Troubleshooting & FAQ
This guide helps you solve common problems and answers frequently asked questions about C-Tax.
Login Issues
I can’t log in
Check these first:
- Is your email address correct? (Watch for typos)
- Is your password correct? (Check Caps Lock)
- Is your account active? (Contact administrator if unsure)
Try these solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Forgot password | Click “Forgot Password” on login page |
| Account locked | Wait 15-30 minutes, or contact admin |
| Wrong email | Verify correct email with your admin |
| New account | Check email for activation link |
2FA code not working
- Check the time - Is your phone’s time correct? (Set to automatic)
- Use fresh code - Codes change every 30 seconds
- Correct account - Make sure you’re using the C-Tax entry
- Use recovery code - If still failing, use a recovery code
Account says “Pending Approval”
Your account needs administrator approval:
- Wait for your admin to approve your registration
- You’ll receive an email when approved
- Contact your administrator if waiting too long
Account says “Suspended”
Contact your administrator immediately:
- This may be due to security concerns
- Policy violations
- Billing issues (for company accounts)
Transaction Problems
Sale won’t submit
Check these:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Missing fields | Fill in all required fields |
| Invalid item | Ensure item is synced with KRA |
| Branch not selected | Select correct branch |
| Device offline | Check device status |
Still not working?
- Save a screenshot of any error
- Try refreshing the page
- Contact support with details
Transaction stuck on “Pending”
Wait a few minutes first - Processing can take time.
If still pending after 5-10 minutes:
- Check your internet connection
- Try the Sync button
- Check if the VSCU device is online
- Contact administrator if it persists
Transaction failed
- Note the error message - This tells you what went wrong
- Check common issues:
| Error Message | Meaning | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| ”Device offline” | VSCU not connected | Wait or contact admin |
| ”Invalid TIN” | Customer TIN wrong | Verify TIN number |
| ”Item not found” | Item not synced | Sync items |
| ”Connection timeout” | Network issue | Check internet, retry |
- Retry if possible - Look for retry button
- Contact support - If you can’t resolve it
Receipt won’t print
-
Check printer:
- Is it turned on?
- Is it connected?
- Is there paper?
-
Try printing again:
- Refresh the receipt page
- Click Print button
- Try Ctrl+P shortcut
-
Browser issues:
- Try a different browser
- Clear browser cache
- Disable popup blocker
Wrong amount on transaction
If not yet submitted:
- Edit the transaction before submitting
- Correct quantities, prices, or items
If already submitted:
- Cannot edit completed transactions
- Create a credit note to reverse (for sales)
- Consult your accountant for proper procedure
Item Problems
Can’t find item when creating sale
-
Search correctly:
- Try item code
- Try part of item name
- Check spelling
-
Check item status:
- Is the item Active?
- Is it synced with KRA?
- Is it in your branch?
-
Item may need to be created:
- Ask someone with permission to add it
- Or add it yourself if you have access
Item won’t sync with KRA
- Check all required fields are filled
- Verify classification codes
- Try manual sync
- Contact administrator
Branch and Device Issues
Can’t see my branch
- Check the branch selector
- Your access may be limited to certain branches
- Contact administrator to verify access
Device showing “Offline”
Contact your administrator - device issues require technical support.
What you can try:
- Refresh the page
- Wait a few minutes
- Report the issue
”No device configured” error
The branch doesn’t have a VSCU device set up:
- Contact your administrator
- They need to configure and initialize the device
- You cannot process transactions until fixed
Performance Issues
System running slow
-
Check your internet:
- Test connection speed
- Try other websites
- Restart router if needed
-
Browser fixes:
- Refresh the page (F5)
- Clear browser cache
- Close unused tabs
- Try different browser
-
System status:
- Check if others have same issue
- May be system maintenance
Page not loading
-
Check your internet connection
-
Try refreshing (F5 or Ctrl+R)
-
Clear browser cache:
- Chrome: Ctrl+Shift+Delete
- Firefox: Ctrl+Shift+Delete
- Safari: Cmd+Shift+Delete
-
Try different browser
-
Contact support if persistent
Data not updating
- Refresh the page
- Check the sync status
- Try manual sync
- Clear browser cache
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Q: What browsers does C-Tax support? A: Modern versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. We recommend Chrome for best experience.
Q: Can I use C-Tax on my phone? A: Yes, C-Tax is mobile-friendly, though a larger screen is recommended for data entry.
Q: Is my data backed up? A: Yes, C-Tax maintains secure backups of all data.
Q: Who can see my transactions? A: Users in your organization with appropriate permissions. Transactions are also submitted to KRA.
Account Questions
Q: How do I get an account? A: Contact your company administrator to create an account for you.
Q: Can I have multiple accounts? A: Typically one account per person. Contact your admin if you need access for different roles.
Q: What happens if I leave the company? A: Your administrator should deactivate your account. Historical records are maintained.
Transaction Questions
Q: Can I edit a completed transaction? A: No, completed transactions cannot be edited. Use credit notes for corrections.
Q: How long are transactions stored? A: Indefinitely, for compliance and audit purposes.
Q: What is the QR code on receipts? A: It allows verification of the transaction with KRA.
Q: Can I delete a transaction? A: No, all transactions are permanent records.
Technical Questions
Q: What is a VSCU device? A: Virtual Sales Control Unit - the device that connects to KRA for tax compliance.
Q: Why do items need classification codes? A: KRA requires items to be categorized for tax purposes.
Q: What does “Sync with KRA” mean? A: It updates data between C-Tax and the KRA eTIMS system.
Troubleshooting Questions
Q: Why do I see different data than my colleague? A: Check if you have the same branch selected and similar filters applied.
Q: Why are some menu items missing? A: Your role determines what you can access. See User Roles.
Q: Why can’t I create purchases? A: Only Owner, Admin, and Accountant roles can create purchases.
Error Messages Explained
| Error | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ”Unauthorized” | Not logged in or session expired | Log in again |
| ”Forbidden” | No permission for this action | Contact admin |
| ”Not Found” | Page or item doesn’t exist | Check URL or search |
| ”Server Error” | System problem | Wait and retry, or contact support |
| ”Validation Error” | Input data incorrect | Check and fix the highlighted fields |
| ”Connection Error” | Network problem | Check internet, retry |
| ”Device Error” | VSCU issue | Contact administrator |
Getting More Help
Before Contacting Support
Gather this information:
- What were you trying to do?
- What error message did you see? (Screenshot if possible)
- When did it happen?
- What branch were you using?
- Can you reproduce the issue?
Contact Options
| Channel | Best For |
|---|---|
| Email (support@c-tax.ke) | Detailed issues, non-urgent |
| Phone (+254 700 000 000) | Urgent issues |
| Quick questions | |
| Your Administrator | Access issues, company-specific questions |
Support Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (EAT) Emergency support available for critical issues.
What Support Can Help With
- System errors and bugs
- Account access issues
- Transaction problems
- Feature questions
- Training requests
What Support Cannot Help With
- KRA policy questions (contact KRA)
- Your company’s internal processes
- Changing company business information
Preventive Tips
Avoid Common Issues
| Practice | Prevents |
|---|---|
| Log out when done | Unauthorized access |
| Check branch before transactions | Wrong branch entries |
| Review before submitting | Data errors |
| Keep browser updated | Compatibility issues |
| Note reference numbers | Lost transaction records |
Daily Habits
- Check for failed transactions
- Review pending items
- Read new notices
- Clear completed tasks
Weekly Habits
- Review transaction history
- Verify totals match expectations
- Update any pending items
- Check for system updates
Still need help? Contact support at support@c-tax.ke or call +254 700 000 000