ZATCA introduces new option to calculate VAT on used cars

ZATCA emphasized certain conditions for employing the profit margin method to calculate VAT such as the car being classified as a “qualified used car” by the administration and previously used within the country. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 02 July 2023
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ZATCA introduces new option to calculate VAT on used cars

RIYADH: Secondhand car business in Saudi Arabia can expect huge relief with the government introducing a new taxation method that reduces the value-added tax on the sale of used vehicles. 

The Kingdom’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority on Sunday introduced a new option to calculate VAT on the profit margin of qualified used cars instead of the sale price, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

This initiative specifically caters to individuals involved in the car trading business, including authorized agencies and registered car showrooms under the authority’s VAT regulations, subject to specific criteria. 

The authority emphasized certain conditions for employing the profit margin method such as the car being classified as a “qualified used car” by the administration and previously used within the country. 

Additionally, the seller must be registered with the authority for VAT purposes and possess a license for car trading activities.   

Approval from the authority is also required for eligible traders to utilize the profit margin method for qualified used cars. 

Furthermore, ZATCA highlighted that the profit margin method is not mandatory, and the tax can still be applied to the full amount based on the current approach. 

To address any inquiries regarding the calculation method of the profit margin for qualified used cars, individuals can reach out to the authority’s unified contact center number, which operates 24/7. 

Moreover, ZATCA announced in April that taxpayers subject to VAT exceeding SR150 million ($39.9 million) during the year 2021 or 2022 are required to integrate their e-invoicing systems with the Fatoora platform. 

This development comes as the authority announced the revenue figure as the criteria for selecting establishments in the fourth wave of the phase two of e-invoicing, scheduled to commence on Nov. 1, 2023. 

The authority noted that the second phase calls for additional requirements also called the generation phase and will be done gradually and in groups.   

Some of the key requirements in the second stage include linking the electronic billing system of taxpayers with the Fatoora platform and issuing electronic invoices based on a specific formula. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes higher at 10,596 

Updated 23 December 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes higher at 10,596 

RIYADH: Saudi equities closed higher on Tuesday, with the Tadawul All Share Index rising 43.59 points, or 0.41 percent, to finish at 10,595.85, supported by broad-based buying and strength in select mid-cap stocks. 

Market breadth was firmly positive, with 170 stocks advancing against 90 decliners, while trading activity saw 161.96 million shares change hands, generating a total value of SR3.39 billion. 

Meanwhile, the MT30 Index closed higher, gaining 6.52 points, or 0.47 percent, to 1,399.11, while the Nomu Parallel Market Index edged marginally lower, slipping 3.33 points, or 0.01 percent, to 23,267.77. 

Among the session’s top gainers, Al Masar Al Shamil Education Co. surged 9.99 percent to close at SR26.20, while Saudi Cable Co. jumped 9.98 percent to SR147.70.  
Cherry Trading Co. rose 4.18 percent to SR25.44, and United Carton Industries Co. advanced 4.09 percent to SR26.46. 

Al Yamamah Steel Industries Co. also posted solid gains, climbing 4.07 percent to end at SR32.70.  

On the downside, Emaar The Economic City led losses, slipping 3.55 percent to SR10.32, followed by Derayah REIT Fund, which fell 2.92 percent to SR5.31. 

Derayah Financial Co. declined 2.13 percent to SR26.62, while United International Holding Co. retreated 1.96 percent to SR155.20, and Gulf Union Alahlia Cooperative Insurance Co. eased 1.92 percent to SR10.70.  

On the announcements front, Red Sea International Co. said it signed a SR202.8 million contract with Webuild S.P.A. to provide integrated facilities management services for the Trojena project at Neom. 

The agreement covers operations and maintenance for the project’s Main Camp and Spike Camp, including accommodation and housekeeping, catering, security, IT and communications, utilities, waste management, fire safety and emergency response, as well as other supporting services.  

The contract runs for two years, with the financial impact expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Shares of Red Sea International closed up 0.99 percent at SR34.74. 

Al Moammar Information Systems Co. disclosed that it received an award notification from Humain to design and build a data center dedicated to artificial intelligence technologies, with a total value exceeding 155 percent of the company’s 2024 revenue, inclusive of VAT. 

The contract is expected to be formally signed in February 2026, underscoring the scale of the project and its potential impact on the company’s future revenues.  

MIS shares ended the session 2.82 percent higher at SR156.70, reflecting positive investor sentiment following the announcement.