How to Generate an eTIMS Invoice on eCitizen (2026)
Short answer: Sign in at eCitizen, open the KRA service, choose Invoicing (eTIMS), activate e-invoicing if this is your first visit, create the customer and item records, then create and confirm the sales invoice. Download the completed receipt only after the system generates its eTIMS details.
Step-by-Step
1. Sign in to the official eCitizen portal
Open ecitizen.go.ke or the KRA eCitizen service and sign in with the account connected to the taxpayer. Avoid links in unsolicited messages; confirm the government domain before entering credentials.
2. Open KRA and select Invoicing (eTIMS)
Enter the Kenya Revenue Authority service, open the Invoicing (eTIMS) module, and select the relevant taxpayer or business profile.
3. Activate e-invoicing
First-time users should review the declarations shown by the module, tick the required confirmations, and choose Activate E-Invoicing. Complete any identity or phone verification requested by eCitizen.
4. Create or select the customer
Add the buyer name and contact details. For a business purchase, capture the buyer's KRA PIN accurately so the invoice can support the buyer's records.
5. Create or select the item or service
Use a clear description, quantity, unit price, and the tax treatment that applies to the supply. Do not guess a VAT category when the treatment is uncertain.
6. Review and confirm the invoice
Check the seller, buyer, item lines, payment method, totals, and tax before confirming. A submitted invoice should be corrected through the proper credit-note workflow rather than edited informally.
7. Download and share the receipt
Open the completed invoice and download the PDF or receipt. Confirm that the generated document contains the eTIMS reference details and QR code before treating it as the final tax invoice.
What You Need Before You Start
- ✓An active eCitizen account for the taxpayer or authorized business user.
- ✓The correct KRA PIN and access to the phone or email used for verification.
- ✓The buyer's name and KRA PIN when the buyer needs a business invoice.
- ✓A clear description of each good or service, quantity, price, and correct tax treatment.
- ✓A reliable connection long enough to confirm submission and obtain the final receipt.
eCitizen vs the eTIMS Taxpayer Portal
| Route | Typical user | Best for | Official access |
|---|---|---|---|
| eCitizen eTIMS invoicing | Individuals and eligible small businesses | Activation and straightforward web invoicing | ecitizen.go.ke / ecitizen.kra.go.ke |
| eTIMS Taxpayer Portal | Taxpayers using KRA's portal workflow | Portal registration, solution management, and invoice history | etims.kra.go.ke |
| eTIMS Lite USSD | Individuals and sole proprietors | Basic-phone access and simple invoices | Dial *222#, then KRA Services |
| OSCU-connected software | Businesses wanting a faster operational workflow | Reusable items, PDFs, retries, records, and team workflows | Use a KRA-integrated provider |
Practical note: These routes all serve KRA invoicing, but their screens and eligibility are not identical. Follow the channel attached to your taxpayer profile and tax status.
How to Download the eTIMS Invoice PDF
After confirming the transaction, open the invoice or receipt record and use the download action provided by the eCitizen module. Save the PDF with a filename that lets you match it to the buyer and your internal invoice record.
Before sharing it, inspect the business identity, buyer details, line items, total, invoice reference, and QR code. A locally designed PDF without the returned KRA details is not a substitute for the completed electronic invoice.
Common eCitizen eTIMS Problems
Invoicing module is missing
Confirm that you opened the correct KRA service and taxpayer profile. First-time users may need to activate e-invoicing before invoice menus appear.
Buyer PIN is rejected
Check every character against the buyer's PIN certificate or KRA PIN Checker. Do not substitute an ID number for a KRA PIN.
Wrong tax treatment
Pause and verify whether the supply is standard-rated, zero-rated, exempt, reduced-rate, or outside your VAT obligation. Tax status depends on the supply and the seller.
Invoice submitted with a mistake
Do not create an unexplained duplicate. Locate the original transaction and use the supported credit-note or correction flow.
When a Dedicated eTIMS App Makes More Sense
The eCitizen workflow is useful for occasional invoices. A business issuing invoices every day may need saved customers and items, status visibility, automatic retry when KRA is unavailable, consistent PDFs, and easier WhatsApp sharing.
An OSCU-connected application can provide that operating layer while still transmitting the invoice to KRA. Compare workflow, support, data export, correction handling, and transparent pricing before choosing a provider.
Official KRA Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access eTIMS on eCitizen?
Sign in to eCitizen, open the Kenya Revenue Authority service, and select Invoicing (eTIMS). If it is your first visit, complete the Activate E-Invoicing step shown in the module.
Can I download an eTIMS invoice from eCitizen?
Yes. KRA's current eCitizen guidance includes invoice generation and receipt download. Open the completed invoice record and use its download action.
Can I generate an eTIMS invoice using *222#?
KRA lists eTIMS Lite USSD through *222# under KRA Services for individuals and sole proprietors. The web and USSD screens differ, so use the guide for your chosen channel.
Is eCitizen eTIMS for VAT-registered businesses?
KRA describes the simplified eTIMS Lite channels as tailored to non-VAT small and micro taxpayers. A VAT-registered business should confirm the solution assigned to its profile rather than assuming the Lite route applies.
What if I entered the wrong details on an eTIMS invoice?
If the invoice has already been submitted, use the supported credit-note or correction process connected to the original invoice. Do not simply delete the record or issue an unexplained duplicate.
Last reviewed: July 2026. This guide summarizes current public KRA information and is not tax or legal advice. Confirm unusual cases with KRA or a qualified tax professional.