Singapore GST: New InvoiceNow Rule

Newly incorporated Singaporean businesses that voluntarily register for the goods and services tax (GST) are required to utilize InvoiceNow the IRAS-mandated e-invoicing network as of November 1, 2025.

InvoiceNow, a statewide e-invoicing effort mandated by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), will be crucial for future tax compliance.

As part of the IRAS’s efforts to digitize and streamline tax administration, we also anticipate that InvoiceNow will eventually apply to all firms. Therefore, taking action now can strengthen your company’s position to remain compliant before the deadlines.

E-invoicing in Singapore: implementation timeline

The IRAS is facilitating the shift towards e-invoicing in phases, starting with a soft launch to allow early adopters to become familiar with the InvoiceNow system. Its use will then become compulsory for all new voluntary GST registrants beginning April 1 2026.

The key dates are as follows:

• May 1 2025 – If you are GST-registered or planning to apply, you may start using InvoiceNow to transmit your invoice data.
• November 1 2025 – If you are a newly incorporated company (i.e. incorporated on or after May 1 2025) voluntarily registering for GST, you will be required to use InvoiceNow.
• April 1 2026 – If you are a new voluntary GST registrant, adoption of InvoiceNow will be mandatory.

In other words, using InvoiceNow will be a necessity to fulfil the IRAS if you are registering for GST on or after April 1, 2026.

InvoiceNow: What is it?

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched InvoiceNow, a secure e-invoicing network in Singapore that makes it easier for companies to handle invoices. Based on the widely accepted Peppol standard, it makes it possible for invoices to be issued in a standardized digital format across various accounting systems, which speeds up and reduces the possibility of errors.

What is required by GST InvoiceNow?

An IMDA-accredited InvoiceNow-Ready Solution must be used to transmit invoice data to comply with the IRAS. This data on your GST return will support the following transactions:

• Standard-rated materials
• Supplies with a zero rating
• Exempt supplies
• Purchases with a standard rating
• Purchases with a zero rating

Documents utilized in your daily operations, such as tax invoices, simplified tax invoices, serial-number receipts, debit notes, and credit notes, will be used to gather invoice data. The IRAS will be able to access this data digitally, which will make future tax compliance easier and more accurate.

However, you have to make sure the data is sent by the earlier of the two deadlines: the day you file your GST return or the official filing date.

Companies exempt from the GST InvoiceNow mandate

Note that the new InvoiceNow requirement does not apply to all GST-registered entities. If you are, you might be exempt:

• Registered with the GST via the Reverse Charge system; or
• A foreign organization included under the Overseas Vendor
• There are two OVR regimes: pay-only and full.

How to adhere to the InvoiceNow e-invoicing mandate

Thankfully, a lot of popular cloud accounting programs, including Xero, are already prepared for InvoiceNow. An InvoiceNow-Ready Solution Provider (IRSP) may be able to register your company in the SG Peppol Directory if you currently work with them.

A Peppol ID will be issued to you upon registration, enabling you to keep using their platform to send invoices to the IRAS.

Alternatively, our staff can assist you in making the transition to e-invoicing if you have not yet incorporated an accounting system into your company and require assistance in fulfilling this new requirement.

How does an electronic invoice differ from a paper or PDF invoice in Singapore?

An e-invoice is sent as a structured data file that integrates automatically, in contrast to a PDF or printed invoice that the recipient must manually enter into an accounting system. Instantaneous recording of invoice data eliminates the need for human input. Issues like invoices being missed in mailboxes, left neglected when employees are gone, or not being delivered because of wrong email addresses can all be resolved with e-invoicing.

What advantages does electronic invoicing offer?

The following advantages of using InvoiceNow for e-invoicing are available if your company operates in Singapore:

• Simplified billing with less manual input
• Enhanced protection of data
• Reduced processing errors
• Quicker cycles for invoice transfer and payment
• Respect for Singapore’s digitalization guidelines

How does Singapore’s GST compliance benefit from e-invoicing?

Your GST reporting will be more accurate and transparent since all incoming and outgoing invoices will be sent straight to the IRAS. You might experience fewer and less thorough audits as a result of the IRAS cross-checking the data. If an audit is necessary, it might be finished more quickly because a lot of the data will already be available.

If a non-GST registered provider incorrectly charges GST, you will be alerted by certain IRSPs. If you frequently request GST refunds, you may also get them much more quickly because easily accessible e-invoice data will speed up the verification procedure.

When does the IRAS requirement begin, and who is required to utilize InvoiceNow?

Businesses that voluntarily register for GST will be the first to be subject to the new InvoiceNow requirement:

• Starting on November 1, 2025, for businesses that were founded during the previous six months
• For all new voluntary GST registrations as of April 1, 2026

How much time does it take to onboard to a solution that is ready for Xero InvoiceNow?

Since CorpPass access is required for your Peppol ID registration, the schedule is primarily dependent on how soon you obtain it. After it is finished, e-invoicing can be activated right away using Xero onboarding.

Which invoicing formats are compatible with Xero?

Standard sales invoices, pro forma invoices for preliminary pricing, automated repeating invoices, and tax invoices that incorporate sales tax information like the GST registration number and corresponding GST rate can all be generated using Xero. Sales quotations can also be created using the system, and if the customer confirms, they can be turned into bills.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.