ZATCA announces the 16th wave under Phase 2 of Saudi Arabia’s e-invoicing system. VAT registered businesses that have an annual turnover exceeding SAR 3 million by 2022 or 2023 fall under wave 16. Businesses must incorporate their e-invoicing systems to the Fatoora platform prior to April 1st 2025.
Key requirements of phase 2
ZATCA’s Phase 2 brings the following enhancements to the electronic invoicing process:
Extra invoice fields to provide greater clarity and to ensure compliance.
Mandatory use of ZATCA compliant electronic invoice formats.
ZATCA ensures that businesses are informed at least six months prior to the integration deadlines to each of the waves.
Timeline of E-invoicing waves under phase 2
Below is a brief overview of the waves that were previously announced that will be followed by Wave 16:
Wave 1: (From January 1st 2023): Businesses that have a turnover of greater than SAR 3 billion by 2021.
Wave 2: (From July 1st 2023): Companies with a turnover between SAR 500 million and SAR 3 billion by 2021.
Wave 3: (From October 1st 2023):
Companies that have turnover that is between SAR 250 million and SAR 500 million by 2021 or 2022.
Wave 4: (From November 1st 2023): Businesses with an annual turnover between SAR 150 million and SAR 250 million. The years are 2021 or 2022.
Wave 5: (From 1 December 2023): Businesses that have a turnover of SAR 100 million and SAR 150 million by 2021 or 2022.
Wave 6: (From January 1st 2024):Companies with a turnover between SAR 70 million and SAR 100 million by 2021 or 2022.
Wave 7: (From February 1st 2024): The annual turnover of businesses should be between SAR 50 million and SAR 70 million by 2021 or 2022.
Wave 8: (From March 1st 2024): The turnover should be between SAR 40million and SAR 50 million by 2021 or 2022.
Wave 9: (From 1 June 2024): Businesses with turnover of between SAR 30 million and SAR 40 millions in 2021 or 2022.
Wave 10: (From 1 June 2024): Businesses with turnover of between SAR 25 million to SAR 30 million by 2022 or 2023.
Wave 11: (From 1 June 2024): Businesses with turnover of between SAR 15 million to SAR 25 million by 2022 or 2023.
Wave 12: (From 1 December 2024): Businesses with turnover of between SAR 10 million to SAR 15 million by 2022 or 2023.
Wave 13: (From January 1st 2025): Businesses with turnover between SAR 7 million and SAR 10 million by 2022 or 2023.
Wave 14: (From February 1st 2025): Businesses with turnover of between SAR 5,000,000 and SAR 7 million by 2022 or 2023.
Wave 15: (From March 1st 2025): The turnover should be between SAR 4,000,000 and SAR 5 million by 2022 or 2023.
The impact of phase 2
Phase two of Saudi Arabia’s e-invoicing program is an important step in the country’s journey to digital transformation. It’s intended to:
Promote economic development.
Improve transparency and protection of consumers.
Tax compliance is simplified for companies.
Success of phase 1
First phase was announced the day of December 4 2021 it brought important advantages:
Handwritten invoices are not acceptable.
Introduced e-invoicing solutions that are ZATCA compliant.
Mandated to include QR codes as well as other information on invoices.
Better tax compliance and greater awareness of taxpayers.
Conclusion
ZATCA continues its mission to develop the tax system in Saudi Arabia. Businesses need to implement ZATCA-compliant electronic invoice systems and meet deadlines. Wave 17 will also contribute to a more efficient, transparent and regulated business environment.