The oversight and field teams of the General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) detected last week 505 violations of the provisions of the Kingdom's tax laws, during 3,388 inspection rounds on markets and commercial shops in various cities and regions across the Kingdom.

The inspection visits covered several sectors including retail, general trade, and automotive. The violations detected included the collection of taxes higher than the basic rate, non-maintenance of the tax documents and receipts, and errors in the tax number on the invoice.

GAZT revealed that the violations detected were, in a large part, reported by consumers through the official reporting channels, as the Authority's Oversight and Inspection Department received 212 complaints during the same period.

The Authority's inspection rounds on markets are part of the supervisory efforts by the oversight and field teams to reinforce taxpayers' compliance and prevent commercial transactions in violation of the GAZT-enforced regulations and instructions.

GAZT has reiterated its calls to business owners to enforce the 15% VAT, and warned that its inspection visits to the markets and commercial shops shall continue to ensure taxpayers are in compliance with the provisions of the Kingdom's tax laws.

The Authority also urges all consumers to lodge their reports against any establishment that does not apply the 15% VAT, via the VAT App or GAZT's website (gazt.gov.sa). GAZT offers incentive rewards for people who file reports on tax violations; rewards amount to 2.5% of the value of violations and fines, at a maximum of 1 million riyals or a minimum of 1000 riyals.​