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The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) introduced the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTims) in 2023, marking a significant shift in the way businesses handle tax invoices.
eTims in kenya is now mandatory for all businesses , including those not registered for VAT, to generate and transmit their invoices electronically.
This guide provides a detailed overview of eTims, including its various solutions, benefits, and a step-by-step process for registration and usage to ensure compliance with Kenyan tax regulations.
Table of Contents
What is eTims?
eTims stands for Electronic Tax Invoice Management System, a software solution developed to transition businesses from traditional paper invoicing to digital invoicing.
This system aims to enhance accuracy, security, and record-keeping by integrating seamlessly with KRA systems, thereby making tax filing more efficient and reducing errors.
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Types of eTims Solutions
KRA offers several eTims solutions to cater to different business needs:
- eTIMS Lite (Web): A web-based application that allows businesses to generate e-invoices through a browser without the need for software downloads. This solution is ideal for businesses that are frequently on the move.
- eTIMS Lite (USSD): A mobile solution leveraging USSD technology for basic e-invoice generation, suitable for micro-businesses and areas with limited internet access.
- eTIMS Taxpayer Portal: A central hub for managing eTims accounts and monitoring e-invoice activities.
- eTIMS Client: Downloadable software for desktop users, providing comprehensive functionalities.
- Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU): Designed for businesses with high transaction volumes, offering web-based management of e-invoices (Kenya Revenue Authority) (Kenya Revenue Authority).
Benefits of Using eTims
Embracing eTims offers numerous advantages:
- Enhanced Record Keeping: eTims provides a centralized hub for electronic invoices, aiding in organized record-keeping, sales tracking, and informed decision-making.
- Flexibility: With multiple solutions catering to different business needs, eTims is adaptable for both small startups and large corporations.
- Simplified Tax Compliance: eTims eliminates manual data entry errors and ensures secure storage of all invoices for easy access during tax filing.
- Attracting New Business: Utilizing eTims showcases a commitment to transparency and ethical practices, which can build trust and attract new clients.
- Potential Tax Deductions: Using eTims may qualify businesses for certain tax deductions. Professional tax advice is recommended to explore these potential benefits.
How to Register for eTims in Kenya
Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for eTims:
- Access the eTims Taxpayer Portal
- Visit the eTims portal.
- Sign Up for an Account
- Click “Sign Up” and enter your KRA PIN.
- Verify using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Create a strong password.
- Log In to Your Account
- Use your KRA PIN and password to log in at the portal’s homepage.
- Select Your Preferred eTims Solution
- Navigate to “Service Request” and choose from the listed eTims solutions that best fit your business needs.
- Complete Registration
- Submit the necessary business documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation.
- Review and submit your application to the KRA for approval.
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Generating Invoices with eTims
General Process for eTims Lite (Web)
- Access Your eTims Account
- Log in via the chosen eTims solution (eTims Taxpayer Portal or Client application).
- Invoice Generation
- Navigate to the invoice generation section.
- Enter necessary details such as customer information, invoice, and product/service details.
- Generate and Save Invoice
- Click “Generate Invoice” or “Save Invoice.”
- Options may include saving as a PDF or directly sending electronically.
Printing eTims Invoices
While eTims prioritizes digital invoicing, physical copies might be necessary at times:
- Web-Based Solutions: Generate and preview the invoice. Use direct print options or save the invoice as a PDF and print from a PDF reader.
- Desktop Applications: Generate the invoice and use built-in printing functions or export as a PDF for printing.
- Mobile Solutions: Printing directly from mobile solutions like eTims Lite (USSD) may not be feasible.
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Conclusion
Implementing eTims is a crucial step towards digital transformation in tax processes. Though it may require initial adjustments, the long-term benefits such as efficiency, compliance, and business growth are substantial. For additional assistance, contact KRA eTims customer care at on : +254 20 4 999 999 or +254 711 099 999; Email on [email protected] or visit the KRA website.
For more detailed information on eTims and its implementation, refer to the KRA’s dedicated eTims page (Kenya Revenue Authority)
Content has been generated by Marsha Creatives