable to file returns after getting a pin. The return type depends on the obligation on your tax pin. File Nil Return for Income Tax if you have no income for that specific year. Employed individuals file returns according to their P9 forms. Business people should declare their annual earnings and expenses.

How to file Nil Returns for Income Tax

Log into iTax portal. You will require your KRA pin and password. If you cannot remember your password, you can reset it to get a new one.
Once you successfully log in, the iTax portal opens.
Locate the Returns menu and hover the mouse pointer over it.
Move the pointer down and click on file nil return.
In the next window, select the obligation which should be Income Tax Individual for this case.
In the next dialogue, select the year which should be the beginning of the previous year. This should be 1st of January unless you applied for your pin in the middle of the year. In such a case, just look at your document to see the date to input. The last day of the year which is 31st December appears automatically.
Click on the submit button. You will get a message, ‘Dear Taxpayer filing of NIL returns is only applicable in cases where you have NO transactions to declare for the period, Are you sure you want to file Nil return?’ Click okay to proceed.
Your return will be submitted and a link made available for you to download the nil return acknowledgement form. You can print or save it in your email for future reference.

Errors When Filing Nil Returns for Income Tax

While filling nil return, if you get a message that you cannot file a nil return because you have employment income, note that you should use the file ITR return for employment income option. If you also have withholding certificates and advance tax, you will not be able to file zero returns.

How to View Filled Income Tax Returns

If you want to view the returns you have filed, go to the return menu, then click on view filled returns. You can click on consult without filling in the specific return you want. This option lets you view all the returns you have filled and the dates of filling.

How to Check Your Return Fines

Go to the Payments tab and click on payment registration. Some of your pin details will be displayed. Click on next. Select the tax head, tax subhead and for payment type select self-assessment tax.

Unpaid liabilities will be shown and if none you will get a message ‘no liability for the selected obligation’.

How to Generate a Payment Slip

If you followed the steps properly, you have filed Nil Return for Income Tax successfully. You can generate a payment slip if there is a liability to be paid for. Click on the radial button against the return.

Down, locate a button written ‘add’ and click on it. Down below select the mode of payment and submit. Download the generated payment slip. You can make your payment through Mpesa or go to any bank and make your payment.

Step by step guide on how to File Nil Returns on iTax

Other Types of Returns

VAT Return – or the Value Added Tax. This is for business people who earn more than five million annually and it is filed monthly before 20th of every month.
PAYE – If you are an employer you are required to register for this obligation. You deduct PAYE from your employees’ salaries and wages at the prevailing rates and remit the same to KRA on or before the 9^th of the following month.
Turnover Tax – Turnover Tax(TOT) is a tax charged on gross sales of a business as per Sec. 12(c) of the Income Tax Act.
Rental Income – Monthly Rental Income Tax (MRI) is charged under Section 6A of the Income Tax Act. It is charged at a flat rate of 10% on gross rent received per month and is payable when landlords receive rent from their tenants either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.

This is a guide on how to apply for a KRA pin certificate using the KRA Portal. There are many instances where you will require to use the KRA pin. This document links you with the taxman for taxation.

The pin certificate is applied online and takes a short time. Upon completion of the required processes for individuals, you get the document instantly.

There Are Two Types of KRA Pin Certificates

Individuals pin which is then categorized as Kenyan resident, non-Kenyan resident, and non-Kenyan non-resident.
And the other for companies, schools, NGOs, and other such entities.

In this article, we are going to discuss how to apply for the KRA pin for an individual, non-Kenyan resident, and for a company.

Keep in mind that the moment you get a KRA pin, you are liable to pay taxes. This means you should remember to file your income tax returns annually and for any other obligation on your pin.

How to Apply for the KRA Pin Certificate for a Kenyan

Go to the iTax portal.
On the left-hand side where it is written ‘Do you want to apply for KRA pin?’, click on the Register button.
On the next page for taxpayer type, select individual and mode of registration select online form. Click next to proceed. An e-registration form for individual opens.
Select your registration status which is either: Kenyan, Non-Kenyan Resident or Non-Kenyan Non-Resident. Click on Kenyan option. You will require your national ID.

