ZATCA: August 31 Deadline for July VAT Returns

Establishments registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) in Saudi Arabia whose annual supplies of goods and services exceed SAR 40 million have until 31 August 2026 to submit and pay their monthly VAT return for July 2026. Filing is completed electronically only.

The deadline follows the standard rule that VAT returns must be filed and paid by the last day of the month following the end of the tax period. Larger establishments file monthly, while businesses with annual supplies of SAR 40 million or less continue to submit quarterly returns; the second-quarter 2026 return (April–June) was due by 31 July 2026.

Returns are submitted through the tax authority's electronic portal via the taxpayer's online account, or through its mobile application. This obligation is not handled through Absher, Muqeem, Qiwa, Najiz, Nafath, Tawakkalna, or other government platforms — only the tax authority's e-services portal and app.

Penalties and the 2026 amnesty

Late submission of a VAT return carries an administrative fine ranging from 5% to 25% of the tax that should have been declared, depending on the length and circumstances of the delay. Late payment carries a separate penalty of 5% of the unpaid amount for every month or part of a month the tax remains outstanding.

A "Cancellation of Fines and Exemption of Financial Penalties" initiative remains in effect during 2026. It was extended for six months starting 1 July 2026 and runs through 31 December 2026. The initiative covers penalties for late registration, late payment, late filing, and certain VAT return corrections and e-invoicing violations — excluding tax evasion and some other fines. To benefit, taxpayers must be registered with the tax authority. Meeting the August deadline helps businesses avoid fines and stay compliant.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving