BUSINESS ARTICLE

Ultimate Guide to E-invoicing in Singapore

Ultimate Guide to E-invoicing in Singapore

Ultimate Guide to E-invoicing in Singapore

firstpagedigital Business Insights, Tax

As Singapore move towards a digital economy, one of the most impactful shifts for businesses is the move toward e-invoicing While it is not yet required for all businesses, the government actively encourages adoption through InvoiceNow, a national e-invoicing system. Integrating e-invoicing helps companies streamline their financial operations, stay ahead of evolving regulations, and reduce operational costs. This guide explains what e-invoicing is, how InvoiceNow is transforming the digital invoicing process in Singapore, and why adopting e-invoicing can provide your business with a competitive edge.

What Is E-Invoicing?

E-invoicing (electronic invoicing) is the process of generating, sending and receiving invoices in a structured digital format. Unlike traditional methods of printing or emailing a PDF invoice, e-invoicing enables businesses to transmit invoice data directly from one accounting system to another through a secure network. This ensures greater accuracy, shorter processing time and helps reduce manual administrative work.

In Singapore, the national e-invoicing system is known as InvoiceNow. It operates on the PEPPOL (Pan-European Public Procurement Online) network, a globally adopted infrastructure that enables businesses to exchange e-invoices and other documents securely and efficiently.

What Is E-Invoicing

Why E-invoicing Matters in Singapore

The Singapore government is actively driving digital transformation amongst businesses and e-invoicing in Singapore is a key part of the digital initiative.

With e-invoicing, companies can:

  • Ensure compliance with local accounting and tax regulations
  • Reduce manual data entry work and minimise human errors
  • Improve cash flow with quicker payment cycles
  • Lower operational costs such as printing, postage, and storage
  • Support sustainability through a paperless process

Although e-invoicing is not yet mandatory for all businesses, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) have set a roadmap for future GST InvoiceNow requirements. Adopting InvoiceNow early can help you stay ahead of the compliance curve and avoid last-minute implementation challenges.

InvoiceNow and How It Works

InvoiceNow enables invoices to be transmitted directly from seller to buyer, from one business system to another without manual intervention. Businesses can send and receive e-invoices using their current accounting or ERP systems. It runs on the PEPPOL network, using Access Points, which act like secure digital post-boxes that routes the e-invoices. These Access Points ensure your e-invoice gets to the correct recipient in the right format.

Here is a simple overview of how e-invoicing with InvoiceNow works:

  1. The seller generates an invoice using their InvoiceNow-ready accounting or ERP software.
  2. The invoice is automatically converted into a standard format used by the PEPPOL network.
  3. The invoice is sent via the PEPPOL Access Point to the buyer’s system.
  4. The buyer receives the invoice directly within their software.

This seamless process is fast, accurate, and secure, making it a superior alternative to traditional paper invoicing methods.

Requirements for Using InvoiceNow

To start using InvoiceNow in Singapore, businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a valid Unique Entity Number (UEN)
  • Register for a PEPPOL ID via Corppass
  • Engage an IMDA-accredited Access Point provider
  • Ensure their accounting system can generate structured e-invoices in the PEPPOL BIS format

Most popular cloud accounting platforms today offer InvoiceNow-ready solutions. Businesses can also refer to IMDA’s list of Peppol-ready solution providers.

Key Dates You Should Know

Singapore is rolling out e-invoicing requirements in phases.

Here are the key milestones:

  • 1 May 2025: All GST-registered businesses can start transmitting e-invoices through InvoiceNow
  • 1 November 2025: Newly incorporated companies that apply for voluntary GST registration are required to start submitting invoice data to IRAS using InvoiceNow
  • 1 April 2026: All new voluntary GST registrants are required to start submitting invoice data to IRAS using InvoiceNow

The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has announced plans to progressively extend mandatory participation in e-invoicing to more businesses in future phases. Hence getting started early ensures your systems are compliant and your business operations do not get disrupted.

Benefits of E-invoicing for Businesses

Benefits of E-invoicing for Businesses

E-invoicing offers significant advantages for businesses in Singapore.

Saves Time

E-invoicing automates the entire invoicing process; no more printing, scanning, or manually typing in invoice details. E-invoicing does it all digitally and faster, freeing up staff for more value-added tasks.

Fewer Mistakes

With e-invoicing, data are sent in a standardised format from system to system. This reduces manual input and errors, such as missing line items or incorrect amounts.

Faster Payments

E-invoices are delivered instantly to your clients’ systems, speeding up processing ad approval times. This leads to quicker payments and improved cash flow.

Helps with Compliance

Using InvoiceNow helps ensure GST compliance through structured, traceable records. This simplifies audit readiness and facilitates accurate GST reporting.

Easier Global Invoicing

As PEPPOL is a global standard, e-invoicing in Singapore allows your business to seamlessly exchange e-invoices with international clients who are also on the same network, making cross-border transactions more efficient.

More Sustainable

Going digital means less paper and physical storage, aligning your company’s ESG goals and demonstrating responsibility, reducing storage costs at the same time.

Grants and Government Support

To help businesses adopt e-invoicing, the Singapore government offers support like the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). This helps to reduce the cost of setting up InvoiceNow.

How to Get Started with E-invoicing in Singapore

E-invoicing offers significant advantages for businesses in Singapore, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. Moving to e-invoicing is more straightforward than many assume.

Here are the steps:

Select a PEPPOL Access Point Provider

Engage a certified PEPPOL Access Point provider who will connect your business to the InvoiceNow network.

Check Your Software

Make sure your current accounting or ERP software supports InvoiceNow.

Train Your Team

Switching to e-invoicing may require some changes in how your finance team works. It is important toprovide training so your staff know how to create, send, and receive e-invoices effectively within the new system.

Review Your Invoice Format

Ensure your e-invoices include all the details required by IRAS, such as:

  • GST registration details (if applicable)
  • Your company’s UEN (Unique Entity Number)
  • Postal addresses
  • Itemised invoice details

Your Access Point Provider can help guide you to ensure everything is set up correctly.

Test the System

Testing the system with trial invoices will help identify any adjustments before you go fully live.

With upcoming mandates and the growing emphasis on digital transformation, now is the ideal time for businesses in Singapore to embrace e-invoicing. While the process is relatively straightforward, partnering with the right experts can make implementation smoother and ensure long-term compliance.

Need Support with your Tax and E-invoicing?

At BoardRoom Singapore, we help businesses stay compliant with tax regulations  and prepare for a smooth transition to e-invoicing. Whether you are looking to adopt InvoiceNow or need expert advice on meeting the upcoming requirements, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Moving to e-invoicing in Singapore doesn’t have to be complicated. Contact us to get started with InvoiceNow and future-proof your accounting and tax processes.

Related Business Insights