Saudi businesses keep hearing about ZATCA Phase-2, integration, links, portals, thresholds… and suddenly everyone is nervous 😅
So let’s break it down the way business owners actually ask — simple, honest, and practical.
Q1: Is my accounting or ERP software required to be directly linked with ZATCA?
Short answer:
👉 Only if you are officially in ZATCA Phase-2.
Explanation:
- In Phase-1, your system must generate compliant electronic invoices (QR code, VAT details, etc.)
- In Phase-2, your system must integrate directly with ZATCA’s platform for invoice clearance and reporting.
ZATCA itself decides who enters Phase-2 and notifies the business officially.
Q2: How can I check whether my business is in Phase-1 or Phase-2?
This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is very important.
✔️ You do NOT self-declare Phase-2
✔️ ZATCA officially notifies you through their portal
If you haven’t received:
- An official ZATCA notification
- A Phase-2 integration deadline
- Access details or instructions in your ZATCA portal
👉 Then you are still in Phase-1
Q3: Does annual sales amount decide Phase-1 or Phase-2?
Indirectly — yes, but with conditions.
General understanding:
- Historically, Phase-2 started with large businesses
- Thresholds began around SAR 4 million+ annual revenue
- ZATCA is gradually lowering thresholds to include more businesses over time
⚠️ Important:
Even if your revenue grows, Phase-2 only applies after ZATCA officially flags you
Q4: We are a new business. Which phase applies to us?
✅ Almost always Phase-1
New businesses:
- Start with Phase-1 compliance
- Issue VAT invoices normally (if VAT-registered)
- Do NOT submit invoices to ZATCA in real time
ZATCA evaluates your activity after you start operating, not before.
Q5: We changed business activity under the same CR number. Does that affect ZATCA phase?
Great question — and very realistic.
Answer:
Changing business activity under the same CR does not automatically move you to Phase-2.
What matters:
- Actual reported revenue
- VAT registration status
- ZATCA’s internal assessment
If your previous business was closed and revenue didn’t meet VAT thresholds, ZATCA will reassess based on the new activity and future sales, not history alone.
Q6: If we issue VAT invoices regularly, does that mean we are Phase-2?
❌ No. This is a common misunderstanding.
- Issuing VAT invoices is mandatory for all VAT-registered businesses
- Phase-2 is about technical system integration, not VAT charging
You can:
✔️ Charge VAT
✔️ Issue compliant invoices
✔️ Submit VAT returns
…while still being Phase-1
Q7: Will ZATCA automatically connect our system once we reach a certain sales amount?
Nope 😄 ZATCA is not a mind reader.
Here’s how it actually works:
- You operate normally (Phase-1)
- Revenue grows
- ZATCA reviews eligible taxpayers
- ZATCA officially notifies selected businesses
- You receive integration instructions & deadline
- Phase-2 becomes mandatory
Until step 4 happens → you’re safe in Phase-1
Q8: Is it risky to prepare Phase-2 early?
Actually… it’s the smartest move 😉
Many professional businesses choose systems that:
- Are Phase-1 compliant today
- Are Phase-2 ready in the background
So when ZATCA sends the notification:
👉 No panic
👉 No system change
👉 No compliance rush
Just activation.
Q9: How fast can Phase-2 be activated once ZATCA notifies us?
If your software is already Phase-2 ready, activation is usually:
⏱️ 5–7 working days
This includes:
- ZATCA credential setup
- Sandbox testing
- Production integration
- Clearance flow validation
Q10: What is the safest recommendation for small and growing businesses?
💡 The “Safe Move” Strategy
- Stay fully Phase-1 compliant
- Use software that is Phase-2 ready
- Monitor official ZATCA notifications only
- Avoid panic decisions based on rumors or WhatsApp myths 😅
Final Thoughts (Boss-Level Summary 🧠)
- Phase-2 is mandatory only when ZATCA says so
- Revenue alone does not automatically trigger integration
- VAT charging ≠ Phase-2
- Smart businesses prepare quietly and activate when required
If your ERP or accounting system already supports both phases, you’re playing chess — not checkers ♟️

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