🧾 Common Mistakes in E-Invoicing and How to Avoid Them
As the e-invoicing system becomes mandatory in Saudi Arabia under the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), businesses must comply with the official requirements to avoid penalties. While using approved platforms like e-fatoora makes compliance easier, many users—especially during the early phases—fall into common mistakes that could lead to violations.
Here are the most frequent errors in e-invoicing and how you can avoid them:
1. ❌ Missing Mandatory Invoice Elements
Mistake: Issuing invoices without key required fields such as invoice number, date, VAT registration number, customer details, VAT amount, and QR code (for simplified invoices).
Solution: Use a smart platform like e-fatoora that automatically includes all mandatory elements as per ZATCA guidelines for both simplified and standard tax invoices.
2. ❌ Using Non-Compliant or Unregistered Software
Mistake: Issuing invoices through outdated or manual systems not approved by ZATCA.
Solution: Always choose a ZATCA-compliant and Phase 2-integrated solution like e-fatoora to ensure regulatory compliance.
3. ❌ Modifying or Backdating Invoices
Mistake: Manually editing invoices after issuance or changing the invoice date to a future/past time, which is not permitted.
Solution: Use systems that lock issued invoices and track any changes transparently for audit purposes, like e-fatoora.
4. ❌ Omitting the QR Code in Simplified Invoices
Mistake: Sending simplified invoices (for B2C transactions) without embedding the required QR code.
Solution: With e-fatoora, the QR code is generated automatically according to ZATCA’s technical standards.
5. ❌ Delaying the Delivery of Invoices to Clients
Mistake: Failing to send the invoice promptly to the customer or relying on manual delivery.
Solution: Send invoices directly via email or download them in PDF format through your invoicing system for instant delivery.
6. ❌ Ignoring ZATCA Regulatory and Technical Updates
Mistake: Not keeping up with updates from ZATCA, especially with the introduction of Phase 2 requirements.
Solution: Choose a solution like e-fatoora that automatically updates to comply with the latest regulatory changes.
✅ Final Advice
Using a trusted and approved e-invoicing solution like e-fatoora.com helps you avoid compliance risks, stay updated with ZATCA regulations, and issue fully valid e-invoices with ease.
📌 Ready to Issue Error-Free E-Invoices?
Start using e-fatoora today and enjoy hassle-free, ZATCA-compliant e-invoicing for your business.