Issuing and storing invoices in a structured electronic format that meets tax authority requirements, such as Fatoora in Saudi Arabia.
E-invoicing means invoices are issued from an electronic system in a defined format with defined data, not as free-form files or paper. In Saudi Arabia, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) is rolling out e-invoicing requirements known as Fatoora in phases, and other countries in the region are working on similar systems.
If your app sells and issues invoices, these requirements may apply depending on your business and phase. They can include mandatory fields, a QR code and, at certain phases, integration with the tax authority's platform. Ignoring them can expose the business to penalties. Practical tip: requirements and phase dates change, so always check your tax authority's official website and consult your accountant. When building the app, use a compliant, approved invoicing solution rather than implementing the standards from scratch.