Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) introduced eTIMS, a revolutionary software solution designed to simplify tax compliance for taxpayers.
With eTIMS, businesses can enjoy convenience, user-friendliness, and flexibility, as it can be accessed through various electronic devices, including computers and mobile phone apps.
By adopting eTIMS, Value Added Tax (VAT) registered businesses stand to gain numerous benefits.
“The primary objective is to reduce the cost of compliance. eTIMS offers real-time invoice transmission, ensuring accurate tax invoice declarations and reconciliation between filed returns and payments. Additionally, businesses can eliminate the need for multiple hardware purchases, streamlining their operations further,” KRA noted.
eTIMS is particularly beneficial for VAT-registered taxpayers who face challenges integrating with TIMS ETR devices, deal with bulk invoicing, or encounter capacity and performance issues with invoice transmission.
To get started with eTIMS, taxpayers need to download the eTIMS commitment form and fill it out appropriately.
Upon completing the form, they can proceed to the eTIMS portal. Once on the portal, the taxpayer must sign up and apply for their preferred software option.
The application will be processed by authorized KRA officers, who will conduct a KYT interview to understand the nature of the business, invoicing frequency, and access to computing devices and the internet.
Based on this information, the suitable software option will be determined and approved.
The onboarding process involves scheduling a date and time for the installation, configuration, and training on how to use the eTIMS software for invoicing purposes. It’s essential to note that KRA facilitates the onboarding process, not the ETR suppliers.
For taxpayers with automated billing/invoicing systems, eTIMS offers a system-to-system integration option. This integration can be achieved through an Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU) or Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU). The OSCU is suitable for entities with online invoicing systems, while the VSCU is designed for bulk invoicing entities that may not always operate online.
Taxpayers have the flexibility to choose self-integration or engage a certified third-party vendor to facilitate the process. Before commencing integration, individuals intending to self-integrate or act as third-party vendors must undergo a certification process. Technical specifications for OSCU and VSCU are available for those who select this option.
To get started with eTIMS, taxpayers can download and install the appropriate version based on their device from the provided links. There are various options, including eTIMS Multi-Paypoint for Windows, eTIMS Paypoint for Windows and Android, and eTIMS Lite for both VAT and non-VAT entities. Additionally, the online portal offers easy access for taxpayers.
With eTIMS, Kenya Revenue Authority aims to simplify tax compliance and provide a seamless experience for businesses, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and convenience for all taxpayers.