The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has listed different solutions for taxpayers while issuing clarifications on the implementation of the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS), following the concerns raised by Kenyans.
KRA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes in a statement on March 20, 2024, noted that it has taken note of feedback shared through various media platforms regarding the implementation of the eTIMS.
“At KRA, we welcome feedback from the public and are open to continuous dialogue with a view to enhance efficiency, service delivery and implementation of initiatives that promote continuous improvement,” read part of the statement.
First, the revenue authority sort to shed light on concerns raised by Kenyans with regard to the confidentiality of information in the implementation of eTIMS.
The authority highlighted that the details captured in the invoices are transaction details that are normally captured in any invoice/receipt issued to a customer and need not include confidential information of taxpayers.
“KRA upholds the confidentiality of all information transmitted in line with the provisions of the Tax Procedures Act, 2015,” the statement adds.
The revenue authority further stated that it availed various solutions for businesspersons seeking to un-board TIMS, tailored to suit specific needs of the users. Furthermore, all eTIMS solutions have the capability to issue credit notes.
eTIMS Solutions
These solutions include TIMS Lite, available for non-VAT registered taxpayers with minimal transactions, and whose services can be accessed through the KRA Website via eCitizen portal on www.ecitizen.kra.go.ke or the USSD invoicing solution on *222#.
In addition, KRA noted that the development of a mobile App solution is also currently ongoing.
Also Read: KRA Explains New Way to Register for eTIMS as Deadline Approaches
On the other hand, KRA has the eTIMS online portal solution which is tailored for taxpayers who are exclusively in the service sector is a web application accessible through a browser.
The eTIMS client solution on its part according to KRA is a downloadable software designed for taxpayers dealing in goods or both goods and services.
This software supports multiple branches and pay points or cashier tills. The solutions available here include TIMS Windows pay point, TIMS Android and TIMS Windows multi pay point.
TIMS Windows pay point according to KRA is suitable for taxpayers selling goods at a single location with a single pay point/cashier till.
“TIMS Windows multi pay point suitable for taxpayers selling goods and having multiple locations and pay points/cashier tills and TIMS Android-suitable for taxpayers with minimal transactions It is accessible on tablets, smartphones and PDA devices,” the statement added.
KRA Provides extra solutions
Another solution listed by the Authority is the TIMS system-to-system integration which provides integration of existing business invoicing system to eTIMS as opposed to having a separate invoicing system.
Also Read: Why Kenyan MPs Want Same Tax System Across East Africa
According to the authority, the integration can either be through Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU) or Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU).
VSCU is a solution that enables seamless system-to- system integration between the taxpayer’s invoicing/ERP system and eTIMS, catering to taxpayers with extensive transactions or bulk invoicing.
OSCU on the other hand is a solution which facilitates system-to-system integration between the taxpayer’s invoicing/ERP system and eTIMS. KRA noted that this solution is ideal for taxpayers using an online invoicing system.
“Taxpayers have the option of self-integration by employing their internal resources to integrate their hilling system to TIMS VSCU OSCU. They can also use the authorized third-party integrators,” KRA noted.
eTIMS is a software that was launched by KRA as a solution for taxpayers to submit their invoices electronically.
The authority further added that it is available to guide the public on the solutions suitable for their businesses and to support them with the onboarding process.
