What Happens to a Dead Person’s KRA PIN? New Deregistration Guide Breaks It Down
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has released a step-by-step guide to help families and legal representatives deregister the tax PIN of a deceased person. This move provides clarity for a process that often leaves grieving Kenyans feeling confused and uncertain about how to proceed.
Many families remain unaware that they must formally update and close a deceased relative’s tax records through the KRA. This requirement includes deregistering the PIN and settling any outstanding tax obligations before the authority can fully close the deceased’s affairs.
According to the KRA, deregistration is a mandatory administrative step that families must complete following a death. This ensures that the taxman updates its records and that the estate continues to be managed in accordance with the law. The authority confirmed that a legal representative, the executor of an estate, a court-appointed administrator, or a family member with legal authorization can initiate the process.
The KRA clarified that all applications to deregister a deceased person’s PIN must come from a legally recognized individual to maintain accountability and ensure proper estate administration. “Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. During this time of grief, administrative tasks may feel overwhelming. When someone passes away, their KRA PIN needs to be deregistered,” the authority stated.
The process requires several specific documents, with a certified copy of the death certificate serving as the primary official proof of passing. Other necessary paperwork includes a copy of the Will, if one exists, and a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration issued by the High Court. Families must also provide a Gazette Notice listing the authorized administrators and a valid identification document for the representative handling the application.
For estates that have already been registered and assigned their own tax identification, the KRA requires proof of that registration during the application. This step is particularly vital for larger estates that involve multiple properties, diverse assets, or various financial accounts, as it allows the taxman to transition the tax burden from the individual to the estate itself.
Once applicants gather the necessary paperwork, they can submit the request online via the iTax portal or visit any KRA office nationwide. The authority offers both channels to accommodate different needs and varying levels of digital literacy. For those choosing the digital route, the online process follows a specific sequence of steps.
First, the representative logs into the iTax portal using their credentials and navigates to the “Registration” menu to select the “E-cancellation” option. From there, the user selects “Obligations” and decides whether to cancel the entire PIN or specific tax categories like VAT or PAYE. The system then requires the applicant to provide a reason for the request, where they should select “Death” from the available options.
After selecting the reason, the user must upload the supporting documents, such as the death certificate and letters of administration.
Once the details are reviewed and the request is submitted, the KRA begins a verification process that may take up to 60 days. The applicant will receive an official confirmation via their registered email address as soon as the taxman successfully finalizes the deregistration.
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