Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has issued a renewed call to businesses and taxpayers across the Kingdom to meet their tax obligations ahead of critical filing deadlines this month. With the February 28 cutoff for Value Added Tax returns fast approaching, ZATCA is urging all registered entities to ensure their declarations are accurate, timely, and fully compliant with national regulations.
February Deadlines at a Glance
The authority confirmed two major deadlines for the current filing period. The first, which applied to Withholding Tax on payments made to non-resident entities during January 2026, fell on February 10. The second and more widely relevant deadline concerns VAT returns for the month of January, which must be submitted and settled no later than February 28.
Both deadlines apply to a broad spectrum of businesses operating in Saudi Arabia, from large multinational corporations to small and medium enterprises registered under the VAT system. ZATCA has stressed that late submissions may trigger penalties under the Kingdom’s tax enforcement framework, which has been progressively tightened in recent years as part of broader economic reforms.
Digital Filing and the Fatoora Platform
In keeping with Saudi Arabia’s push toward digital governance under Vision 2030, ZATCA has encouraged all taxpayers to use its electronic portal for filing returns. The authority’s Fatoora e-invoicing platform, launched in 2021, continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s tax modernization strategy, enabling real-time tracking and management of invoices across all sectors.
The platform has significantly reduced the administrative burden on businesses while improving transparency and compliance rates. ZATCA has noted that integration with existing enterprise resource planning and point-of-sale systems remains a priority, with ongoing technical support available through its official channels.
Strengthening the Kingdom’s Tax Infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s tax ecosystem has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The introduction of the 15 percent VAT rate, combined with stricter enforcement mechanisms and digital infrastructure, has positioned the Kingdom as a regional leader in fiscal governance. ZATCA’s role extends beyond collection, encompassing education, outreach, and the facilitation of a business-friendly regulatory environment.
The authority regularly communicates with taxpayers through social media, its official website, and direct notifications to ensure deadlines are not missed. For businesses seeking assistance, ZATCA’s customer service line at 19993 operates around the clock.
As Saudi Arabia continues to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment, a transparent and efficient tax system remains central to the Kingdom’s strategic objectives. Meeting this month’s filing deadlines is not merely a regulatory requirement but a reflection of the broader commitment to fiscal discipline that underpins the nation’s economic vision.