There are Three Basic Tabs You Must Fill

Basic Information Tab

Indicate if you want to register for Digital Services Tax.
Select the appropriate residential details.
Indicate if you want to register for Turnover Tax.
Select your profession. Start with the major group then subgroup and finally the minor group.
On the national ID details area, enter your ID number.
On the individual data section, enter your date of birth as it appears on the ID. If on the ID the date has no month and date, then use 01/07 then the year indicated on the document. Immediately after entering the date, if the ID number and date of birth are correct, some of your personal data and parent details are autopopulated.

If You Get an Error Message

If you get an error message – ‘a PIN has been issued for entered National Identity Number’. This means that if you have entered the correct ID number, then you already have a pin.

In such a case you should go to any KRA station or Huduma centre with your original ID. They will retrieve your pin. Alternatively, scan and email your original ID to callcentre@kra.go.ke requesting pin recovery.

An Easier Way of Recovering Your Pin With ID Only

There is an easier way of recovering your KRA pin using ID only. You will also be able to check the email you used during registration. Check this article on how to check KRA pin using ID number.

Physical Address

For the Principal Physical Address, indicate where you stay by entering the street or road, County, Building, City or Town, District, and your Tax area. Note that the physical address you select should be an area you can access easily. This is because it will be your tax station where you will be going whenever you have issues relating to your pin or taxes.

Your Contact and Address Details

Enter your principal postal address and postal code.
The next stage is to enter contact details. Enter your mobile number and email address. Make sure you can be able to access the email address you provide. After entering your email address, it is checked if it has been used by another taxpayer.

The OTP Code

You will get a popup message – ‘In order to continue using iTax functionality you are required to verify your email address. Please click “Send OTP” button to receive OTP on the mentioned email address.’ Click on the new button that appears so as to send an OTP code on your registered email.
Open your email and check for an email from admin.itax2. Look for a four-digit code, note it down and go back to the iTax portal. Enter the one time password where it is written ‘OTP code’. The code expires within 15 minutes.
The other information that follows after is optional. That is SMS notifications, alternative address, bank account details if you are a director elsewhere, and tributary bonds. At this stage, you are ready to go to the next tab.

Tax Obligation Details Tab

The tax obligation detail is crucial as it determines the tax type and when you will be paying for it. For an individual, the tax type is income tax resident. If you are a non-resident, then select income tax non-resident.

Income tax is filed once a year. It has to be before June 30 to avoid penalties. Your annual income determines the amount payable. Those with no jobs can file zero or nil returns. After selecting the income tax, select the registration date which is usually the same day you are applying for your pin.

Source of Income

On this tab, you have to indicate where you get your source of income from. If you have no income select no for employment, business and rental income. If you have employment income, select yes and then provide the employers’ pin.

Click on add button to have the employer details saved in the database. If you have business income, make sure you have the business registration certificate with you. Select yes and enter all the required information and click add to save.

Further down; indicate the sector of economy involved. Once done, remember to click on the add button. If you have rental houses, select rental income and select the economy involved in; again remember to add to save the records. Click next.

E-Agent Details

This tab is not necessary unless you have an authorized agent who can submit any kind of application on your behalf. Well, if there is continue to fill in all the necessary details.

Once done, perform the arithmetic problem provided and click on submit. You will get a message alerting you that you will be getting any communication from iTax in the email you have provided. Click on submit to finish the process.

A link will be provided which you click to download the KRA Pin. A copy of the pin together with your password for the first time login is sent to your email.

How to Apply for the KRA Pin Certificate for a Non-Kenyan Resident

This is option is for foreigners residing in Kenya. Those issued with an alien card. The process is much similar to the one above for Kenyans. The only difference is that you use the Alien card.

Non-Kenyan KRA Pin Registration Requirements

Alien ID Card details.
If employed, employers’ PIN details.
Business registration certificate details for those in business.

