The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has upgraded its Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) platform, aiming to “improve the taxpayer experience and simplify taxpayer services,” according to the Commissioner for Domestic Taxes.
These enhancements focus on streamlining onboarding, enhancing system flexibility, boosting efficiency, optimizing performance, and providing a more user-friendly interface.
A key improvement is the introduction of self-onboarding. “Taxpayers can now apply for any of the available eTIMS solutions without requiring intervention from KRA,” eliminating the previous need for KRA approval. A simple text message confirms a successful application.
Furthermore, eTIMS now allows for simultaneous use of different solutions. “Taxpayers using eTIMS Client as their primary invoicing solution can now add the online portal as a secondary invoicing option and vice versa,” removing the requirement for KRA approval to change devices or solutions.
The upgraded system also centralizes invoice access. “Taxpayers can access all invoices generated from different eTIMS solutions, such as eTIMS Client, System-to-System integration solutions (VSCU & OSCU), and the eCitizen portal through the online taxpayer portal.”
While each solution maintains its unique invoice sequence, credit notes must be generated within the originating solution. This synchronization ensures “accuracy and consistency of tax invoice data across platforms.”
For users of system-to-system integration, the upgrade provides increased flexibility. “Taxpayers using the system-to-system integration approach as their primary solution can now integrate with more than one third-party integrator,” allowing for the addition of secondary devices from different integrators via the online portal’s Device Management section.
These enhancements reflect KRA’s “commitment to leveraging technology to simplify tax compliance and ensure a seamless process for all taxpayers,” as stated by the Commissioner for Domestic Taxes.