How to Send GST InvoiceNow Submissions to IRAS Using Xero (Singapore) – Complete Guide

How to Send GST InvoiceNow Submissions to IRAS Using Xero (Singapore) – Complete Guide

As Singapore continues to digitalise tax compliance, GST InvoiceNow is becoming an important requirement for GST-registered businesses. Companies using Xero accounting software can simplify compliance by submitting invoice transaction data directly to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) through the InvoiceNow network. Whether you’re sending customer invoices, recording supplier bills, or reporting cash transactions, understanding the correct submission process helps you stay compliant while reducing manual work.   

What is GST InvoiceNow?

GST InvoiceNow is an initiative by IRAS that requires eligible GST-registered businesses to transmit invoice data electronically using an InvoiceNow-ready accounting solution such as Xero. Unlike traditional GST filing, GST InvoiceNow focuses on real-time transmission of transaction data, improving tax administration, reducing manual errors, and streamlining compliance for businesses. The requirement is being introduced progressively across different groups of GST-registered businesses.   

How Xero Supports GST InvoiceNow

After your Xero organisation is connected to the InvoiceNow network through Invoici and GST InvoiceNow is activated, Xero can automatically or manually submit transaction information to IRAS depending on the transaction type. Supported transactions include:

• Sales invoices sent via InvoiceNow
• Sales invoices sent manually
• Supplier bills
• Cash sales
• Petty cash purchases
• Credit notes

This significantly reduces repetitive data entry while helping businesses maintain accurate tax records.   

Different GST InvoiceNow Submission Methods

1. Invoice Sent via InvoiceNow (Peppol)

When you send an invoice to a customer through the InvoiceNow network, the invoice data is automatically transmitted to IRAS. Before sending:

• Ensure your customer’s UEN is entered in the Business Registration Number field.
• Include their GST registration number where applicable.

Once the invoice reaches your customer successfully, the submission to IRAS happens automatically. 

2. Invoice Sent Outside InvoiceNow

If you send invoices manually instead of using InvoiceNow, you must still submit the invoice information to IRAS. Within Xero:

• Review and approve the invoice.
• Email the invoice to IRAS@invoi.ci together with your normal submission process.

This ensures manually issued invoices are still reported under the GST InvoiceNow framework. 

3. Supplier Bills

For supplier invoices:

• Approve the bill in Xero.
• Xero automatically submits eligible bill information to IRAS.

Bills coded with the No Tax tax code are excluded from automatic submission. 

4. Cash Transactions

Businesses must also report certain cash transactions. Examples include:

• Point-of-sale (POS) sales
• Simplified Tax Invoice (STI) sales
• Petty cash purchases

Special Business Registration Number (BRN) codes are used:

• POS
• STI
• PCP

These identifiers allow Xero to classify and transmit the correct transaction type to IRAS.   

Benefits of Using Xero for GST InvoiceNow

Businesses can benefit from:

• Faster GST compliance
• Reduced manual submissions
• Automatic transmission of eligible transactions
• Better record keeping
• Lower risk of reporting errors
• Easier audit preparation
• Improved digital accounting workflow

As InvoiceNow adoption increases across Singapore, businesses using Xero are well positioned to meet future compliance requirements.   

Best Practices Before Sending GST InvoiceNow Submissions

To avoid submission errors:

• Verify your customer or supplier UEN.
• Ensure GST registration numbers are accurate.
• Review invoices before approval.
• Use the correct tax codes.
• Keep customer records updated.
• Reconcile submission status regularly using Xero or Invoici. 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses experience submission issues because of:

• Missing UEN information
• Incorrect GST tax codes
• Editing invoices after submission
• Using incomplete customer records
• Sending invoices through the wrong workflow
• Forgetting to submit manually issued invoices

Reviewing transaction details before approval helps minimise these problems.   

Need Help with GST InvoiceNow and Xero?

Implementing GST InvoiceNow correctly can be challenging, especially for businesses transitioning to the new reporting requirements. Professional guidance helps ensure your Xero setup, GST configuration, and InvoiceNow registration are completed correctly while keeping your business compliant with IRAS requirements. WLP provides comprehensive support for businesses in Singapore, including:

• Xero setup and implementation
• GST InvoiceNow onboarding
• InvoiceNow registration
• GST compliance support
• Xero bookkeeping
• Accounting and tax advisory
• IRAS reporting assistance

Whether you’re registering for GST, adopting InvoiceNow, or optimising your accounting processes, WLP can help ensure a smooth and compliant transition.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GST InvoiceNow mandatory? Yes. IRAS is implementing GST InvoiceNow in phases, with mandatory adoption applying progressively to different categories of GST-registered businesses.  Can Xero automatically submit data to IRAS? Yes. After GST InvoiceNow is activated, Xero automatically submits eligible transactions such as approved supplier bills and invoices sent through the InvoiceNow network. Some manually issued invoices still require the appropriate submission workflow.  Do cash transactions need to be reported? Yes. Certain cash sales and petty cash purchases must also be transmitted using the appropriate transaction classifications.  Can WLP help with GST InvoiceNow? Yes. WLP assists Singapore businesses with Xero implementation, GST registration, InvoiceNow onboarding, bookkeeping, tax compliance, and ongoing accounting support to help businesses meet IRAS requirements efficiently.