How to Validate ZATCA e-Invoice Using QR Code?

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) (formerly known as GAZT), implemented Phase I of e-invoicing in Saudi Arabia on 4th December 2021 and Phase II has been in effect since 1st January 2023. According to the e-invoicing mandate, all applicable taxpayers must generate Quick Response (QR) codes on invoices to ensure their validity.

Additionally, ZATCA has released a mobile application (app) to verify the authenticity of e-invoices generated by sellers. This article explains how to download and use the VAT app to verify e-invoices by scanning the QR code printed on them.

What is a QR code?

A QR code is a matrix barcode with a black and white squares pattern containing basic invoice data and is included in the printed and electronic invoices. You can scan the QR code on the e-invoice using the VAT app developed by ZATCA or a third-party QR scan app.

The QR code must be present in the human-readable format to validate the printed invoice.

How to download the VAT app for validating an invoice?

ZATCA developed the VAT app and made it publicly available. You would need to download the app to scan the QR code and many other features. You can download the VAT app from Play Store or iOS App Store.

Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zatca.vat

iOS App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/الضريبة-المضافة/id1328845826

If you are unable to download the VAT app by clicking on the above links, please copy-paste the link into your browser.

How to validate the ZATCA e-invoice using a QR code?

Please follow the below steps after downloading the VAT app on your device:

Step 1: Open the VAT app and click on the ‘Scan QR Code’ icon, which is available on the home screen like below:

Step 2: The ‘Validate VAT Registration or E-invoices’ will be shown, and the ‘Scan QR’ option will be selected by default.

Step 3: Scroll down a little bit and then click on the ‘Scan QR’ button as shown below.

Step 4: Now, point your camera to the QR code printed on the invoice and scan it.

Step 5: After a successful scan, the screen will display the below details:

• Seller’s name
• VAT registration status
• VAT number
• Invoice date
• Invoice amount
• VAT amount

Steps to Change the Language in the ZATCA VAT App

If you want to switch the languages, please follow the below path:

Step a: Click on three lines available on the right side bottom corner of the app as shown below.

Step b: Scroll down and click on the last option in the menu, as shown below.

Step C: Click on ‘yes’ to change the language, as shown below.

What shall be the contents of a QR code?

ZATCA notified the contents of a QR code in ‘Electronic Invoice Resolution’. The table below lists the particulars to be included in B2C and B2B invoices (along with the applicable phase).

Please note that the ‘Generation Phase’ is referred to as ‘Phase I’ and ‘Integration Phase’ as ‘Phase II’ in the above table.