By Akinyi Winiefred, Media Management
Uganda Revenue Authority has introduced a desktop application and Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) to be used as alternative invoicing methods to enable seamless issuance of e-invoices and e-receipts to clients.
The new platforms have been developed to support Value Added Tax (VAT) registered taxpayers who are not designated to use the system-to-system invoicing method. The desktop application will enable taxpayers who cannot afford EFDs to also use the Electronic Fiscal Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS).
Similarly, the fiscal devices have been equipped to support both online and offline invoicing modes. Taxpayers can acquire these from Rank Consult (U) Limited, the accredited supplier located at SMS House 7th Street Industrial Area at a cost UGX 1,100,000 each.
According to Ibrahim Bbossa the Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs URA, the Authority has secured some free EFDs that will be given to taxpayers on a first come first serve basis. To benefit from this, taxpayers can visit the URA EFRIS office located at Kampala Boulevard building Level 1.
He advises the intended beneficiaries to embrace the alternative methods to avoid inconveniences associated with non-compliance.
Furthermore, Bbossa urges the public to purchase from businesses that issue e-receipts. “We encourage the public to buy goods and services from businesses that issue e-invoices or e-receipts. An e-invoice or e-receipt is proof that the tax paid will be accounted for by taxpayers and remitted to the consolidated fund for national development,” he says.
To access the desktop application, the taxpayer downloads the EFRIS software from the URA web portal and installs it on a computer.
For the Desktop Application,visit the URA web portal http://ura.go.ug, click e-Invoicing menu and under Downloads, select Application (Software), go to Windows Desktop Application, download the application and install it on your device.
To apply for EFD, visit the URA web portal http://ura.go.ug, click e-Invoicing menu, log into your account and select Device Management>>Device Application and submit your application. You will be notified by mail and SMS to collect your device (s) from the supplier after processing the application.
An Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD)is a point of sale (POS) machineauthenticated by URA to be used by a taxpayer to issue e-invoices or e-receipts in real time.
EFDs eliminate the risk of losing transaction records, enable seamless issuance of e-invoices both on and offline, track and authenticate business transactions in real time. For customers, the devices issue e-receipts which are proof that the tax paid will be accounted for and remitted to the consolidated fund for national development.
The devices were introduced in the financial year 2021/2022 to provide taxpayers with an alternative platform to facilitate their usage of EFRIS. Other platforms include the desktop option, system-to-system connections, USSD code and Electronic Dispenser Codes.
For more information on EFRIS visit, https://thetaxman.ura.go.ug/electronic-fiscal-receipting-and-invoicing-solution/
