Paying taxes can be hard to understand, especially when there are new systems to learn. One of the newest systems is called eTIMS, which stands for Electronic Tax Invoice Management System. This system helps businesses and people in Kenya to create tax invoices online. You can now do this easily using eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen.
Let’s break everything down step by step, so even if you are new to it, you will understand how to use it.
What Is eTIMS?
eTIMS is short for Electronic Tax Invoice Management System. It is a tool created by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This tool helps people and businesses make tax invoices quickly and safely online. Before, you had to use special devices to make tax invoices. Now, with eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen, you only need a computer, tablet, or even your smartphone.
With eTIMS, you can:
- Create invoices
- Make credit notes
- Send invoices to customers
- Save invoices for records
It is very helpful, especially for people running businesses who want to follow tax rules easily.
The Difference Between TIMS and eTIMS
Before there was eTIMS, there was another system called TIMS. Both help in tax invoice management, but they are different in some ways.
- TIMS was a device-based system. That means you had to buy a machine to use it.
- eTIMS is web-based. You do not need to buy anything extra. You only need to log in to your eCitizen account and start working.
eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen are more modern and user-friendly than the old system.
Who Should Use eTIMS?
Many people and businesses in Kenya must now use eTIMS. If you sell products or offer services, you probably need to register and use the system.
Here’s who must use eTIMS:
Businesses and Companies
- Big and small businesses
- Companies
- Partnerships
- Sole proprietors
Individuals
- People earning money through business
- Landlords who get monthly rent (Monthly Rental Income or MRI)
- People in the informal sector (like market sellers or small shop owners)
Even if you do not pay VAT (Value Added Tax), you still have to use eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen. For example, hospitals, schools, travel companies, and NGOs also need to register and issue invoices using the system.
Are Some People Exempt?
Yes, not everyone must use eTIMS. If you are a non-resident person or business that only offers digital services, you do not have to use the eTIMS system. However, you still must send a normal receipt or invoice to show the tax charged.
What Are the Different eTIMS Options?
There are many ways to use eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen. Here are the choices:
eTIMS Lite (Web)
This is a simple online version. It is best for small businesses with just a few invoices. You can use it by logging into your eCitizen account.
eTIMS Lite (USSD)
This is used by dialing *222#. It is made for individuals and sole proprietors. It is very easy to use and does not need internet access.
Online Portal
This version is for service businesses that do not sell goods. You can use it directly on the web.
eTIMS Client
This is downloadable software for businesses that sell products or both goods and services. It is great for companies with many branches or cashier tills.
Virtual Sales Control Unit (VSCU)
This is a smart option for businesses with very high sales or bulk invoicing. It connects the business’s system directly to eTIMS.
Online Sales Control Unit (OSCU)
This is like the VSCU, but it works with businesses that already use online invoicing systems.
All these options are designed to make eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen easy for every kind of user.
How to Register (Onboard) on eTIMS Lite
Getting started on eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Open your internet browser and go to the KRA eCitizen portal.
- If you already have an eCitizen account, sign in. If not, sign up for a new account.
- Choose to get an OTP (One-Time Password) by email or phone.
- Enter the OTP you receive to move to the next step.
- You will be taken to the eTIMS page.
- Click the “Invoicing (eTIMS)” button.
- Check the boxes to agree with the terms and conditions.
- Click “Activate E-Invoicing.”
You are now ready to create eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen.
How to Make an Invoice on eTIMS Lite (Web)
Now that you are registered, here is how you create an invoice using the web version:
- Log in to your eCitizen account.
- Click on “Sales.”
- Click on “Invoice.”
- Choose if the invoice is:
- Business to Business
- Business to Customer
- You can upload your business logo (this is optional).
- Choose a customer or add a new one by clicking “Add New.”
- If the customer has a KRA PIN, the system will show their details.
- Select the customer and their info will appear.
- Make sure the tax type is D (Non-VAT).
- You can add a note or a due date (optional).
- Click “Add Item” to add products or services.
- Fill in the product/service name, description, price, and quantity.
- Check that everything is correct.
- Add any payment terms and choose a payment method.
- Scroll up and save the invoice.
You can choose:
- Save to download it
- Save and Send to email it directly to your customer
This process makes eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen very simple.
Using USSD to Create Invoices
If you do not have internet, you can still use eTIMS by dialing *222#. This is very helpful for small businesses or people in remote areas.
To Create a Sales Invoice:
- Dial *222#
- Choose option 5 (Tax Payment – KRA)
- Select option 2 (Sales Invoice)
- Enter your ID number
- Enter your year of birth
- Agree to the terms and conditions
- You will get a confirmation message
Enter Invoice Details:
- Choose option 2 (Sales Invoice)
- Enter customer info (name or PIN)
- Add product/service info
- Enter quantity and price
- Confirm everything by selecting option 1
- You will get an SMS with the invoice number and a link to the invoice
Creating a Credit Note:
- Dial *222#
- Choose option 3 (Credit Note)
- Enter the eTIMS invoice number
- Confirm or go back if needed
- You will get an SMS with a link to the credit note
This USSD version is fast and easy, and you do not need data or a smart device. It is one of the easiest ways to use eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen.
Benefits of Using eTIMS
Using eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen comes with many advantages:
- It is free to use
- You do not need to buy any device
- Easy to use on mobile phones, tablets, or computers
- Works even for small businesses
- You can track and save all your invoices
- You follow KRA rules and avoid penalties
Whether you run a shop, offer services, or rent out houses, this tool will help you manage your taxes easily and correctly.
Where To Get Help
If you get stuck or have questions, you can contact KRA’s eTIMS support team.
Phone Numbers:
- 0709 016 995
- 0709 017 719
- 0709 017 731
- 0709 017 718
- 0709 017 724
- 0709 017 735
Email:
Office Address:
- TIMS Operations Unit, 8th Floor, JKUAT Towers, Kenyatta Avenue
Final Thoughts
In today’s world, moving to digital systems makes life easier. The Kenya Revenue Authority has done a good job in making tax payment simple and fast. Whether you use the web version or USSD code, eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen is a helpful tool for every Kenyan who needs to deal with taxes.
If you are running a business, big or small, start using eTIMS today. It helps you stay organized, follow the rules, and avoid getting into trouble. You do not need to be a tech expert. Just follow the steps in this guide, and you will be good to go. For more easy travel and lifestyle guides like this, visit Travel With Bony.
Travel With Bony makes your everyday tasks, including tax and travel, simple and fun to learn. We hope this guide on eTIMS Invoices On eCitizen helped you understand the process better.