Singapore: InvoiceNow Project for Electronic Invoicing via Peppol

Electronic invoicing in Singapore: eInvoiceNow

InvoiceNow, launched by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) in 2019, is Singapore’s national e-invoicing network. It allows businesses to send and receive invoices in a structured digital format based on the international Peppol standard. Singapore was the first country outside Europe to adopt the European network for exchanging e-invoices between private businesses. This streamlined approach reduces errors, speeds up invoice processing, and ultimately improves productivity and cash flow.

The country's Peppol Authority, IMDA, assigns access points and defines technical specifications for the e-invoicing system. Companies that want to invoice electronically in Singapore must have an accredited access point and an e-invoicing system capable of sending invoices in the Peppol standard.

Public agencies in Singapore can receive electronic invoices via the InvoiceNow platform. Suppliers must send e-invoices to the Peppol identifier of the Accountant-General's Department (AGD). These invoices will be routed to the relevant agencies based on the Business Unit specified in the e-invoices.

To simplify the process and ensure clarity for suppliers, IMDA has centrally registered unique Peppol identifiers for all government agencies. This enables suppliers to send e-invoices directly to government bodies using their unique Peppol identifiers.

Implementation Timeline

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has confirmed the timeline for the new B2B electronic invoicing mandate for registered companies in Singapore.

Since November 1, 2025, newly incorporated companies that voluntarily register for GST have been required to transmit their invoice data to IRAS through the InvoiceNow network.

Starting April 1, 2026, all new voluntary GST registrants must submit their invoice data directly to IRAS via InvoiceNow, regardless of their incorporation date or business structure.

Following the COS 2026 announcement, all remaining GST-registered businesses will be required to transmit their invoice data to IRAS through the InvoiceNow network according to the following timeline:

• April 1, 2028: Mandatory for all newly compulsory GST registrants and existing GST-registered businesses with annual taxable supplies of up to SGD 200,000.
• April 1, 2029: Mandatory for existing GST-registered businesses with annual taxable supplies of up to SGD 1 million.
• April 1, 2030: Mandatory for existing GST-registered businesses with annual taxable supplies of up to SGD 4 million.
• April 1, 2031: All remaining GST-registered businesses.

Who Must Comply with e-Invoicing in Singapore

All GST-registered businesses in Singapore are required to adopt e-Invoicing. This includes:

• Companies
• Partnerships
• Sole proprietors
• Foreign businesses registered for GST in Singapore

Local businesses:

All Singapore-based GST-registered businesses must implement e-Invoicing according to the established rollout timeline, regardless of their size.

Foreign businesses:

Foreign entities that are registered for GST in Singapore are also required to comply with the e-Invoicing mandate.

Exemptions

For now, two types of businesses are not required to comply:

1. Overseas Vendor Regime (OVR) suppliers: These are foreign businesses that sell digital services or low-value goods to consumers in Singapore. While these transactions are reported for GST purposes, they do not require individual invoice submissions through the InvoiceNow system.
2. Reverse charge–only registrants: These are entities that registered for GST solely to account for GST on imported services but do not make taxable outward supplies. Certain financial institutions fall into this category.

How does InvoiceNow work?

Invoices are issued and transmitted in a structured XML format in line with the international Peppol standard. Since 2025, the required specification has been PINT-SG (Peppol InvoiceNow Template – Singapore). PDF documents and other unstructured file formats are not considered compliant.

The InvoiceNow platform will adopt a Peppol 5-corner model (Peppol CTC). Unlike the 4-corner model, where documents are exchanged solely through Access Points, the 5-corner model adds an extra step where Access Points also send documents to the tax platform.

EDICOM is accredited by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) as an Access Point for the Peppol network in Singapore. With our Access Point, you can easily generate the correct InvoiceNow format and automatically send it to both recipients and relevant organizations and authorities worldwide. 

The invoice is delivered to the customer and, simultaneously or shortly thereafter, a copy is also transmitted to IRAS through the same network. Unlike certain clearance-based systems, InvoiceNow does not require invoices to be digitally signed by the taxpayer. The security, integrity, and authenticity of the data are safeguarded by the Peppol network and its accredited Access Point providers.

Invoices must be submitted no later than the earlier of the GST return filing date for the relevant reporting period or the statutory deadline for that return.

Self-Billing

Self-billing, where the buyer issues the invoice on behalf of the supplier, is allowed in Singapore but only under strict conditions.

