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Singapore GST InvoiceNow: Grants, PSG Support and How to Prepare for the New Requirement

Singapore GST InvoiceNow: Grants, PSG Support and How to Prepare for the New Requirement

Singapore is moving towards a fully digital invoicing environment, and the GST InvoiceNow Requirement is becoming an important compliance consideration for GST-registered businesses.

Under the phased rollout, GST-registered businesses will progressively need to use an InvoiceNow-Ready Solution to transmit relevant invoice data to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore 

The Government has also introduced several forms of financial and technology support to help businesses manage the transition, including the GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant, Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG), free InvoiceNow-ready solutions and the InvoiceNow Queen Bee Grant. 

For Singapore businesses, the key question is no longer simply whether InvoiceNow will affect them. It is when they need to comply, what support they can receive and how they should prepare their accounting systems.

What Is InvoiceNow in Singapore?

InvoiceNow is Singapore’s nationwide e-invoicing network based on the international Peppol standard.

It allows businesses to send and receive structured electronic invoices directly between compatible systems. Under the GST InvoiceNow Requirement, invoice data is also transmitted to IRAS through the InvoiceNow network.

This can reduce manual invoice processing, minimise data-entry errors and make it easier for businesses to maintain digital accounting records.

IRAS explains that all GST-registered businesses will eventually be required to submit invoice data using InvoiceNow-Ready Solutions, subject to the applicable implementation phases and exclusions. 

When Will GST InvoiceNow Become Mandatory?

The requirement is being introduced progressively rather than on one single date.

The current implementation schedule is:

Date Businesses affected
1 November 2025 Newly incorporated companies applying for voluntary GST registration within six months of incorporation
1 April 2026 Businesses applying for voluntary GST registration on or after this date
1 April 2028 New compulsory GST registrants and existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies of up to S$200,000
1 April 2029 Existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies of up to S$1 million
1 April 2030 Existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies of up to S$4 million
1 April 2031 Existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies above S$4 million

For existing GST-registered businesses, the applicable phase is determined using total annual supplies from prescribed accounting periods ending in calendar year 2025. 

This phased approach gives businesses time to review their accounting software, select an InvoiceNow-ready solution, prepare their records and test their processes.

What Government Grants Are Available for InvoiceNow?

One of the main concerns for businesses adopting digital invoicing is the cost of software, implementation and operational changes.

To help, the Government introduced additional support for businesses transitioning to InvoiceNow.

GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant of S$1,000

Eligible SMEs with total annual supplies of S$4 million or less may qualify for a S$1,000 GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant.

The grant is intended to help offset operational costs associated with adopting an InvoiceNow-Ready Solution.

Applications for the GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant opened on 1 July 2026, subject to the relevant eligibility conditions. 

GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant of S$5,000

Larger businesses with total annual supplies above S$4 million may qualify for a transition grant of up to S$5,000.

This additional support recognises that larger organisations may have more complicated accounting systems, ERP environments or integration requirements.

Businesses should check the latest eligibility and application conditions before assuming that a particular software or implementation expense qualifies.

InvoiceNow Queen Bee Grant of up to S$25,000

Qualifying larger businesses may also be eligible for the InvoiceNow Queen Bee Grant, which provides support of up to S$25,000.

The Queen Bee initiative is intended to encourage larger businesses to play a broader role in promoting InvoiceNow adoption within their business ecosystem.

Depending on eligibility, a business may potentially qualify for both the S$5,000 GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant and the S$25,000 Queen Bee Grant. 

Can SMEs Use the Productivity Solutions Grant for InvoiceNow?

Yes. The Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) is another potential source of support for eligible SMEs.

IRAS states that SMEs can use the existing PSG to defray up to 50% of eligible software subscription costs, subject to the applicable PSG requirements. 

This is important because businesses should not automatically treat every InvoiceNow-related expense as being covered by one grant.

