هل يحتاج متجرك الإلكتروني رقم ضريبي ومتى يكون ضروري

Sahl Sunday,29 Jun 2025

One of the most common questions received by e-commerce owners in Saudi Arabia is: "Do I need to obtain a tax number? Is it necessary for all stores?" Especially with the development of the digital market and increased regulation of e-commerce by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, the issue now requires precise clarification. In this blog, we will explain in a simplified manner when a tax number is mandatory, when you can proceed without one, and how to deal with government requirements in an easy and clear manner.
1. What is a tax number in the first place?
A tax number is a unique number granted to every establishment or institution registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) in Saudi Arabia. It is used to identify the establishment in commercial transactions, invoices, and government agencies. You could say it's like the official brand identity of your store to regulatory authorities.
2. Are all stores required to register for VAT?
Not all e-commerce stores require immediate registration. The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority has set a clear condition:
If your annual sales (income) exceed 375,000 Saudi Riyals, VAT registration becomes mandatory. If your sales are less than this amount, registration is "optional," but there are benefits to voluntary registration, which we'll explain shortly.
3. What happens if you ignore registration?
If you're required to register and you don't, you could face fines from the Zakat and Tax Authority, in addition to being in violation of the law. Fines can reach 10,000 riyals or more, depending on the case. Furthermore, many customers prefer officially registered stores because they view them as more reliable, especially if you sell wholesale or other companies deal with you.
4. When is a tax number useful, even if it's not mandatory?
Some business owners voluntarily register for VAT even if their sales are below the required threshold. Why? This gives the store a more official appearance and allows them to deduct the tax paid on their purchases from suppliers. This means that instead of paying tax without benefiting from it, you can deduct it from your tax returns if you're registered. 5. Steps to Register Your Store for Value Added Tax:
If you decide to register, the steps are easy and can be done online via the Zakat and Tax Authority website:
• Register on the Zakat and Tax Authority portal
• Enter your business information and commercial registration
• Submit a VAT registration application
• If approved, you will receive a tax number to use on your invoices and documents.
You must then start issuing accurate tax invoices to customers and submit tax returns every three months.
6. Important note for new store owners:
Even if your store is new and doesn't currently generate high income, keep track of your sales. If you're approaching the registration threshold (375,000 annually), prepare yourself and register before you exceed the threshold and encounter fines or complications. Having an accountant or accounting service can help you a lot.
A tax number isn't a burden on your store; it's a step towards professionalism and transparency. Having it gives customers greater confidence and keeps you compliant with the new Saudi regulations in the world of e-commerce. If you'd like to avoid the headache and build your online store systematically from the start, you can contact the Sahl team and we'll help you from the first step to the last, including setting up your store and integrating it with the Zakat and Tax Authority's requirements.