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Service
Last verified 8 Aug 2026 against KRA guidance
eTIMS is mandatory for every VAT-registered business in Kenya. We get you registered on the right platform - mobile app, web portal, or ERP integration - and make sure every invoice you issue passes KRA compliance. No portal confusion. No missed deadlines.
TPA s.86 e-invoice failure penalties (higher of 5% of the tax due, KES 100,000 for companies, or KES 10,000 for individuals, since 1 July 2026), and up to KES 100,000 per month for system non-integration after a written notice (TPA s.59A(5)) - separate from VAT penalties. KRA has been actively enforcing this since 2024.
What is included
KES 3,000 covers the full onboarding process - from choosing the right solution type through to issuing your first compliant invoice. No add-ons, no upsells.
Start onboardingChoose your eTIMS solution
Every business is different. We help you pick the right eTIMS solution for your size, volume, and existing setup - then get you registered and running.
Best for SMEs & sole proprietors
Free KRA mobile app for Android and iOS. No setup cost, no hardware. Issue eTIMS invoices directly from your phone with a few taps. Ideal if you issue fewer than 100 invoices per month and want the simplest possible path to compliance.
Best for businesses with a laptop or desktop
Browser-based eTIMS portal that works on any device with internet access. No installation required - log in, issue invoices, and manage your eTIMS account from any browser. Good for businesses that prefer working on a larger screen or have staff who share devices.
Best for large businesses with existing systems
Direct API integration between KRA eTIMS and your existing ERP, accounting software, or point-of-sale system. Invoices flow automatically from your system to KRA without manual double-entry. Requires technical setup but eliminates human error at scale.
Process
From first message to compliant invoicing - here is exactly how it works.
We ask a few questions about your business size, invoice volume, and existing systems so we can recommend the right eTIMS solution type.
We register you on your chosen eTIMS platform, configure your profile, and issue a test invoice to confirm KRA acceptance.
We verify your QR codes, walk your team through the system, and leave you with a compliance checklist so you never miss a requirement.
Smart VAT vs. doing it yourself
eTIMS setup looks simple on paper, but choosing the wrong solution type or missing a configuration step can mean invoices that fail compliance - and notices from KRA.
| Area | Smart VAT Kenya | Doing it yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Solution selection | Guided - we match you to the right platform | Self-assessment, often choose wrong and restart |
| Registration | Done for you in 1–2 days | Portal confusion, stuck at KRA help desk |
| Testing | Test invoice issued and verified before handoff | No testing - first invoice may fail compliance |
| Penalty risk | Flagged and mitigated upfront | Only discovered when KRA sends a notice |
| Staff training | 1 session included | Self-taught or paid separately |
| Price | KES 3,000 flat | KES 8,000–25,000 + hidden charges |
KES 3,000 - get eTIMS compliant today
Avoid the multi-million-shilling eTIMS penalties. We handle everything. M-PESA accepted.
Client feedback
“I had accumulated late filing penalties over three months - nearly KES 30,000. Smart VAT Kenya handled the waiver application and KRA waived everything except a small admin fee. Worth every shilling.”
Sarah W.
Retail Business, Nairobi
“I registered for VAT late and got hit with the KES 100,000 non-registration penalty. I thought I was going to have to pay it all. Their team drafted a solid waiver letter and KRA reduced it significantly.”
James M.
Wholesale Distributor, Mombasa
“The regular updates made the whole process stress-free. I didn't have to chase anyone - they kept me informed at every stage. My penalty was fully waived in 2 weeks.”
Grace K.
SME Owner, Nakuru
FAQ
eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System) is KRA's mandatory system for issuing electronic tax invoices in Kenya. If you are registered for VAT, you must issue eTIMS-compliant invoices for every sale to a registered person. A non-compliant invoice attracts the TPA s.86 penalty - since 1 July 2026, the higher of 5% of the tax due, KES 100,000 (companies), or KES 10,000 (individuals) - separate from any VAT penalties.
Yes. The eTIMS Mobile app is a free application published by KRA for Android and iOS. There is no cost to download or use it. Our KES 3,000 fee covers your registration, setup, test issuance, and staff training - not the app itself.
VAT registration gets you a VAT PIN on iTax. eTIMS onboarding sets up the system you use to issue compliant electronic invoices. If you have a VAT PIN but are not on eTIMS, you are non-compliant. We cover both - see our VAT registration page for the registration service.
Yes. KRA provides an API that can be integrated with most modern ERPs and accounting systems. We assess your current system and guide you through the integration process. Note that ERP integration may require developer resources on your side for the technical connection.
Most businesses are registered and issuing test invoices within 1–2 working days. ERP integrations take longer depending on your system's readiness. The staff guidance session is scheduled at your convenience after setup is complete.
Yes. Every onboarding includes a compliance check and one staff session. If you need ongoing support, we offer a monthly eTIMS compliance monitoring add-on (KES 1,500/month) that covers invoice audits, KRA notice responses, and deadline tracking.
Yes. KRA has been actively enforcing eTIMS compliance since 2024. The legal bases are the Tax Procedures Act - TPA s.86 (since the Finance Act 2026, the higher of 5% of the tax due, KES 100,000 for companies, or KES 10,000 for individuals, for e-invoice failure) and TPA s.59A(5) (up to KES 100,000 per month for failing to integrate a data-management system after written notice, for turnover above KES 5 million). These are distinct from late-filing or late-payment penalties. We have seen businesses receive these assessments firsthand - do not ignore eTIMS compliance.
No. If you prefer not to use the mobile app, you can use the eTIMS Lite web portal from any computer with internet access. If you need neither, ERP integration is available. We help you choose the right option during the consultation.
KES 3,000 flat. No hidden fees. No discovery call. Send us an email and we will have you issuing compliant eTIMS invoices within 1–2 days.
Start onboarding