KRA eTIMS for small shops: what it is and how to start
ShelfWise ·
eTIMS is KRA's electronic invoicing system. Many small business owners have heard they need it but aren't sure what to do. This guide explains it in plain words. It isn't tax advice: confirm your own situation with KRA or an accountant.
What eTIMS is
eTIMS (electronic Tax Invoice Management System) records your sales invoices with KRA as you issue them. KRA has extended it beyond VAT-registered businesses to other businesses too, and buyers who claim expenses for tax increasingly need invoices that were issued through eTIMS.
The free ways to use it
- eTIMS Lite on the web, through the KRA portal.
- eTIMS on USSD by dialling *222# from your phone.
- The eTIMS client software from KRA, for businesses with more invoices.
- Integration from accounting or POS software that KRA has approved, for high volumes.
Small businesses often start with eTIMS Lite or *222#, issuing invoices for the customers who ask for one, such as businesses buying from you.
How it fits with your POS
Your POS records every sale, your stock and your payments. eTIMS records invoices with KRA. Some POS systems submit invoices to eTIMS for you; many don't. ShelfWise doesn't submit invoices to KRA today, so ShelfWise users issue eTIMS invoices through KRA's own tools when needed, and use ShelfWise's sales reports and accountant export to keep the books.
Records to keep
- Every sale, with how it was paid (your POS does this).
- Expenses, with receipts and, where you can, eTIMS invoices from suppliers.
- Stock purchases and deliveries.
- A monthly profit and loss summary for your accountant.
Common questions
Does every small business in Kenya need eTIMS?
KRA has extended eTIMS to most businesses, including those not registered for VAT. Rules and deadlines change, so check the current requirements on kra.go.ke or with an accountant.
Does ShelfWise connect to KRA eTIMS?
No, not today. ShelfWise records sales and keeps your books; eTIMS invoices are issued through KRA's own tools.
Is eTIMS free?
KRA's own options (eTIMS Lite on the web, *222# USSD and the client software) are free to use.
Read next
- How to choose the best POS system for a small business in KenyaA checklist for choosing a POS in Kenya: M-Pesa matching, offline sales, stock control, phone or computer, Kiswahili, support, price and questions to ask every vendor.Read
- How much does a POS system cost in Kenya? (2026)What a POS system costs in Kenya in 2026: software per month, hardware you may need, setup and hidden costs, with examples for a duka, restaurant and salon.Read