Non-Kenyan Resident KRA Pin Application

Visit itax.kra.go.ke
Select “New PIN Registration”
Select “Non-Individual” and “Online Form” as your mode of registration.
Indicate if you want to register for Digital Services Tax.
Select the option Non-Kenyan Resident.
Indicate if you want to register for Turnover Tax.
Fill in your basic information.
Upload a copy of your Alien card.
Select suitable tax obligation by checking the relevant boxes.
Enter details of company directors or partners.
Fill in agent details if you have one.
Enter the result of the arithmetic sum provided and submit.

How to Apply for a Kra Pin for a Company

To apply for this pin, you must have registered your company and gotten the incorporation certificate.

Visit itax portal
Select “New PIN Registration”
Select “Non-Individual” and “Online Form” as your mode of registration.
Fill in the business income details. Get these details from the incorporation certificate. All the fields with an asterisk must be filled.
List the sector of the economy involved in. Remember to click the add button after selecting.
Scan and upload a copy of your incorporation certificate.
The default obligation is Income Tax Company. However, if you want to add other obligations such as VAT, ensure you do so. Note that it is possible to add obligations later on. If you select VAT, indicate the estimated Turnover.
Add the director(s) of the company. This is by entering their pin number and remember to click on the add button.
The rest of the process is similar to that of an individual as above.

Company Pin Application Acknowledgement Receipt

You will not be issued with a pin instantly after submitting. What you will get is an acknowledgement receipt. The pin and password are sent to your email after approval.

How to Change Your First Time Pin Password

Go to your email and locate an email from admin.itax2. The mail will be having your KRA pin and auto-generated password. Go to iTax portal login page.

Enter your pin and click on continue. Enter the auto-generated password, perform the provided calculation and click on log in. On the next page, enter the old password from your email, then enter a new password and confirm it.

Select a security question, agree to terms and conditions and then submit the form. Note the password as you will be using it anytime you are accessing the iax portal.

You have to create an NTSA TIMS Account when dealing with issues concerning motor vehicles in Kenya. This is account is different from the eCitizen account.

What is NTSA?

“National Transport and Safety Authority Act (NTSA) is a statutory body established by the National Transport and Safety Authority Act (2012) to bring about sanity in our roads. To this end, NTSA brings together under one roof the functions of Motor Vehicle Registration, Transport Licensing, Motor Vehicle Inspection, Road Safety, Driver Testing and some extent Traffic Law enhancement.” – NTSA

When to create a TIMS NTSA account

Buying and selling of motor vehicles
Booking inspection of motor vehicle
Applying for smart driving license
Performing a motor vehicle search
Applying for Vehicle Registration
Confirmation of Ownership Transfer
Accept Ownership
For Applying change of particulars
Applying for Duplicate Logbook
Applying for Reflective Number Plate
Confirmation of In-charge
Forced Transfer
Re-registration
Re-registration of Civilian to Civilian
For re-registration of Motor Vehicles
Confirmation of Re-registration
Accept Ownership For Re-registration

Step By Step Guide on How to Create a TIMS NTSA Account

Access NTSA’s TIMS website by typing https://tims.ntsa.go.ke. Alternatively, you can search for NTSA TIMS on your Google search and select the first search results.
Once the log in page opens, locate the register button at the bottom below the signin option. There is also an option available at the top of the page.
Click on the register button to proceed.
In the next window, decide what type of account you are creating.

*How to Verify Phone Number when Creating TIMS Account*

The Following Accounts Can be Created on NTSA TIMS Portal.

Individuals account for both Kenyans and non-Kenyans.
Dealer account
Agent
Financial Institution
Company and;
Driving School account

How to Create an Individual’s TIMS Account

1. After the fourth step above, click on the individual link and enter your Identification document serial number. Note that this is not the ID number but the serial number located on the left-hand side of the document.

2. Click on the verify button. If successful, you will be taken to the next text box. If not successful you will get a message like “The person is not found. Please check the serial number.” This could mean you have typed the wrong serial number.

