FAQs

Why should a person in business onboard eTIMS, issue eTIMS compliant tax invoices and what are the consequences of not issuing an eTIMS compliant tax invoice?

  1. The requirement to onboard eTIMS and issue eTIMS compliant invoices is anchored in law.
  2. With effect from 1st January 2024, any person making deductions for business expenditure such as purchases and other business costs for income tax purposes is required to support such expenditure with a valid electronic tax invoice.
  3. Failure to issue TIMS ETR or eTIMS compliant tax invoices to your customers will deny them the ability to claim the expense when filing their income tax returns for periods commencing 1st January 2024.

NB: However, some valid business costs such as emoluments, imports, investment allowances, interest and air passenger ticketing have been excluded from the requirement of being supported by an eTIMS invoice.

Is there a charge for obtaining the eTIMS software?

No.

The eTIMS software is offered free of charge by KRA, i.e. the online portal and eTIMS client software.

However, businesses that are integrating their invoicing system directly to eTIMS may incur costs if they opt to partner with one of the approved 3rd party integrators, as opposed to self-integration

What are the options available to onboard onto eTIMS?

  1. Online portal – this is a web based portal suitable for taxpayers providing services only.
  2. eTIMS client – this is a downloadable software suitable for taxpayers dealing in goods or both goods and services. The software can accommodate multiple branches and pay points/cashier tills.
  3. Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU) – is a solution that allows for a system to system integration between the taxpayer’s invoicing/ERP system and eTIMS. It is suitable for taxpayers with numerous transactions/bulk invoicing.
  4. Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU) – is a solution that also allows for a system to system integration between the taxpayer’s invoicing/ERP system and eTIMS. It is suitable for taxpayers using an online invoicing system.

How do I onboard on eTIMS?

Step 1:      Go to the eTIMS Taxpayer Portal etims.kra.go.ke

Step 2:      Click on the Sign-Up button and input your PIN.

Step 3:      One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to your iTax registered mobile number.

Step 4:      Input the OTP sent to your registered mobile number on the sign up page and you will be     prompted to create a password for your    profile.

Step 5:      Log in to the eTIMS taxpayer portal using your User ID (KRA PIN) and the password created during sign up.

Step 6:      Click on the Service Request button and select your preferred eTIMS software solution listed under the “eTIMS Type menu.

Step 7:      Upload the following documents:

A copy of the National ID of:

  1. At least one of the directors for Companies
  2. At least one of the partners for Partnerships
  3. The business owner for sole proprietorships
  4. Duly filled Commitment form

Step 8:      Submit your application. An authorized KRA officer will verify the application and approve as appropriate.

 

 Install and configure the eTIMS software on the preferred device:

-For self-installation, one can access the ‘Step by Step guides’  .

-Taxpayers can also visit the nearest KRA office for assistance.

What should I do if I get an error message when I input my PIN during sign up?

If you input your PIN and get an error message, kindly email timsupport@kra.go.ke  for assistance

What should I do if I do not receive the One Time Password (OTP) during sign up?

  1. Confirm that you have access to your iTax registered mobile number. If not, you will be required to update your mobile number through your iTax profile in order to complete the sign up process.
  2. Activate promotional messages on your mobile phone in order to receive the OTP.

In case I forget my password, how can I retrieve it?

Reset your password on the eTIMS Portal by clicking on the link “Forgot password”.

Can I use the same electronic device to install the eTIMS software for different companies?

No.

The eTIMS client software can only be installed on one device per taxpayer, for those selling goods.

However, for taxpayers supplying services only, the online portal is accessible on any device since it is a web-based solution.

Does eTIMS provide for stock management?

Yes.

It is available for persons supplying goods. The eTIMS software supports stock management for both sales (outgoing stock) and purchases (incoming stock). The stock management modules are configured during installation of the software.

 

Is it possible to integrate my billing system with eTIMS?

Yes.

It is possible through a system to system integration. This integration is possible via the Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU) or Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU).

 

KRA has appointed 3rd party integrators to facilitate the integration process for taxpayers. The list of approved 3rd party integrators is available on the KRA website.

 

How can one be certified as an eTIMS third-party integrator?

Information on how a person can be certified as a 3rd party integrator or as a self-integrator is available on the KRA website under the eTIMS menu.

Is it possible to re-install the eTIMS client software from one device to another?

Yes.

  1. It is possible. However, you will be required to visit the nearest KRA office for assistance. The following will be required:
  2. In case the device was stolen, provide the Occurrence Book (OB) report from a police station confirming theft of the device.
  3. In case the device malfunctioned, provide a job card from a qualified technician confirming the malfunction.
  4. In any other case such as software upgrade or change of device, provide relevant supporting documents.

Does one require internet connectivity to invoice through eTIMS?

-For the online solutions, i.e. online portal and Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU), a stable internet connection is required to generate invoices.

-For the other solutions i.e. eTIMS Client and VSCU, in case of internet downtime, the solutions will allow you to continue generating tax invoices.  However, once your internet connection is restored and is stable, the generated invoices will be transmitted to KRA.

How can one verify whether an electronic tax invoice is valid?

  1. Scan the QR code.
  2. Input the invoice number on the " Invoice number checker " menu on the iTax portal

Can I appoint a representative to onboard me on eTIMS?

Yes.

You can appoint a suitable representative to sign up and install the eTIMS solution on your behalf.

 The following is required:

  1. An introductory letter, signed by at least one of the directors or partner or business owner clearly indicating who has been appointed as the tax representative and their role in the business. Include your contact information, in case a KRA official will need to contact you.

  2. The director(s) or partner(s) or owner of the business should fill in and sign the eTIMS Acknowledgement &Commitment Form 

  3. Copy of the director's/partner’s/owner’s national ID.

  4. Copy of CR12 form for companies or Partnership Deed for Partnerships.

The above documents should be uploaded by the representative on the eTIMS portal.

Where can I get more information about eTIMS?

You can either:

  1. Visit the KRA website and access the eTIMS menu 
  2. Send a Direct Message (DM) via Facebook or Twitter using the official KRA pages.
  3. Visit the nearest KRA office

What is the purpose of migrating ledger balances from the Legacy System to iTax?

The migration of the ledger balances aims to consolidate taxpayer records and provides the taxpayer with a continuous and complete view of the ledger

How can I view my migrated ledger balances?

Taxpayers can validate their migrated ledger balances by reviewing their iTax Legacy Account available in the Taxpayers’ iTax profile in the General Ledger under the ‘Account Type’ Menu

What are the steps for validating and reconciling migrated Legacy balances?

Taxpayers should -

  1. Write to their Tax Service Office (TSO) detailing periods of contention and attaching supporting documents.
  2. The authorized officer will review the documentation; validate the ledger balances, and recommend corrections where necessary.
  3. Final approval for corrections will be granted by relevant approving officers and the taxpayer will be notified of the adjustments made via their iTax registered email

I made payments during the transition period which have not been updated in my ledger. How do I ensure they are correctly captured in the migrated balances?

Submit to your TSO the reconciliation requests, Payment Registration Number (PRN) slips, bank confirmation letters, and other relevant payment evidence. These documents will assist in validating the date and amount of payments for updating the ledger