Mwash Cyber

If you run a business in Kenya, you’ve likely heard about eTIMS—the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) electronic tax invoice system. While it might sound technical, generating compliant invoices is easier than you think, especially with eTIMS Lite on the eCitizen platform.

Whether you’re a small trader, a freelancer, or a non-VAT registered business, this guide will walk you through every step. By the end, you’ll be creating and sharing tax-compliant invoices in just a few minutes.

Let’s dive in.

What is eTIMS and Why Use eCitizen?

eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System) is KRA’s web-based solution for issuing digital tax invoices. Since January 1, 2024, these invoices are mandatory for claiming business expenses under Kenyan tax law.

eTIMS Lite, available through the eCitizen portal, is a free, simplified version designed for businesses with fewer transactions. It works on any device—laptop, tablet, or smartphone—making it perfect for small-scale traders and service providers who want to stay compliant without extra costs.

Why eCitizen? It’s already where millions of Kenyans access government services. No new software to install. No monthly fees. Just log in and start invoicing.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Before generating your first invoice, gather these essentials:

• ✅ A valid KRA PIN (for your business or as an individual)
• ✅ An eCitizen account linked to that PIN
• ✅ Internet access (stable connection recommended)
• ✅ Customer details (including their KRA PIN if available)

New to eCitizen? Sign up at ecitizen.go.ke using your ID number or email. Follow the prompts to verify your account via OTP.

Step-by-Step Guide: Generate eTIMS Invoices on eCitizen

Step 1: Log In to eCitizen

Open your browser and go to ecitizen.go.ke or ecitizen.kra.go.ke.

Click “Sign In” and enter your credentials (ID number or email + password). If it’s your first time, select “Sign Up” and complete registration with OTP verification.

Step 2: Access the KRA Services Dashboard

Once logged in:

• Scroll down to the “Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)” section.
• Click on it.
• You may be asked to log in again via KRA’s OAuth screen—choose whether you’re logging in as an individual or a company.

Step 3: Initialize eTIMS

On the KRA dashboard:

• Click “Invoicing (eTIMS)” from the left-hand menu.
• If this is your first time:
• Check the boxes to agree to Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
• Click “Activate e-Invoicing.”
• You’ll see a confirmation: “Invoicing Successfully Activated.”

You’re now ready to create invoices!

Step 4: Create or Select a Customer

In the eTIMS dashboard:

• Click “Sales” → “Invoice.”
• Choose your transaction type:
• B2B (Business-to-Business)
• B2C (Business-to-Customer)

Now add a customer:

• If they’re new: Click “Add New,” enter their KRA PIN, and validate it. The system auto-fills their details.
• If they don’t have a KRA PIN: Select “Manual” and input their name and contact info.
• Click “Add” to save them to your list.
• Select the customer for this invoice.

Step 5: Generate Your eTIMS Invoice

Now fill in the invoice details:

• Add products/services sold—include descriptions, quantities, and prices.
• Specify payment method (M-Pesa, cash, etc.) and any notes.
• Confirm tax type (usually “D” for non-VAT taxpayers).

💡 Double-check everything before saving!

Click:

• “Save” to generate the invoice.
• Or “Save and Send” to email it directly to the customer.
• You can also download it as a PDF.

Step 6: Verify and Share

Once saved:
✅ The invoice is transmitted to KRA in real-time.
✅ You receive an invoice number.
✅ A QR code appears for easy verification.

Share with your customer via email or print a copy if needed.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

Tip	Why It Matters
Double-check all details	Avoid errors that could delay compliance
Use stable internet	Real-time transmission requires reliable connectivity
Keep your profile updated	Prevents login issues
Need help?	Call KRA support at 020 499 9999 or visit a local office

Benefits of Using eTIMS on eCitizen

Still wondering if it’s worth it? Here’s what you gain:

• ✅ Effortless Compliance – Meet KRA requirements without stress
• ✅ Time-Saving Automation – No more manual paperwork
• ✅ Completely Free – Unlike third-party invoicing tools
• ✅ Access Anywhere – From any device with internet

Conclusion

Generating eTIMS invoices through eCitizen isn’t just about following rules—it’s about making your business operations smoother and more professional. With this simple guide, you can create tax-compliant invoices in minutes from anywhere.

The deadline for full compliance has passed, but it’s never too late to get started. Embrace eTIMS Lite today—and take control of your invoicing with confidence.

Have questions or run into issues? Drop them in the comments below—we’re here to help!

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