It is permitted only if:

• Both parties are GST-registered.
• There is a prior agreement in place between them.
• The agreement has been approved by the Comptroller of GST (IRAS).

Without meeting these requirements, invoices cannot be issued under a self-billing arrangement.

Documents Covered by the Mandate

The following documents must have their data transmitted to IRAS:

• Sales invoices
• Tax invoices
• Simplified tax invoices
• Serially numbered receipts
• Debit notes
• Credit notes

In general, any document that supports a sale or purchase reported for GST purposes and serves as the basis for payment or an adjustment to the billed amount must be submitted through InvoiceNow.

Businesses may also aggregate certain transactions before transmission, such as:

• Sales recorded through point-of-sale (POS) systems
• Sales supported by simplified tax invoices
• Petty cash purchases

InvoiceNow Updates

The IMDA has introduced two new types of business documents to the InvoiceNow Network:

• Purchase Order: This enables buyers to send electronic purchase orders directly to suppliers from one system to another, eliminating the need for human intervention. With the order data automatically stored in the supplier’s system, suppliers can easily convert it into an electronic invoice and send it back to the buyer through the network. This streamlines data entry, improves the accuracy of data needed for invoice and purchase order matching, and speeds up processing and payment to suppliers.
• Invoice Response: This document allows buyers to update suppliers on the status of their invoices within the buyer’s system. It keeps suppliers informed about the status of their invoices, reducing the need for follow-ups and minimizing any potential impact on customer satisfaction.

IMDA-accredited Peppol-Ready solution providers offer solutions that connect to the network and support the receipt of these documents

Comply with E-Invoicing in Singapore

EDICOM’s global invoicing platform fully integrates with your ERP, enabling you to send and receive electronic invoices to and from any agency or company in Singapore.

1. EDICOM generates the PINT SG format and sends it to the destination Access Point while simultaneously connecting to IRAS via API to send a copy of the electronic invoice
2. EDICOM can also integrate incoming electronic invoices from other Peppol Access Points directly into your ERP system.

With EDICOM, you can fully automate and digitalize the process of sending and receiving electronic documents with any company in Singapore.

EDICOM's solution does not rely on third parties. All processes are handled on its own cloud-based infrastructure, allowing businesses to operate without needing to install new systems or worry about maintenance.

One of the key advantages of working with a global provider like EDICOM is the ability to centralize all of your electronic communications, regardless of where your company operates.

With EDICOM’s solution, you can be confident that you’re always in compliance with the latest regulations and processes. The platform automatically converts communications into the required formats and standards, following all security and messaging protocols.

Benefits of InvoiceNow

1. Simplifies invoicing across all business relationships
It enables businesses to use a single invoicing solution of their choice for all counterparties, including trading partners and government agencies, while ensuring smooth tax compliance.

2. Reduces manual work and improves efficiency
InvoiceNow automates the transmission of invoice data directly into buyers’ accounting systems, removing the need for manual data entry and reducing errors.

3. Enhances reliability and data security
Invoices are transmitted securely through the InvoiceNow network using the international Peppol standard, minimizing the risk of loss or tampering.

4. Eases compliance and shortens GST audits
With InvoiceNow-Ready solutions, businesses can expect shorter GST audits and faster refunds, as invoice data is submitted directly to IRAS. Businesses may also receive automatic alerts if GST has been incorrectly charged by non-GST-registered suppliers.

Highlight on Key Milestones of Peppol in Singapore

Singapore is continuing its drive to promote e-invoicing with the aim of helping companies improve efficiency, reduce costs, streamline payment cycles, and minimize environmental impact.

1. IMDA became the first Peppol Authority outside of Europe in May 2018. The government of Singapore decided to develop its e-invoicing system using European standards and Peppol infrastructure with the aim of promoting international commerce.
2. The nationwide E-invoicing network was launched in January 2019, with 11 Access Point providers ready to serve the market
3. The Peppol Ready solution accreditation was created in 2019 and more than 50 Peppol-Solution providers were successfully connected to the network by January 2020
4. The Singapore government added a new channel for suppliers to submit e-invoices via the nationwide E-invoicing network in January 2020 and has since become the preferred channel for suppliers.
5. The E-Invoicing Registration Grant was announced in March 2020 to incentivize businesses to join the network before 31 December 2020.
6. The nationwide E-invoicing network was renamed as InvoiceNow in September 2020