eTIMS - What is etims and how to use it

KRA eTIMS

What is eTIMS?

eTIMS is an abrreviation electronic tax invoice management system. Essentially, eTIMS is a software solution run by KRA to ensure tax compliance. This system can be accessed through various electronic devices including computers and mobile phone Apps, making it more convenient, user-friendly and flexible for businesses to use. This system will also enable real time invoice transmission which will provide accuracy in tax invoice declarations and reconciliation between filed returns and payments. This will also eliminate the need for multiple hardware purchases for business entities.

You ca check out the Youtube video on how to sign up for eTIMS.

Who should use eTIMS?

VAT registered taxpayers who are yet to be onboarded and are facing challenges integrating with TIMS ETR devices.
Taxpayers dealing in bulk invoicing and facing capacity/performance issues with invoice transmission.
VAT registered taxpayers facing challenges integrating with TIMS ETR devices.

Onboarding on eTIMS

You are required to download the eTIMS commitment form, fill it appropriately before proceeding to the eTIMS portal.
You (the VAT taxpayer) signs up on the eTIMS portal & makes an application for the preferred software option. The taxpayer can only select one software option at any given time
Authorized KRA officers process the applications by conducting some due diligence through a KYT (Know Your Taxpayer) interview to determine the following:

Nature of business (service industry or supplies goods or both)
Frequency of invoicing
If the taxpayer has access to a computing device – computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone
If the taxpayer has access to internet

The information provided above will determine the software option suitable for the taxpayer and facilitate the approval processThe KRA officer schedules a date and time to install, configure and train the taxpayer on how to use the eTIMS software for purposes of invoicing

NOTE: The onboarding of taxpayers on eTIMS is being facilitated by KRA and not the ETR Suppliers

System to System Integration

This solution is designed for taxpayers with an automated billing/ invoicing system who need to integrate their billing/ invoicing system with Kenya Revenue Authority. The system-to-system integration is facilitated through an Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU) or Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU).

Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU) suitable for entities whose invoicing system operates online.
Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU) suitable for entities who undertake bulk invoicing and whose invoicing system does not always operate online.

Taxpayers have an option to undertake self-integration or use a certified third party vendor to facilitate the integration.Persons intending to undertake self-integration or act as third party vendors are required to undergo a certification process prior to commencement of integration. Taxpayers who select this option can access the technical specifications for OSCU and VSCU. . To sign up, visit the eTIMS portal. A step by step guide on how to sign up and technical Specification for the Trader Invoicing System (TIS) is also available for download.

How to Download eTims

You can download and install using any of the links below based on the device applicable to you.

Multi-Paypoint (Windows) Tooltip text
Paypoint (Windows). Tooltip text
Paypoint (Android). Tooltip text
Lite (VAT). Tooltip text
Lite (Non VAT). Tooltip text
You can also access the Online portal.