If you are sure you have typed the right serial number then the next possible reason could be that you have changed your ID. In such a case, you have no option but to visit the Huduma Centre or go to any NTSA offices.

They will simply check which serial number has been issued to your ID and list them down for you. Then you will have to try each one of them till the one that will succeed.

If you get the message “Error: This ID serial number has already been registered in the system.” It means you already have an account.

3. Enter the maiden name of your mother. Well, this is her middle name but if not successful, try the other names individually. That is one name at a time.

Spelling also matters, for instance, the name Veronica can be with an ‘H’ at the end or not depending on what was registered on the TIMS account.

Where to Enter NTSA Phone Verification Code

Enter Your KRA Pin

1. If successful, the next stage is to enter your KRA Pin. If you get an error message “The PIN doesn’t exist,” it means you got your PIN recently. Visit any NTSA office with a copy of your pin to get help.

2. If your pin is okay the next stage is to fill the form that displays next. The most important thing here is to verify your phone number. Enter the phone number and click on the button for verifying. Your phone will be automatically subscribed to NTSA services. Do not worry, they do not charge.

3. Click on send authorization code. Check the verification code on your phone. Enter the code and click verify. Fill in the rest of the necessary details and submit the form.

4. After submitting you need to log into the NTSA’s portal. This time you will require your ID number and most importantly a first-time password sent to your mobile phone.

Enter the ID number, enter the password and click on get code, type the security code you will receive and then click on sign in.

All these security codes are for security purposes. This is to ensure no one can access your account without authorization.

How to Change NTSA TIMS Account Password

After you create a TIMS NTSA account, change your initial password. To do this click on your name at the top. On the left of the window that appears click on modify password.
Click on the option for ‘request for verification message’. Enter the code sent to your phone and click submit.
Enter a new password for your account and make sure you do not forget your password.

How to Reset NTSA Password for Individual

It is easy to reset your NTSA Password in case you forgot. Follow these simple steps.

Access the TIMS NTSA portal.
Below the login boxes, click on forgot password.
Enter your ID number and click submit. If you are a foreigner remember to select “Alien”.
Check displayed phone number and make sure it is yours. If it is okay click on “get verification code”. If the registered number is not yours, check below what to do.
Enter the code sent to your phone and click submit.
In the next stage, enter and confirm your new password.

How to Change Your Phone Number On TIMS NTSA Portal

To change your phone number in the TIMS NTSA portal, you have to visit their offices. These are the requirements.

Requirements for Changing Individuals Phone Number on TIMS

Present the original national identification card.
Provide a copy of the original national identification card.
The account owner must present him or herself in person.
Original affidavit.

Requirements for Companies

Make a request for change of phone on the original Company Letter Head.
Original Certificate of Incorporation.
KRA PIN.
Original CR12.
Provide original affidavit, indicating the full name of the person, ID Number and KRA PIN, of the person authorized to transact on behalf of the company. A lawyer must authorize the letter.
Resolution of the meeting where the decision to change the phone number was made. Reason for the change of number must be indicated.
Copy of IDS of the Director(s).
Carry copies of ALL the above documents.

Requirements for Government Bodies

Request for change of phone in writing using the institution’s Original Company Letter Head. The letter MUST be signed by the Accounting Officer/Head of Transport Section/ Head of Legal Section/ Head of Human Resource Section.
KRA PIN.
The original affidavit, indicating the full name of the person, ID Number and KRA PIN, who has been authorized to transact on behalf of the organization, and should be authorized by an active advocate.
Copy of ID of the person authorized through the affidavit.
Carry copies of ALL the above documents.

How to Create a TIMS NTSA Account

The KRA Portal is an online database system that stores Kenyan taxpayers’ pins and their related resources. This web-based tax collection system was developed to simplify revenue collection in Kenya.

Taxpayers can simply update their tax registration details, apply for pin certificate, file tax returns, make tax payments. It is also possible to make status i with real-time monitoring of their ledger or account.

So, it is important to be able to access the iTax portal whenever you have an issue concerning your KRA pin or whenever you want to file your returns.

