GST InvoiceNow Singapore
Overview of GST InvoiceNow Requirement
InvoiceNow is a national e-invoicing network built on the international “Peppol” standard, introduced by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in 2019. It allows businesses to send and receive invoices in a structured digital format, streamlining the invoicing process. This reduces the need for manual handling and data entry in accounting systems, minimizing errors and simplifying workflow. For further details, visit IMDA’s InvoiceNow webpage.
As part of Singapore’s efforts to digitalize and integrate tax processes into accounting and payroll systems, GST-registered businesses will need to use InvoiceNow solutions to submit invoice data to IRAS for tax purposes. Invoices issued outside of InvoiceNow (e.g., via point-of-sale systems) must also be recorded in InvoiceNow solutions and submitted to IRAS.
This initiative aligns with global trends, as many governments encourage e-invoicing for tax administration. The phased implementation of the GST InvoiceNow Requirement follows a pilot conducted by IRAS, IMDA, businesses, and service providers from September 2020 to June 2023.
Phased adoption of GST InvoiceNow Requirement
To provide businesses with ample time to prepare, the GST InvoiceNow Requirement will be introduced gradually as follows:
- Starting from 1 November 2025, it will apply to newly incorporated companies that voluntarily register for GST.
(Note: Newly incorporated companies refer to those established within six months prior to submitting their GST registration application.)
- Effective 1 April 2026, the requirement will apply to all new voluntary GST registrants, regardless of their incorporation date or business structure.
This Requirement will be implemented as an additional condition for voluntary registration.
A soft launch will begin on 1 May 2025, enabling existing GST-registered businesses that choose to be early adopters to transmit invoice data to IRAS through InvoiceNow solutions on the InvoiceNow network.
There are plans to progressively implement the GST InvoiceNow Requirement for the remaining GST-registered businesses. Plans are underway to gradually roll out the GST InvoiceNow Requirement to the remaining GST-registered businesses. Industry partners will be engaged and feedback evaluated before additional updates are provided by IRAS Singapore.
InvoiceNow Solutions
InvoiceNow solutions are finance and accounting software that enable businesses to exchange invoices through the InvoiceNow network. These solutions can be purchased off-the-shelf or tailored for specific business needs, such as proprietary enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
InvoiceNow solutions connect to IRAS via Access Points (AP), using Application Programming Interface (API) technology to transmit invoice data. Once the feature to send invoice data to IRAS is activated, IRAS will automatically receive a copy of the invoice data whenever businesses issue or receive invoices via the InvoiceNow network or record other invoices in the InvoiceNow solutions.
Source: IRAS
IMDA will publish a list of InvoiceNow solutions connected to IRAS by May 2025.
To support businesses in adopting and utilizing InvoiceNow, IMDA offers various grants, including the LEAD Connect & Transact Grant and the InvoiceNow Transaction Bonus. Additionally, InvoiceNow solutions are eligible for co-funding under the Productivity Solutions Grant. More details about these grants can be found on the IMDA website.
IMDA and IRAS are also exploring additional support measures to facilitate tax compliance and will share further updates in the future.
Benefits of using InvoiceNow Solutions
Using InvoiceNow solutions provides the following benefits:
- Streamlined Processes: InvoiceNow enables the direct exchange of e-invoices in a structured data format across different financial systems. This eliminates the need for manual tasks such as sending, receiving, and recording invoices.
- Reduced Errors and Costs: By automating processes, InvoiceNow minimizes errors and reduces the costs associated with correcting them. Storing invoice records electronically also lowers storage and retrieval expenses.
- Enhanced Cashflow Management: Faster invoice processing and payments through InvoiceNow help businesses manage their cashflow more efficiently.
By streamlining and automating invoicing processes, businesses can concentrate on their core priorities, such as growth and innovation.
GST-registered businesses are required to uphold strong record-keeping and accounting practices. Adopting InvoiceNow solutions supports these obligations while offering additional advantages when transmitting invoice data to IRAS.
Benefits for GST-Registered Businesses:
- Reduced Compliance Efforts: Using InvoiceNow simplifies the preparation of data for submission to IRAS, easing compliance requirements.
- Fewer and Shorter Audits: With enhanced risk analysis capabilities, IRAS is likely to select fewer businesses for GST audits. Those selected can expect shorter audits and quicker resolution of issues.
- Faster GST Refunds: Businesses assessed as lower risk may receive GST refunds more promptly.
Additionally, businesses can leverage the value-added services offered by InvoiceNow solutions, which simplify tax compliance. These include automated checks to identify invoices with incorrect GST charges from suppliers, helping businesses avoid erroneous input tax claims.
Scope of GST InvoiceNow Requirement
Transactions where invoice data transmission is mandatory
Businesses under the GST InvoiceNow Requirement are required to transmit to IRAS invoice data relating to the following transactions:
- Standard-rated supplies2
- Zero-rated supplies
- Standard-rated purchases on which input tax claims are made or will be made3
2 Excludes reverse charge supplies.
3 Excludes reverse charge purchases.
For point-of-sale supplies data and petty cash purchases data, businesses can choose to aggregate the transactions before transmitting to IRAS.
