What is InvoiceNow & What’s New?
InvoiceNow is Singapore’s nationwide Peppol-standard e-invoicing network managed via IMDA in partnership with IRAS. It enables businesses to transmit invoices digitally, supporting GST functions.(iras.gov.sg)
As announced in the 2026 Committee of Supply, the government is making submission via InvoiceNow mandatory for all GST-registered businesses, with a phased schedule from April 2028 through April 2031.(iras.gov.sg) New voluntary GST registrants since 1 April 2026 already must comply, regardless of size or business structure.(iras.gov.sg)
Who Must Comply & When
| Segment | Implementation Date |
|---|---|
| Existing businesses with annual supplies ≤ SGD 200,000 | 1 April 2028 |
| Existing businesses with supplies ≤ SGD 1 million | 1 April 2029 |
| Existing businesses with supplies ≤ SGD 4 million | 1 April 2030 |
| Businesses with supplies > SGD 4 million | 1 April 2031 |
| All new voluntary GST-registrants from 1 Apr 2026 | Immediate compliance regardless of size or structure |
Benefits & Risks
Benefits
- Reduced manual work and errors through structured data invoicing
- Faster GST refunds and smoother audits
- Enables better integration with global e-invoicing systems like Peppol in EU, NZ, Japan etc.(iras.gov.sg)
Risks / Challenges
- Need to ensure your accounting or ERP system is InvoiceNow-Ready
- Costs for solutions or integration (though there are support grants especially for SMEs)
- Possible compliance issues if sticking to old invoicing formats past implementation dates
How to Prepare Now
- Identify whether your current invoicing and accounting systems are InvoiceNow-ready or whether you need vendor support
- Apply for grants: SMEs can get up to SGD 1,000 to offset onboarding costs; larger businesses up to SGD 5,000; many free and subsidised solution options exist up to March 2031.(iras.gov.sg)
- Check SMB size and turnover thresholds so you know which implementation date applies
- Train staff and tax agents on Peppol format, data submission, and related digital processes
Example Application
A small business with SGD 150,000 annual supplies will be required to comply by 1 April 2028. If it has sales of SGD 5 million, it has until 1 April 2031. However, if it voluntarily registers for GST after 1 April 2026, it must already start using InvoiceNow regardless of turnover.
Strategic Insights for Broader ASEAN
- Singapore’s timeline gives room to learn best practices—prove smoother rollout by 2028 onwards
- Other ASEAN members are also exploring e-invoicing/networks (e.g. Indonesia’s Coretax, Malaysia’s digital filing upgrades) that may align or require interoperability
- Digital invoicing becomes a compliance necessity for international supply chains—early adopters will gain competitive advantage in audit readiness and vendor credibility