At first glance, e invoice editing may seem simple for many business owners. In reality, it is subject to strict regulations set by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority to ensure transparency and compliance.
So, what happens if you discover an error after sending an invoice? Can you delete or modify it? And what is the correct way to perform e invoice editing under Saudi law?
This guide provides clear answers and practical steps to correct e invoices while staying fully compliant with official requirements.
Why E Invoice Editing Is a Sensitive Regulatory Process
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority implemented e invoicing in two stages: the Generation Phase, launched in 2021, and the Integration Phase, which began gradually in 2023.
Since the start of the second phase, each e invoice has become an official financial document issued, stored, and transmitted electronically in encrypted form.
Any e invoice editing after issuance or transmission counts as altering approved tax data, which may lead to penalties.
These measures protect both consumers and businesses while ensuring that every tax record remains accurate and verifiable.
Can You Edit or Delete an E Invoice After Submission?
The short answer is no.
Once an e invoice has been shared with a buyer or transmitted to the Authority, it cannot be modified or deleted directly.
Correction is allowed only through issuing a credit note to reduce the amount or a debit note to increase it.
Each note must link to the original invoice through its unique reference number.
If the invoice is still being prepared inside your system and not yet sent to the Authority, e invoice editing can be done internally before generating its final code.
Official Method for e Invoice Editing in Saudi Arabia
The process for e invoice editing is clearly defined. If you identify an error after issuing an invoice, follow these steps:
1. Check the invoice status:
If it has not yet been sent or was rejected by the Authority, you can safely correct it inside the system.
2. Issue a credit or debit note:
Use a credit note to cancel or reduce the value, or a debit note to increase the amount or modify an item.
3. Link the note to the original invoice:
Always include the original invoice reference to maintain traceability.
4. Send the note to the FATOORA portal:
Submit it electronically through your integrated accounting or POS system.
5. Archive and retain records:
Keep both the original invoice and related notes for at least five years to remain compliant.
How to Edit an E Invoice Before Sending
Many accounting and billing systems allow e invoice editing before submission if the invoice is still a draft or under review. At this stage, you can correct:
- Buyer information or commercial registration
- Amounts or the value-added tax rate
- Invoice type (B2B or B2C)
- Item descriptions before approval
However, once the invoice has been sent or accepted by the Authority, direct modification is no longer permitted. You must follow the official credit- or debit-note procedure.
Tips to Avoid the Need for Future e Invoice Editing
Preventing mistakes is always easier than correcting them later. Follow these recommendations to maintain accuracy:
- Use e invoicing solutions approved by the Authority.
- Review tax data carefully before final submission.
- Train your staff on proper e invoice editing methods.
- Store all invoices and related notes in a secure electronic archive.
How EZ Integrated and Its Partners Simplify E Invoice Editing
EZ Integrated provides certified integration solutions that connect accounting and POS systems directly with the FATOORA platform operated by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
This ensures seamless compliance with the second phase of e invoicing in Saudi Arabia.
Through its partnership with the advanced POS system CODEIT, EZ Integrated creates a unified environment for managing and correcting invoices efficiently.
Key advantages:
- Direct integration with the FATOORA platform for automated submission of invoices and notes
- Instant correction using compliant credit and debit notes
- Real-time alerts for rejected or incomplete invoices
- Secure archiving and centralized data management
With these solutions, e invoice editing becomes faster, safer, and fully compliant across all your business systems. Contact EZ Integrated today to ensure full e invoicing compliance and manage all invoice corrections with accuracy and confidence.