ZATCA overview
What ZATCA e-invoicing is, how Phase 1 and Phase 2 differ, and how Vite Invoice handles both in the free plugin.
ZATCA is the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of Saudi Arabia. Its e-invoicing rules, also known as FATOORA, set what a tax invoice must show and, in Phase 2, how it is sent to ZATCA.
Vite Invoice supports both phases in the free plugin. You don't need Pro for ZATCA.
Phase 1 and Phase 2 at a glance
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it adds | Bilingual tax invoice wording and the ZATCA QR code | Signed XML, onboarding with ZATCA, reporting and clearance |
| Connection to ZATCA | None | Yes, through the Fatoora platform |
| What you set up | Seller legal name and VAT number | Seller address, device unit, tax mapping and onboarding with a one-time code |
| Guide | ZATCA Phase 1 | ZATCA Phase 2 |
Phase 2 builds on Phase 1, so you always switch on Phase 1 first.
Two kinds of invoice
ZATCA has two kinds of tax invoice. Vite Invoice picks the right one for each order:
- Simplified Tax Invoice (B2C): for consumers. This is what most orders get.
- Tax Invoice, also called Standard (B2B): for a buyer who gives a VAT number. See Buyer VAT number.
In Phase 2, the two are handled differently:
- A Simplified invoice is signed and reported to ZATCA within 24 hours. The customer gets it straight away.
- A Standard invoice must be cleared by ZATCA first. Vite Invoice holds it back from the buyer until ZATCA clears it.
Where to find it
All ZATCA settings are on Vite Invoice → Compliance. The page has two tabs:
- Settings: the Phase 1 card, ZATCA e-invoice (Phase 1), and the Phase 2 card, ZATCA e-invoice (Phase 2).
- Invoices: the documents reported to or cleared by ZATCA in Phase 2, with their status.
The Documents page also has a ZATCA e-invoice card that opens the Compliance page.
Before you start
- ZATCA is off by default. Nothing changes on your invoices until you switch it on.
- Invoices issued before you switch it on are never changed. They never get a QR code later.
- Which taxpayers must comply, and from when, is decided by ZATCA. Check ZATCA's current requirements for your business.
- For Phase 2, always test in the Sandbox and Simulation environments before you go live.
Warning: Vite Invoice gives you the tools for ZATCA e-invoicing. It does not decide whether your business is compliant. Check the result with ZATCA, and ask a tax adviser if you are unsure.
Credit notes
Pro: Credit notes are a Pro document. On a store with ZATCA switched on, Pro's credit notes are bilingual and carry the ZATCA QR code, and in Phase 2 they are reported or cleared like invoices. See More documents.
Next steps
- Switch on Phase 1.
- If you sell to businesses, set up the buyer VAT number.
- When you are ready to connect to ZATCA, set up Phase 2.