It is easier to access the KRA iTax Portal and there are two ways you can achieve this. First, you open the web browser on the machine you are using.

The web browser is a program for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the web that is the World Wide Web.

These are some of the common browser application programs that we use; Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Brave, Apple Safari, and the Opera browser among others.

The listed browsers are also available on your smartphone. So, if you do not have access to a desktop computer or laptop, you can still use your smartphone.

How to Access the Kra Portal

The best way to access the iTax Portal is to type the web address if you already know it. The web address is “https://itax.kra.go.ke”. This address in quotes is what we refer to as the Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

This should be typed n the address bar without the quotes. You do not have to type the whole address especially the HTTP and forward slashes, just type itax.kra.go.ke and the web browser will take care of the rest.

The iTax page will open and from there on you can be able to log in using your pin and password.

Second Method of Accessing iTax Portal

The second method is to assume that you do not know the web address. You can use Google or any other search engine to search for the iTax portal.

Open your browser and type google.co.ke or google.com, once the Google search bar appears, type iTax. For Mozilla Firefox users, there is already a search bar provided on the top righthand side of your browser.

To be on the safe side, you can type iTax Kenya. Click on the first result that you will get. This will lead you to iTax portal where you can now log in.

*Accessing iTax Portal Using Google Search*

How to Reset KRA Pin

At times we forget our login password. You do not have to worry because you can rest your Kra pin password.

Indicate your pin on where it is written enter pin.
Click on continue, check below enter password option and locate the reset pi password option.
A reset link will be sent to your registered email. In case you forgot your pin or you do not know the email linked to it, then check this guide on what to do.

Some Activities You Can Carry Out on Itax Portal

Once you access the portal, there are so many things you can do for instance;

You can apply for a KRA pin certificate if you do not have one.
Check if you have filed your returns.
Apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate.
Check withholding certificates.
Make tax return payments.
Check if your Tax Compliance Certificate is genuine
Status checker to consult the status of your applications
Check your general ledger among others.
File your returns. There are different types of returns depending on the obligation or obligations on your pin.

These Are Some of the Tax Obligations We Have;

VAT returns
Income tax individual resident returns
Income tax individual non-resident returns
Presumptive tax
Income tax company
Income tax partnership
Advanced tax among others.

Thank you for taking the time to read, hope you gained something useful on how to access the KRA portal.

How to file Nil Returns for Income Tax

Errors When Filing Nil Returns for Income Tax

How to View Filled Income Tax Returns

How to Check Your Return Fines

How to Generate a Payment Slip

Other Types of Returns

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There Are Two Types of KRA Pin Certificates

How to Apply for the KRA Pin Certificate for a Kenyan

There are Three Basic Tabs You Must Fill

Basic Information Tab

If You Get an Error Message

An Easier Way of Recovering Your Pin With ID Only

Physical Address

Your Contact and Address Details

The OTP Code

Tax Obligation Details Tab

Source of Income

E-Agent Details

How to Apply for the KRA Pin Certificate for a Non-Kenyan Resident

Non-Kenyan KRA Pin Registration Requirements

Non-Kenyan Resident KRA Pin Application

How to Apply for a Kra Pin for a Company

Company Pin Application Acknowledgement Receipt

How to Change Your First Time Pin Password

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What is NTSA?

When to create a TIMS NTSA account

Step By Step Guide on How to Create a TIMS NTSA Account

The Following Accounts Can be Created on NTSA TIMS Portal.

How to Create an Individual’s TIMS Account

Enter Your KRA Pin

How to Change NTSA TIMS Account Password

How to Reset NTSA Password for Individual

How to Change Your Phone Number On TIMS NTSA Portal

Requirements for Changing Individuals Phone Number on TIMS

Requirements for Companies

Requirements for Government Bodies

Share this:

How to Access the Kra Portal

Second Method of Accessing iTax Portal

How to Reset KRA Pin

Some Activities You Can Carry Out on Itax Portal

These Are Some of the Tax Obligations We Have;

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