Instead, businesses should determine:

  • Which software they intend to use
  • Whether the solution is eligible under the relevant scheme
  • Whether the provider meets the scheme requirements
  • What costs are actually eligible
  • Whether there are application or claim deadlines
  • Whether different support schemes can be combined

Getting this assessment right before signing a software contract can help prevent unexpected costs.

Are There Free InvoiceNow Solutions for SMEs?

Yes.

The Government has made Free-of-Charge (FOC) InvoiceNow solution packages available to GST-registered businesses.

IRAS states that these FOC packages are available until 31 March 2031, while the current list of available packages applies until 31 March 2027. A subsequent list for the period from April 2027 to March 2031 will be released later. 

For a small business with straightforward invoicing requirements, a free solution may be sufficient.

However, businesses should look beyond the initial software cost.

A company should consider whether its chosen system can also support:

  • GST accounting
  • Accounts receivable
  • Accounts payable
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Financial reporting
  • Inventory management
  • Payroll integration
  • Multi-user access
  • Data migration
  • InvoiceNow connectivity
  • Business growth

Choosing the cheapest option today may not necessarily produce the lowest overall cost over several years.

What Invoice Data Must Businesses Submit to IRAS?

The GST InvoiceNow Requirement generally covers invoice data relating to transactions reported in the business’s GST return.

This includes relevant:

  • Standard-rated supplies and purchases
  • Zero-rated supplies and purchases
  • Exempt supplies and purchases

Depending on the transaction, the information may come from sales invoices, tax invoices, simplified tax invoices, receipts, debit notes and credit notes.

Businesses remain responsible for meeting their existing GST obligations even after adopting InvoiceNow. 

InvoiceNow should therefore be viewed as part of the broader GST compliance process rather than simply an invoicing software upgrade.

How Should Singapore Businesses Prepare for InvoiceNow?

Preparing early can make the transition much easier.

  1. Identify your InvoiceNow deadline

First, determine which implementation phase applies to your business.

Existing GST-registered businesses should check the implementation information provided by IRAS and confirm the relevant date based on their business circumstances.

  1. Review your current accounting software

Check whether your accounting or finance system is listed as an InvoiceNow-Ready Solution.

If you are using an in-house ERP system, you may need to work with an IMDA-accredited Access Point Provider to connect your system to the InvoiceNow network. 

  1. Review your accounting data

InvoiceNow adoption is a good opportunity to clean up accounting records.

Businesses should review:

How Should Singapore Businesses Prepare for InvoiceNow?

  1. Identify your InvoiceNow deadline

First, determine which implementation phase applies to your business.

  1. Review your current accounting software
  2. Review your accounting data
  • Customer information
  • Supplier records
  • GST registration details
  • Tax codes
  • Invoice numbering
  • Duplicate records
  • Credit notes
  • Debit notes
  • Outstanding invoices

Poor-quality data can create unnecessary complications when systems are upgraded or integrated.

  1. Check available grants before committing to software

Businesses should investigate potential funding before purchasing or subscribing to a solution.

Depending on the business, support may include the GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant, PSG, free InvoiceNow-ready solutions or other applicable assistance.

  1. Test your InvoiceNow workflow

Do not leave implementation until the final deadline.

Businesses should test how invoices are created, transmitted and recorded.

They should also know what happens when an invoice fails transmission and who is responsible for resolving technical or accounting issues.

IRAS has highlighted early onboarding as a way for businesses to become familiar with InvoiceNow before their mandatory implementation date. 

Is InvoiceNow Only About GST Compliance?

Not necessarily.

Although the immediate focus is GST compliance, InvoiceNow can also provide operational benefits.

Digital invoicing can reduce repetitive data entry, improve the flow of invoice information between businesses and accounting systems, and reduce the reliance on paper or PDF-based processes.

IRAS and IMDA have also highlighted benefits such as fewer manual processes, reduced errors and improved productivity. 

For businesses already using cloud accounting software, InvoiceNow can become part of a more automated accounting workflow.

What If My Business Uses Xero or Another Accounting Software?

Businesses using Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB or other accounting platforms should not assume that having cloud accounting automatically means they are ready for the GST InvoiceNow Requirement.

