RIYADH (The Thursday Times) — Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has reminded businesses that they have until 31 October to file their latest value-added tax (VAT) returns, warning that late filing could bring penalties of between 5 and 25 per cent of the tax due.
The deadline applies to September VAT returns for larger businesses and third-quarter returns for smaller ones, depending on the annual value of goods and services a business supplies. Businesses with annual supplies exceeding SR40 million ($10.67 million) must submit their September 2026 returns by 31 October, while those with annual supplies of SR40 million or less must file their third-quarter returns by the same date.
ZATCA urged both categories of businesses to complete their filings and settle any tax due before the deadline, and encouraged them to use its smartphone application to submit returns and make payments promptly. The authority said the penalties for late filing, ranging from 5 to 25 per cent of the tax amount that should have been declared, apply specifically to delays in submission.
VAT is an indirect tax applied to most goods and services bought and sold by businesses in Saudi Arabia, subject to certain exceptions. Businesses seeking help with their VAT filings can contact ZATCA by phone on 19993, available around the clock, through its X account @Zatca_Care, by email at info@zatca.gov.sa, or via its website.∎
