Question 1

What is eTIMS?

Accepted Answer

eTIMS (Electronic Tax Invoice Management System) is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s platform for issuing, validating, and transmitting electronic tax invoices. It replaces manual or non-compliant invoicing for most businesses and connects your sales systems to KRA in real time or near real time.

Question 2

Who must use eTIMS in Kenya?

Accepted Answer

All persons carrying on business in Kenya are generally required to onboard eTIMS and issue electronic tax invoices, whether or not they are VAT-registered. Exemptions apply only where the law specifically provides.

Question 3

What happens if my invoices are not eTIMS-compliant?

Accepted Answer

From 1 January 2024, expenses not supported by valid eTIMS invoices are typically disallowed for income tax deductions. Non-compliance can also attract penalties, including fines and interest, under KRA regulations.

Question 4

Do I still need an ETR device if I use Advatech’s API integration?

Accepted Answer

Many businesses can comply through certified software or API integration connected to their ERP or POS without a standalone fiscal printer. Hardware ETR devices remain relevant for retailers who need a dedicated fiscal printer or Type A/B/C device. Advatech supports both API integration and approved Datecs ETR hardware.

Question 5

What invoice types does eTIMS support?

Accepted Answer

The KRA ecosystem supports standard tax invoices, credit notes, and debit notes, among others. Advatech’s integration transmits the appropriate document type based on your ERP/POS transaction.

Question 6

What is buyer-initiated invoicing?

Accepted Answer

Where a supplier is a small business (annual turnover not exceeding KES 5 million), the purchaser may issue a tax invoice on the supplier’s behalf via KRA’s Buyer Initiated Invoicing Solution on eCitizen, so the buyer can claim the expense.

Question 7

How does Advatech connect my ERP to eTIMS?

Accepted Answer

We use KRA-certified API integration tailored to your ERP or POS. After KYC and credential issuance, we map your invoice fields, test in a controlled environment, and go live with real-time or near real-time transmission to KRA.

Question 8

How long does integration take?

Accepted Answer

Typical timelines range from one week for urgent/simple setups to 2 to 4 weeks for standard ERP integrations, depending on API readiness, data quality, and KRA registration status. Complex custom ERP work may take longer.

Question 9

Will integration disrupt my daily sales?

Accepted Answer

We aim for zero-downtime cutover: parallel testing, staff training, and go-live during a low-traffic window. AdvaPOS deployments (web, desktop, and mobile) are often pre-configured before hardware reaches your premises.

Question 10

What are the steps from enquiry to go-live?

Accepted Answer

(1) Submit KYC form, (2) needs assessment and proposal, (3) authority registration and API credentials, (4) ERP/POS configuration and UAT, (5) training and go-live, (6) ongoing support and updates.

Question 11

Can you integrate with our existing custom software?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our team builds custom REST connectors for in-house systems. We assess API documentation, authentication, and invoice field mapping during the technical discovery step.

Question 12

Do you help with KRA registration and PIN verification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We guide you through eTIMS onboarding, device or OSCU registration as applicable, and validate buyer/supplier PINs to reduce transmission errors.

Question 13

How is eTIMS integration priced?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on ERP/POS type, branch count, monthly invoice volume, and whether you need hardware, software (AdvaPOS), or API-only integration. We provide a scoped quote after KYC; there is no one-size-fits-all public price list.

Question 14

Is there a setup fee and ongoing fee?

Accepted Answer

Most projects include a one-time setup/integration fee and an ongoing support or subscription component. AdvaPOS uses custom quote tiers (Starter/Growth/Enterprise) on advapos.com.

Question 15

Are there KRA charges separate from Advatech fees?

Accepted Answer

KRA may have its own requirements or costs related to registration or devices. We clarify third-party costs during onboarding.

Question 16

Do you offer pricing for multi-branch businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multi-branch and multi-country rollouts are quoted based on outlet count, invoice volume, and integration complexity.

