Singapore E-invoicing
While electronic invoicing is not mandated yet on any level in Singapore, the country’s tax authority is working on implementing a continuous transaction control (CTC) reporting model.
Singapore’s push towards digitalization was evidenced by the launch of its e-invoicing standard framework in 2018. Singapore was the first country outside Europe to adopt PEPPOL. The PEPPOL Business Interoperability Specifications (BIS) for e-invoicing and the PEPPOL eDelivery Network have been live since 2019.
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has announced the implementation of a phased adoption of InvoiceNow, the national e-invoicing framework based on the PEPPOL network, for invoicing data transmission. It will start voluntarily for GST-registered businesses in May 2025. The mandate will only cover B2B transactions; the government is expected to make B2G mandatory in the coming years.
Bookmark this page and revisit it often to stay on top of upcoming obligations.
Singapore B2B e-invoicing
Network
InvoiceNow
Format
Currently both Singapore BIS Billing 3.0 (PEPPOL) and Singapore (SG) PEPPOL PINT are allowed; PEPPOL PINT will be used exclusively from 2025.
eSignature Requirement
Ensuring integrity and authenticity is required, an e-signature is one method of assurance.
Archiving Requirement
Five years
Singapore B2G e-invoicing
Network
InvoiceNow.
Format
Currently both Singapore BIS Billing 3.0 (PEPPOL) and Singapore (SG) PEPPOL PINT are allowed; PEPPOL PINT will be used exclusively from 2025.
eSignature Requirement
Ensuring integrity and authenticity is required, an e-signature is one method of assurance.
Archiving Requirement
Five years.
E-invoicing in Singapore: Requirements and regulations
Currently, there is no mandate for using e-invoices in Singapore. However, taxpayers can connect to the PEPPOL network to send and receive e-invoices. Singapore’s IMDA is a PEPPOL authority and, as such, those who choose to send invoices electronically through the InvoiceNow network must meet the format requirements:
Singapore BIS Billing 3.0 (PEPPOL) or Singapore (SG) PEPPOL PINT, though the latter will become the only applicable format from 2025.
E-reporting in Singapore: Requirements and regulations
Singapore is implementing a CTC reporting mandate, utilizing the nation’s InvoiceNow PEPPOL framework. The implementation of this mandate sees a move away from a PEPPOL 4 corner model, instead adopting a PEPPOL 5 corner model with taxpayers transmitting invoice data to the IRAS, the nation’s tax authority.
Invoice data from both sales and purchases needs to be reported to the tax authority. Reporting requirements for “PEPPOL e-invoices” is real-time. For invoices issued outside InvoiceNow (“solution extracted invoices”), reporting is within a specific deadline with weekly submission recommended, no later than the return due date.
Accredited Access Points (AP) are the only parties allowed to submit invoice data to IRAS using C5 API – Sovos is an accredited AP in Singapore.
The implementation of this e-reporting obligation is included in the implementation timeline below.
Singapore’s E-invoicing and E-reporting Implementation timeline
Digitalization is on a storied journey towards implementation in Singapore. Here are the important dates:
- May 2018: Singapore’s IMDA became the first PEPPOL Authority outside of Europe
- January 2019: The nation’s e-invoicing network, later named InvoiceNow, launched
- March 2020: Singapore launches Registration Grant to incentivise businesses to join the network
- 1 May 2025: B2B e-reporting is implemented for voluntary early adoption by GST-registered businesses
- 1 November 2025: B2B e-reporting is implemented for newly incorporated companies that register for GST voluntarily
PEPPOL in Singapore
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) became the first PEPPOL Authority outside of Europe in May 2018. Later, it launched its e-invoicing network with an initial 11 Access Point providers.
The network is established on the PEPPOL framework, helping businesses exchange documents electronically. As a PEPPOL Authority, IMDA can:
- Approve and certify PEPPOL Access Point providers in Singapore
- Accredit PEPPOL-ready solution providers in Singapore
- Govern the compliance of businesses to the PEPPOL framework
- Specify country-specific rules and technical standards under the PEPPOL framework – namely SG PEPPOL BIS and SG PEPPOL PINT format
Find out more about PEPPOL in Sovos’ definitive E-invoicing Guide
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FAQ
Is Singapore using e-invoicing?
Businesses in Singapore are encouraged to use e-invoices, but it has yet to become mandatory.
Is InvoiceNow mandatory in Singapore?
While Singapore encourages businesses to issue and receive invoices electronically through its InvoiceNow system, it has not yet mandated e-invoicing between businesses. The mandatory e-reporting using InvoiceNow will start from 1 November 2025 for newly incorporated companies that register for GST voluntarily.
What is InvoiceNow in Singapore?
InvoiceNow is a nationwide e-invoicing initiative by The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) that helps SMEs and large enterprises streamline invoicing. The aim is to provide a faster and more sustainable way to transact, nationwide and worldwide.
What needs to be on an invoice in Singapore?
Invoices in Singapore require information such as:
- Supplier’s name, address & GST registration number
- Customer’s name and address
- Invoice issuance date and identification number
- Description of goods or services provided
- Total amount payable, both including and excluding GST
What is PEPPOL in invoicing?
PEPPOL is a standard for sending electronic invoices to public sector clients (in other words, for B2G transactions) throughout the EU – and beyond. Singapore was the first PEPPOL-approved authority outside of Europe.
Singapore’s InvoiceNow e-invoicing framework is based on the PEPPOL network.
Is Sovos certified as a PEPPOL Service Provider by the Singaporean Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)?
Yes, Sovos is an IMDA-certified PEPPOL service provider in Singapore. Our regulatory experts can connect to the InvoiceNow network on your behalf.
