eTIMS vs TIMS (Tax Invoice Management System): feature by feature
| eTIMS | TIMS (Tax Invoice Management System) | |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Active and expanding | Superseded by eTIMS |
| Introduced | 2023, rolling out across all sectors | 2021, limited rollout |
| Scope | All taxpayer types, VAT and non-VAT | Primarily large VAT traders |
| Device | Software, any device | Required physical control unit |
| API access | Full Daraja/eTIMS API | Limited API |
| Offline | Queue and sync | Dependent on device type |
How to choose
Choose eTIMS if
- Everyone. eTIMS is the current system and the only one KRA is onboarding to.
Choose TIMS (Tax Invoice Management System) if
- Nobody starting fresh. If you are on TIMS, plan your eTIMS migration with your provider.
More detail
The jump from TIMS to eTIMS was not cosmetic. eTIMS expanded scope (non-VAT businesses, new industries), made the device software-defined, and opened a full API so POS and accounting systems could integrate.
Businesses already on TIMS are being required to migrate. The migration is typically handled by your billing software or POS provider.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
What is the deadline to migrate from TIMS to eTIMS?
KRA communicates deadlines by sector. Check your eTIMS portal or confirm with your tax advisor for your specific timeline.
Will my old TIMS invoices still be valid?
Invoices issued on TIMS before migration are valid. Going forward, you must issue on eTIMS.
Veira combines POS, M-Pesa, KRA eTIMS and inventory in one app with a free terminal. Book a demo and see how it fits your trade.