The invoice type decides the route
The invoice screen has an Invoice type field with two choices:
- Tax invoice (business): goes to ZATCA first and reaches the customer once cleared. In the ZATCA list it reads Standard (clearance).
- Simplified invoice (individual): reaches the customer straight away and is reported to ZATCA. It reads Simplified (reporting).
The route of a tax invoice
After you issue it, Books sends it to ZATCA by itself. Until ZATCA clears it, it cannot reach the customer: not by email, not on WhatsApp, and not through the customer link.
- Issue
- ZATCA clears
- Reaches the customer
If a message says ZATCA must clear the invoice before it can go out, wait a few moments and try again. Filing happens by itself.
The route of a simplified invoice
The customer waits for nothing: the invoice is theirs as soon as you issue it, and Books sends it to ZATCA by itself. If ZATCA cannot be reached, Books tries again on its own.
- Issue
- Reaches the customer
- Reported to ZATCA
Notes and advance invoices
Credit notes, debit notes and advance invoices go to ZATCA too, each following its type: standard or simplified. A credit or debit note needs a reason for issuance and cannot be issued without one.
Before you connect to ZATCA
If your company has not connected yet, there is nothing to wait for: the invoice is issued, reaches the customer, and stays Pending. Tax invoices are only held back from the customer when they are issued after you connect.
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