The important question is whether the particular software setup is InvoiceNow-ready and whether the GST InvoiceNow submission functionality has been properly activated.

Businesses should also check whether their existing accounting configuration correctly handles GST treatment, customer information, invoice data and reporting.

An accounting professional can help review the current setup before the business commits to changes.

How Can an Accountant Help With GST InvoiceNow?

InvoiceNow involves technology, but successful adoption also depends on getting the accounting processes right.

An accounting firm can help businesses review their existing bookkeeping and GST workflows, identify potential gaps and coordinate with software providers where necessary.

For example, professional support can help with:

  • Reviewing existing accounting software
  • Assessing InvoiceNow readiness
  • Reviewing GST settings
  • Cleaning up accounting records
  • Preparing for software migration
  • Understanding potential grants
  • Reviewing accounting workflows
  • Coordinating with software providers
  • Maintaining GST-compliant accounting records

This can be especially useful for business owners who do not have an internal finance or IT team.

How WLP Can Assist With InvoiceNow in Singapore

For businesses looking for accounting support in Singapore, WLP Accounting can assist with the accounting and GST considerations surrounding the move towards InvoiceNow.

Instead of treating InvoiceNow as purely a software installation, businesses can review the change as part of their wider accounting and compliance processes.

WLP can assist businesses with areas such as accounting, bookkeeping, GST-related matters and evaluating how digital invoicing fits into their existing finance workflow.

For businesses in Woodlands and across Singapore, having an accounting partner involved early can help identify accounting issues before the InvoiceNow implementation deadline arrives.

If your company is unsure which accounting system to use, how GST should be configured or how to prepare for InvoiceNow, speaking with an accounting professional can provide a more practical starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions About GST InvoiceNow in Singapore

Is InvoiceNow mandatory in Singapore?

Yes. The GST InvoiceNow Requirement is being progressively extended to GST-registered businesses. The current rollout extends from 2025 and 2026 requirements for certain new GST registrants through to 1 April 2031 for existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies above S$4 million. Default 

How much is the GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant?

Eligible SMEs with annual supplies of up to S$4 million may qualify for up to S$1,000. Larger businesses with annual supplies above S$4 million may qualify for up to S$5,000, subject to the relevant conditions. Default 

Is there an InvoiceNow grant of S$25,000?

Yes. Eligible larger businesses may qualify for the InvoiceNow Queen Bee Grant of up to S$25,000. Some businesses may potentially qualify for both the S$5,000 transition grant and the Queen Bee Grant, subject to the applicable requirements. Default 

Can SMEs use PSG for InvoiceNow?

Eligible SMEs can potentially use the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) to offset up to 50% of eligible software subscription costs, subject to PSG requirements. Default 

Are there free InvoiceNow solutions?

Yes. Free-of-Charge InvoiceNow solution packages are available to GST-registered businesses, with current Government-supported packages available until 31 March 2031. Default 

When should my business start preparing?

Businesses should prepare before their mandatory implementation date. Early preparation allows time to assess software, clean accounting data, review GST configurations, apply for relevant support and test the InvoiceNow process.

Can WLP help with InvoiceNow?

Yes. WLP can assist Singapore businesses with accounting and GST-related considerations as they prepare for digital invoicing and the GST InvoiceNow Requirement.

Prepare for GST InvoiceNow Before the Deadline

The GST InvoiceNow Requirement represents a significant change in how Singapore businesses manage invoicing and GST-related information.

However, businesses do not necessarily need to bear the entire transition cost themselves. Depending on their circumstances, they may have access to the S$1,000 or S$5,000 GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant, up to S$25,000 under the InvoiceNow Queen Bee Grant, PSG support and free InvoiceNow-ready solutions. 

The best time to assess your accounting system is before the deadline becomes urgent.

If you operate a Singapore business and need help reviewing your accounting setup, GST processes or InvoiceNow readiness, WLP can help you understand the practical steps involved and prepare for the transition.

Speak to WLP today to discuss your accounting and GST InvoiceNow requirements.