Saudi Arabia has approved amendments to the GCC Unified VAT Agreement, formalising a 5% minimum VAT rate across the Gulf and confirming Saudi Arabia's 15% and Bahrain's 10% rates. The reforms introduce a first‑port‑of‑entry model for import VAT, a VAT settlement mechanism for onward movements, and enhanced information sharing between GCC tax authorities.
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The Invoicing Hub · 2 months ago
Saudi Arabia has rolled out a comprehensive e‑invoicing mandate led by ZATCA, requiring all companies to issue and transmit electronic invoices via the Fatoora platform. The phased implementation includes mandatory clearance for B2B/B2G and e‑reporting for B2C, with progressive waves based on turnover thresholds. As of March 31, 2026, companies with annual turnover above SAR 750 000 must comply, with further thresholds set for June 2026.
Deloitte · 5 months ago
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has issued amendments to the VAT Implementing Regulations that clarify the responsibilities of electronic marketplaces and e-commerce platforms. The changes define when a marketplace is deemed to facilitate a supply and therefore liable for VAT, and introduce phased effective dates for compliance. Businesses operating in the Kingdom should review their operating models and contractual arrangements to ensure alignment with the updated framework.
EY · 6 months ago
ZATCA continues expanding Phase 2 e-invoicing integration throughout 2025, with Wave 24 covering businesses with turnover above SAR 375,000. Non-compliance penalties range from SAR 5,000 to SAR 50,000.
Marmin AI · 1 day ago
UAE e‑invoicing will give the Federal Tax Authority real‑time, invoice‑level visibility via the Peppol network, enabling automated matching of output and input VAT. The new system requires businesses to align VAT return timing with invoice transmission, ensure credit notes reference original invoices, and depend on suppliers’ successful transmission for input VAT recovery. Firms should update supplier agreements and reconcile monthly to avoid audit triggers.
Marmin · 3 days ago
The UAE's Cabinet Resolution 106 imposes escalating penalties for e‑invoicing non‑compliance, with specific deadlines for appointing an accredited service provider and implementing the system. Phase 1 businesses (annual revenue ≥AED 50 million) must appoint an ASP by 30 Oct 2026 and have the system live by 1 Jan 2027, while Phase 2 businesses face similar obligations by 1 Jul 2027. Penalties include AED 5 000 per month for missed appointments, AED 5 000 per month for delayed implementation, AED 100 per invoice outside the system (capped at AED 5 000/month), and AED 1 000 per day for unreported system failures.
Einvoicing · 3 days ago
UAE Ministry of Finance has extended the deadline for appointing an Accredited Service Provider (ASP) to 30 October 2026 for businesses with annual revenues of AED 50 million or more. The mandatory implementation of the UAE e‑invoicing system remains 1 January 2027 for that revenue bracket, while lower‑revenue businesses and government entities have separate deadlines. Businesses must prepare ERP readiness, XML invoice compliance, and VAT configuration ahead of the implementation dates.
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Key Takeaways
The minimum VAT rate is 5%.
Saudi Arabia has 15% and Bahrain has 10%.
Import VAT may be collected at the first GCC port of entry before being transferred to the destination member state.
Article 12 introduces a VAT settlement mechanism allowing VAT adjustment and recovery between member states.
Article 71 enhances tax authority information sharing, giving wider access to intra‑GCC supply data.
Primary source
Read the full article at VatCalcThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 19 June 2026. It relates to VAT developments in Saudi Arabia. The original source is VatCalc.
