The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has formalised requirements for GST-registered businesses to adopt the nationwide InvoiceNow (Peppol) network for transmitting invoice data.
On 7 March 2025, IRAS published the definitive e-Tax Guide “GST: Adopting GST InvoiceNow Requirement for GST-registered Businesses”. This guide supersedes the draft version previously subject to public consultation, for which IRAS published its responses on 20 November 2024.
Key Mandates Outlined in the Guide:
- Mandatory Scope: The guide specifies the categories of transactions where electronic transmission of invoice data via InvoiceNow is compulsory. It also details specific transaction types explicitly excluded from this requirement.
- Transmission Deadline: Businesses must comply with stipulated deadlines for transmitting invoice data to IRAS after issuing a tax invoice.
- Exemptions: Certain types of GST-registered businesses are formally excluded from the InvoiceNow mandate. The guide clarifies the eligibility criteria for these exemptions.
Phased Implementation Schedule:
- Soft Launch (Early Adoption): Commences 1 May 2025, allowing businesses to voluntarily adopt the system ahead of mandatory deadlines.
- Condition for Voluntary Registration: Adoption of the GST InvoiceNow Requirement will become an additional mandatory condition for businesses applying for voluntary GST registration. Details on the effective date for this condition are pending.
- Mandatory Rollout: IRAS will enforce mandatory adoption for:
- New businesses registering for GST compulsorily.
- All remaining existing GST-registered businesses not covered by exemptions.
- Further details and timelines for this mandatory phase will be announced following industry consultation.
GST-registered businesses, particularly those considering voluntary registration or nearing compulsory registration thresholds, are advised to review the official e-Tax Guide and assess their readiness to integrate with the InvoiceNow (Peppol) network. Preparation for the soft launch beginning 1 May 2025 is recommended.
Source: IRAS, 7 March 2025.