Frequently Asked Questions
Please feel free to use the contact form on the right for anything not covered in the FAQ below!
What is TIMS anyway?
TIMS stands for Tax Invoice Management System and is introduced by Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to gather tax data from all VAT-registered tax payers in the country.
TIMS comes as an upgrade and update of the already existing Fiscal Tax Devices system that was introduced by KRA back in 2004.
The big difference between TIMS and FISCAL systems is that with the new system all tax relevant data from retail receipts, commercial invoices etc will be uploaded on a near real time basis to KRA’s online Tax Servers.
In contrast, the old FISCAL system did not have online capabilities and only used local secure memory to keep tax data for auditing purposes.
You can find more details in our article Intoduction to KRA’s TIMS System!
Why should I care about TIMS?
TIMS is obligatory for all Kenyan tax payers under the authority of KRA.
If you are a VAT registered Tax Payer in Retail sector (selling goods or services to end users) or in Business to Business sector (selling goods or services to other businesses) you will have to introduce into your business a TIMS-approved device to comply with the new regulations.
As a Tax Payer you should take care to comply with the new regulations by consulting appropriate and knowledgeable enterprises who will guide you into the appropriate TIMS certified device your business needs.
What is a Middleware Device?
Middleware, as the name implies, is a TIMS-certified device that sits between your business and KRA Tax Server.
The Middleware device replaces all ETR and ESD devices used in old Fiscal System.
There are three types of Middleware:
Type A Middleware is a device that sits between your Cash Register and TIMS Server
Type B Middleware is a device that sits between your POS Retail system and TIMS Server
Type C Middleware is a device that sits between your Accounting Computers and TIMS Server
But I already have an ETR / ESD in my business!
Unfortunately, the existing fiscal devices do not have the hardware and software capabilities required by TIMS specifications.
TIMS Middleware carry very strict security features both in hardware and software and is fully capable of connecting to Internet. Such features are lacking almost entirely from existing fiscal devices.
Upgrading an existing old Fiscal ETR or ESD therefore, even if possible in theory, will cost much more than getting the new Middleware type prescribed for your type of business.
I want to get involved in selling Middleware devices. Can you help?
Absolutely!
TEVIN is a European Manufacturer of all types of Middleware Devices.
We are registered and certified by KRA and can appoint local Supplier Companies for our products.
A Supplier will place orders direct to the factory, import and stock Middleware Units as a master distributor in Kenya.
Because of its direct relationship with the factory, a Supplier needs to be adequately capitalized to be able to perform its commercial functions as an importer.
If you wish to engage in commercial activities but prefer to deal in Kenyan Shillings with low quantities, then you can become a Value Added Reseller (VAR) under a local Supplier.
TEVIN has appointed One Source Solutions Limited as its first Supplier, with more coming up soon.
You can contact One Source Solutions and discuss with them placing orders as a VAR.
We are a Corporate with complex IT. Can you help with our TIMS compliance?
Most definitely yes!
Our Supplier, One Source Solutions Limited, has years of experience in designing solutions, installing and maintaining fiscal systems for large corporates like KPLC!
TEVIN stands behind its products and Suppliers and a dedicated developers team to advise and handle even the most complex issues.
Together, TEVIN and One Source Solutions, will make your company’s transition to the new system as smooth and efficient as possible.
Contact as now by filling the form on the right: we’ll be happy to work with you!
We are a Software House. Can you help us to upgrade?
Absolutely!
Our success as manufacturers of Type B and C Middleware depends on adapting your software to connect with our devices.
We stand behind you in every step of the way by giving you an easy to implement API requests list for TIMS compliance using TEVIN Type B/C Middleware.
Of course, we don’t stop at just a simple documentation. Our developers are available to provide support, answer questions and explain the system.
Further to that, we provide you with an online emulator, a cloud service which behaves exactly like our devices for your development tests and quality assurance.
Don’t hesitate: fill the form to the right and contact us!
Any Other question?
You can Contact Us here!