Due date for transmission of invoice data to IRAS
Invoice data is to be transmitted to IRAS at the earlier of:
- The date in which the relevant GST return4 is filed, or
- The filing due date of the relevant GST return4
4 A relevant GST return means the GST return with an accounting period pertaining to the time of supply of the invoice issued/ the date shown on the supplier’s tax invoice.
Example 1
- 20 Mar 2026: Company ABC issues a tax invoice to Company XYZ for a supply of goods
- 10 Apr 2026: Company XYZ pays Company ABC
Time of supply for the transaction = 20 Mar 2026
- Company ABC files the GST return for the prescribed accounting period 1 Jan 2026 to 31 Mar 2026 on 20 Apr 2026.
- Company XYZ files the GST return for the prescribed accounting period 1 Jan 2026 to 31 Mar 2026 on 30 Apr 2026 (filing due date of the GST return).
Assuming both Company ABC and Company XYZ need to comply with the GST InvoiceNow Requirement:
- Company ABC needs to transmit, using InvoiceNow solutions, the invoice data relating the supply of goods to Company XYZ, by 20 Apr 2026.
- Company XYZ needs to transmit, using InvoiceNow solutions, the invoice data relating to the purchase of goods from Company XYZ, by 30 Apr 2026, if the input tax claim is included in the prescribed accounting period 1 Jan 2026 to 31 Mar 2026.
See the section on Scope of GST InvoiceNow Requirement for information on transactions where the invoice data is required to be transmitted to IRAS.
Businesses excluded from GST InvoiceNow Requirement
The following groups of businesses will be exempted from the GST InvoiceNow Requirement:
- Overseas entities (including overseas vendors that are registered under the Overseas Vendor Registration regime)
- Businesses registered under the Reverse Charge regime
Early Preparation to Adopt GST InvoiceNow Solutions
Businesses are encouraged to come onboard early and plan ahead for the adoption of InvoiceNow solutions or make changes to your in-house accounting systems to be compatible with GST InvoiceNow Requirement.
Businesses are recommended to take the following steps:
FROM NOW
Step 1: Ensure that your solution is InvoiceNow-enabled
- For businesses with existing accounting or finance solutions, or businesses that are planning to purchase one, check whether your preferred solution is listed on IMDA’s pre-approved e-invoicing solution provider list. You may also consider adopting free solutions with basic InvoiceNow capabilities.
- For large enterprises using your own in-house solutions, get in touch with an IMDA pre-approved Access Point Provider to help you to connect to the InvoiceNow network.
Step 2: Register for InvoiceNow and Obtain your Peppol ID
- Approach your Solution Provider and/or Access Point Provider to register your business in the SG Peppol Directory with your UEN and obtain your Peppol ID.
FROM MAY 2015
Step 3: Ensure that your InvoiceNow solution is connected to IRAS’ System via API
- Contact your Solution Provider and/or Access Point Provider to ensure that your InvoiceNow solution is connected to IRAS via API.
Step 4: Activate feature and transmit invoice data to IRAS
- Work with your Solution Provider and/or Access Point Provider to enable the feature for you to transmit invoice data to IRAS.
- Test your system implementation and ensure that you are able to transmit invoices to IRAS successfully.
FAQs
Many popular finance and accounting solutions already come integrated with InvoiceNow capabilities or are compatible with InvoiceNow. Many free solutions also come with basic InvoiceNow capabilities. Hence, businesses using such solutions only need to activate the InvoiceNow feature or perform minimal system integration, to start sending invoice data via the InvoiceNow network. The work to connect the solutions to IRAS’ system would generally be straightforward, with the lead time ranging from 1 to 3 days.
For businesses using in-house solutions, more time may be required to integrate with InvoiceNow. Likewise, the work to connect the in-house solutions to IRAS’ system may require longer lead time ranging from 3 to 12 months.
GST-registered businesses must continue fulfilling their existing responsibilities, including the filing of GST returns and the keeping of proper business and accounting records. The adoption of the GST InvoiceNow Requirement does not preclude businesses from these responsibilities.
As a GST-registered business, you continue to be responsible for your GST obligations. These include ensuring that you comply with invoicing requirements when issuing an invoice electronically and report accurate GST returns. If you have made any errors, you may voluntarily disclose your errors and make good any tax that had been overclaimed or under-accounted for. Errors voluntarily disclosed within a grace period may qualify for penalty waiver or reduced penalties, subject to conditions under the Voluntary Disclosure Programme.
The invoice data will be stored in IRAS’ system, which is governed by public sector security requirements. IRAS is committed to safeguarding the confidentiality and security of our taxpayers’ data and upholding high standards of accountability. Refer to IRAS Data Protection Statement and Privacy Statement for more information on how IRAS handle the data that you have entrusted to us securely.
The adoption of the GST InvoiceNow Requirement by GST-registered businesses will be implemented in a phased manner, to allow businesses sufficient lead time to make the necessary adjustments.
To help businesses defray the cost of adoption and utilisation of InvoiceNow, IMDA has introduced a variety of grants, such as the InvoiceNow Transaction Bonus, LEAD Connect and Transact Grant for businesses. For more details on these grants including the terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, steps to register interest and FAQs, refer to the “Connect, Transact & Be Rewarded when you use InvoiceNow!” page on the IMDA website.
Businesses using IMDA’s pre-approved e-invoicing solution provider may also be eligible to apply for the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) and receive up to $30,000 for IT solutions and equipment, including InvoiceNow solutions.
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