Riyadh: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has introduced a voluntary zakat payment option for individuals via the ‘Zakat’ smartphone application and its website, zakaty.zatca.gov.sa.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the platform allows users to calculate zakat due on a variety of assets, such as cash, gold, silver, shares, investment funds, and real estate intended for trade. It also provides a payment invoice, sends reminders for zakat due dates, and uses a specific algorithm to calculate zakat on gold based on its purity. The service is linked to global gold and silver prices to ensure accuracy in calculations.

The ‘Zakat’ platform also enables users to include previously saved assets in an extended calculator, allowing them to review and manage all zakatable assets within their personal accounts. ZATCA reported that the total zakat collected through the platform has surpassed SAR904 million. Since its inception nine years ago, the minimum payment amount has been set at SAR1,000. Funds collected through the platform are directed to social security beneficiaries registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, based on categories selected by users.

The authority highlighted that the service is available 24/7 via the ‘Zakat’ application, allowing individuals to calculate and pay their zakat through secure banking channels, including SADAD, Apple Pay, mada, and other approved payment options. This ensures prompt and flexible delivery of zakat to eligible beneficiaries.

Users can choose beneficiary categories registered under social security programs, including families needing housing, families of divorced women, families of prisoners, and other eligible groups. ZATCA confirmed that the service is overseen by specialists in zakat jurisprudence and accounting to ensure compliance and accuracy.