Financial Reporting Requirements:
Healthcare companies in KSA must prepare and submit financial statements at the end of each reporting year before the 31st of March. These statements must provide accurate details regarding revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity. Saudi adheres to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) guidelines, so statements must be prepared in accordance with these standards.
Tax Considerations:
Healthcare companies in KSA must pay various taxes, including value-added tax (VAT), zakat, and income tax. VAT is currently set at 15% and is applied to domestic and imported services, goods, and utilities provided to customers in KSA, except for some medicines, medical services, and devices specified by the Ministry of Health.
Zakat, a fixed Islamic tax rate of 2.5% of the company's net worth, is required of all companies owned (or partly owned) by a Saudi citizen or GCC national resident in Saudi Arabia. In cases where the company is held by both a foreigner and a Saudi (or GCC national), then Zakat will be charged proportionally according to ownership. Saudi Arabia also implements commercial income tax, which is calculated at a rate of 20% on profits earned through the sale of goods and services.
Audit Requirements:
Healthcare companies must conduct an audit at least once a year, presented to shareholders in accordance with IFRS. Certified public accountants registered with SOCPA must perform audits, assessing the financial statements, internal control system, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Auditors must also take into account specific accounting and reporting requirements for the healthcare industry, such as regulations around medicines, medical services, and devices.
Advisory Considerations:
Data protection and privacy are crucial in KSA’s healthcare industry. Companies must have adequate measures in place to protect patient data, including secure storage and authorized access. The Data Protection Law requires companies to have a data protection officer who implements and enforces data security standards and policies.
Cybersecurity is another pressing concern for many healthcare companies in Saudi Arabia, with the recent increase in devastating data breaches affecting the healthcare industry around the world. Healthcare companies must ensure their systems are secure and updated, including firewalls and system monitoring.
Technology is an indispensable tool for any healthcare company that wants to improve its compliance standards and streamline its processes for improved accuracy in Saudi Arabia. Invoice generators, payment tracking systems, and financial reporting software can all assist healthcare companies in meeting reporting requirements and staying compliant.
Compliance is key for healthcare companies in KSA. Failure to meet the regulatory demands put forward by the government may result in significant financial penalties and put your company at risk of closure. By understanding the regulatory landscape, companies can identify risks and address them proactively. It will help to maintain their reputation and standing in this highly regulated industry.
