What Is InvoiceNow and Why Is It Being Made Mandatory?  

InvoiceNow is Singapore’s nationwide e-invoicing system, built on the international Peppol standard. It lets businesses send invoices in a structured digital format, system-to-system—cutting out paper, PDFs, and manual entry.

It was introduced by IMDA in 2019. Since then, adoption has grown steadily, and now IRAS is stepping in to make e-invoicing mandatory for GST-registered companies, starting with newly registered businesses from late 2025.

Key Rollout Dates

• 1 May 2025 – Soft launch begins. Businesses are encouraged to adopt early.

• 1 Nov 2025 – Mandatory for new companies that register for GST voluntarily within six months of incorporation.

• 1 Apr 2026 – Mandatory for all new voluntary GST-registrants, regardless of when they incorporated.

IRAS has also signaled that existing GST-registered businesses will be included in future phases, but they’re still working out the details based on feedback from the industry.

Why Does It Matter?

While this might seem like another compliance hurdle, the shift to InvoiceNow actually brings a lot of upsides:

• Less manual work: Invoices go straight into your accounting system—no need for data entry.

• Fewer errors: Built-in checks help you catch GST issues before they cause problems.

• Faster audits and refunds: IRAS can process information faster, so you spend less time dealing with reviews.

• Support available: You might qualify for grants like the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)—up to $30,000 for InvoiceNow-Ready Solutions.

What Data Must Be Sent to IRAS?  

You’ll need to transmit invoice data for:

• Standard-rated, zero-rated, and exempt supplies

• Standard-rated and zero-rated purchases

Excluded: Reverse charge transactions, exempt financial services, imports without sales, and certain deemed supplies.

When Do You Need to Submit?

Invoice data must be transmitted to IRAS by the earlier of:

• The date you file your GST return, or

• The return’s filing due date

For example, if an invoice is dated 20 Mar 2026, and your GST filing due date is 30 Apr 2026, you must submit the invoice data no later than 30 Apr 2026, even if you file earlier.

How to Get Ready: 4 Key Steps

1. Step 1: Check if your system is InvoiceNow-Ready
   Look up your accounting software on IMDA’s list of accredited providers. If it’s not listed, you’ll need to switch or integrate with the InvoiceNow network via an Access Point (AP).
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2. Step 2: Register and get your Peppol ID
   Work with your software provider or AP to register your UEN in the SG Peppol Directory. This gives your business a digital address for sending and receiving e-invoices.
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3. Step 3: Enable IRAS submission and test
   Turn on the feature that sends invoice data to IRAS. Do a test run to ensure the data goes through and you get confirmation. This step is often missed—don’t skip it.
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4. Step 4: Tap into grants and free packages
   Check if you qualify for the Productivity Solutions Grant (up to $30,000) or free packages from IRSPs. These can cover setup costs and ease the transition.

Preparing Smart for InvoiceNow

The GST InvoiceNow Requirement is more than just another compliance task. It's as an opportunity for businesses to improve how they manage invoicing, reporting, and overall tax processes. If you're proactive, this shift can help your business become more efficient, more accurate, and better prepared for future regulatory changes.

Start Early

Integration takes time, especially if your systems are customised or not built to connect easily with the InvoiceNow network. Starting early gives your team the time to test, adjust, and build confidence in the new process—without the pressure of tight deadlines. I’ve worked with businesses that waited too long, and they often face avoidable errors or rushed fixes.

Streamline Your Invoicing

Many businesses I work with still rely on spreadsheets or separate tools for invoicing. This creates unnecessary complexity and increases the risk of errors. Adopting InvoiceNow is the perfect chance to move to a single, structured solution. A digital, integrated process saves time, improves accuracy, and makes GST filing more straightforward.

Equip Your Team

A well-implemented system won’t deliver results if your team doesn’t know how to use it effectively. Staff need to understand how invoice data flows to IRAS, what information must be submitted, and how to identify and correct issues before filing. I always recommend including user training as part of the rollout—not as an afterthought.

Get the Right Support

Tech vendors can help connect your systems, but they may not provide guidance on GST treatment or audit preparation. That’s why I advise working closely with tax professionals who understand both the technical and regulatory requirements. The right support makes a significant difference in achieving compliance and avoiding issues down the line.

Businesses that plan early and invest in the right setup see clear benefits. You’ll reduce submission errors, speed up GST refunds, and gain greater control over your tax processes. In my view, this isn’t just about meeting IRAS requirements—it’s a smart step toward long-term operational efficiency.

Ready to Make the Shift? ATHR Is Here to Support

ATHR Corporate Services is a trusted advisor for businesses navigating Singapore’s tax landscape, particularly in meeting the compliance standards set by IRAS. With deep expertise in GST advisory, regulatory alignment, and digital reporting requirements, ATHR supports companies in adopting IRAS-endorsed initiatives such as the InvoiceNow Requirement. From configuring InvoiceNow-Ready Solutions to preparing for GST audits, ATHR combines technical precision with strategic guidance to help businesses stay compliant, reduce risks, and operate more efficiently in an evolving regulatory environment.

Source of updated tax information: https://www.iras.gov.sg/

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