On 10 May 2020, the Saudi Arabia Government has decided to raise value-added tax (VAT) from 5% to 15% on all goods and services as of July 2020. The government will also suspend the cost of living allowance from June as part of the austerity steps. The measures have taken to protect the economy and to overcome the global COVID-19 pandemic and its financial and economic effect with the least possible damage.
Related Posts
Canada, Saudi Arabia begin negotiations on income tax treaty
Canada and Saudi Arabia have launched negotiations on a bilateral income tax treaty, following an announcement by the Canadian Prime Minister's Office on 9 July 2026. This initiative was announced as part of a broader economic strategy to unlock
Read MoreSaudi Arabia: ZATCA extends fines, financial penalties exemption initiative
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced on 29 June 2026 the Minister of Finance’s decision to extend the "Cancellation of Fines and Exemption of Financial Penalties Initiative" for taxpayers subject to all tax
Read MoreBahrain ratifies tax treaty with Saudi Arabia
Bahrain issued Law (32) of 2026 on 14 June 2026, approving the ratification of the income tax treaty with Saudi Arabia. Signed on 3 December 2025, the provisions of the agreement apply to Bahrain corporate income tax as well as Saudi Zakat and
Read MoreSaudi Arabia: ZATCA issues reminder on May 2026 VAT return filing deadline
Saudi Arabia's Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), on 21 June 2026, reminded VAT-registered businesses with revenues from goods and services exceeding SAR 40 million to submit their VAT returns for May 2026 by 30 June 2026. ZATCA urged
Read MoreSaudi Arabia: Council of Ministers approves amendments to GCC unified VAT agreement
Saudi Arabia’s Council of Ministers has approved amendments to the GCC Unified VAT Agreement on covering cross-border supplies within the Gulf, VAT recovery mechanisms, import VAT collection, and the sharing of tax information between member state
Read MoreSaudi Arabia: ZATCA urges excise tax return filing deadline compliance
Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has urged establishments subject to excise tax to file their tax returns for March and April 2026, on a date no later than 31 May 2026. ZATCA has called on establishments to expedite filing their tax
Read More