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What is ETR (Electronic Tax Register)?

ETR (Electronic Tax Register) was Kenya's tax compliance system that required VAT-registered businesses to issue receipts through a dedicated electronic device. Introduced in the 1990s and mandatory until 2024, it has been replaced by eTIMS, a software-based system.

A real Kenyan example

A retail shop in Nairobi used an ETR machine to print a sequential receipt on every sale, showing the date, amount, tax, and machine serial number. This proved the sale was recorded for KRA.

Why it matters

Understanding ETR clarifies Kenya's transition from hardware-based to software-based tax compliance. The word ETR is still used colloquially to mean a compliant electronic tax receipt, whether it comes from old hardware or new eTIMS software.

How Veira helps

Veira POS makes ETR machines obsolete by filing eTIMS invoices directly from a phone, tablet, or free terminal. You get compliant receipts without buying dedicated hardware.

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FAQs

Is ETR still required?
No, eTIMS replaced it in 2024. The requirement to issue compliant electronic tax receipts remains; the technology changed.
Do I have an old ETR machine?
If VAT-registered before 2024, possibly. First-generation machines are no longer compliant because invoices must transmit to KRA in real time.
What does ETR stand for?
Electronic Tax Register. The register is the system; the receipt is the document it produces.
Is ETR the same as eTIMS?
No. ETR was the old hardware system. eTIMS is the current software system that issues and transmits invoices to KRA.
Why did Kenya switch?
Software-based eTIMS is more flexible, works offline, and runs on devices you already own instead of requiring dedicated hardware.

Related terms

eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System)ETR ReceiptETR MachineVAT Invoice

See all 34 terms