Question 17

Is the AdvaPOS mobile app priced separately?

Accepted Answer

No. AdvaPOS is one subscription product covering web, desktop, and mobile access. Standalone ERP API integration is quoted separately if you do not use AdvaPOS.

Question 18

Which ERP and POS systems do you support?

Accepted Answer

Sage (50, 200, Evolution), QuickBooks (Desktop and Online), Odoo, SAP (Business One / S/4), Tally, Pastel, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle NetSuite, and custom systems via REST API.

Question 19

Does my ERP need an open API?

Accepted Answer

An accessible API or integration module speeds delivery. If none exists, we evaluate file-based bridges or custom middleware; scope and timeline are confirmed in technical discovery.

Question 20

Is data encrypted in transit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Advatech integrations use encrypted channels between your environment and KRA/authority endpoints, following certified connector requirements.

Question 21

What server environments are supported?

Accepted Answer

Cloud/SaaS, on-premise Windows or Linux, and hybrid deployments. We align with your IT policy and ERP hosting model.

Question 22

What uptime does Advatech target for the integration layer?

Accepted Answer

We target 99.9% availability for managed cloud integration services (subject to contract terms).

Question 23

Can I test before go-live?

Accepted Answer

Yes. User acceptance testing against an authority test or sandbox environment (where available) is part of our standard methodology.

Question 24

Which countries does Advatech support for tax integration?

Accepted Answer

Kenya (eTIMS), Tanzania (TRA VFD), and Rwanda (RRA EBM) are live. Uganda (URA EFRIS) is in inaugural launch. Zambia (ZRA) and Zimbabwe (ZIMRA) are coming soon.

Question 25

Is Uganda’s URA integration available now?

Accepted Answer

Uganda EFRIS integration is in inaugural launch. Early adopters can register interest via our KYC form; contact us for current onboarding slots.

Question 26

What is TRA VFD in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

TRA’s Virtual Fiscal Device (VFD) programme requires electronic fiscalisation of sales for VAT-registered businesses in Tanzania. Advatech provides integration aligned with TRA requirements.

Question 27

What is RRA EBM in Rwanda?

Accepted Answer

The Rwanda Revenue Authority’s Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) system mandates electronic invoicing for registered taxpayers. Advatech supports RRA-compliant integration for businesses operating in Rwanda.

Question 28

Can one group operate across Kenya and Tanzania with one provider?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Advatech operates regionally from Nairobi with hubs in Uganda and Tanzania and can coordinate multi-country compliance projects.

Question 29

What information do I need for KYC?

Accepted Answer

Business legal name, KRA PIN / tax ID, registration number, industry, branches, contact person, current ERP/POS, estimated invoice volume, and integration countries required. See /kyc for the full wizard.

Question 30

How quickly will you contact me after KYC submission?

Accepted Answer

Our eTIMS team aims to respond within one business day. Urgent compliance deadlines flagged in the form are prioritised.

Question 31

Who receives my KYC application?

Accepted Answer

Submissions go to integrations@advatech.co.ke with developer@advatech.co.ke copied. You receive a branded confirmation email immediately.

Question 32

Is my data kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Information is used only for integration assessment and regulatory onboarding, handled under applicable data protection laws including Kenya’s Data Protection Act 2019.

eTIMS & Tax
Integration FAQs

eTIMS General

Integration Process

Pricing

Technical

Regional

KYC & Onboarding

eTIMS & Tax
Integration FAQs

eTIMS General

Integration Process

Pricing

Technical

Regional

KYC & Onboarding

eTIMS & TaxIntegration FAQs

eTIMS General

Integration Process

Pricing

Technical

Regional

KYC & Onboarding

eTIMS & TaxIntegration FAQs

eTIMS General

Integration Process

Pricing

Technical

Regional

KYC & Onboarding

eTIMS & Tax
Integration FAQs

eTIMS & Tax
Integration FAQs