New Implementing Regulations for Zakat Collection apply to financial years starting on or after 1 January 2024. They change how the zakat base is built, so last year's approach may not work this year.
The rate
Zakat remains 2.5% of the zakat base for a Hijri year — about 2.5775% for a Gregorian year, to reflect the longer year.
Main changes
- Year-end balances: the base is built from the closing balances in the financial statements.
- Matching assets and liabilities: liabilities are added or deducted according to the assets they finance.
- Limits on the base: new minimum and maximum limits apply to the zakat base.
- Provisions: most provisions are treated as equity (end-of-service benefits excepted).
- Deferred tax assets are deductible.
- Bad debts written off up to 1% of revenue no longer need a certificate from a licensed accountant.
Records and deadlines
- Keep books and records for 10 years.
- File the zakat return and pay within 120 days of your financial year-end.
- A holding company filing a consolidated return can't switch to standalone filing without ZATCA's approval.
Every business is different — we can rebuild your zakat base under the new rules before you file.
Try it yourself: Filing deadline calculatorOpen the tool
Official sourceZATCA ↗Last reviewedOctober 2026
TopicsZakat regulations 2024Zakat base calculationZakat return Saudi ArabiaZakat 2.5%
