In this guide · 8 sections
- 01Access Point vs InvoiceNow-Ready Solution: which do you need?
- 02When the GST InvoiceNow requirement applies to you
- 03Using IMDA's provider lists
- 04Free InvoiceNow packages and the transition grant
- 05Questions to ask an InvoiceNow provider before signing
- 06Switching accounting software for InvoiceNow: is it worth it?
- 07Do it yourself or get help?
- 08Frequently asked questions
Short answer
Most SMEs should use the InvoiceNow feature in their accounting software, if it is on IMDA's InvoiceNow-Ready Solution Provider list. Pick a standalone Access Point only for your own ERP or custom system. Check IMDA's free package list and the S$1,000 grant before paying.
Access Point vs InvoiceNow-Ready Solution: which do you need?
InvoiceNow is built on Peppol, an international standard for sending invoices as structured data. Two kinds of IMDA-accredited providers are involved, and the difference decides who you shop with.
InvoiceNow-Ready Solution (IRS)
Most SMEs- Accounting or invoicing software accredited by IMDA
- Sends and receives InvoiceNow invoices and submits GST data to IRAS
- The software vendor handles the Access Point for you
- Examples on IMDA's list include Xero, ABSS, AutoCount, SQL Account and Million Accounting
Best for: Businesses already using off-the-shelf accounting software.
Access Point Provider (AP)
- Connects a system to the Peppol network, like a post office
- You or your developer integrate your ERP or custom system with it
- Pricing usually by volume or subscription, quoted by the provider
- Needed for SAP, Dynamics, Oracle or in-house systems without a built-in IRS
Best for: Larger firms or those with their own ERP or custom billing system.
Our InvoiceNow and Peppol set-up guide explains the requirement itself, the Peppol ID format and the phase dates.
When the GST InvoiceNow requirement applies to you
IRAS's GST InvoiceNow requirement page sets out phased dates, checked October 2026:
| From | Who must comply |
|---|---|
| 1 Nov 2025 | Newly incorporated companies registering for GST voluntarily |
| 1 Apr 2026 | All businesses applying for voluntary GST registration |
| 1 Apr 2028 | New compulsory GST registrants, and existing GST-registered businesses with total annual supplies of S$200,000 or less |
| 1 Apr 2029 to 1 Apr 2031 | Remaining existing GST-registered businesses, phased by size of 2025 supplies |
Whatever your date, the choice of provider is the same. Starting a few months early gives you time to test with your accountant before IRAS submissions become compulsory.
Using IMDA's provider lists
IMDA publishes three lists on its nationwide e-invoicing pages. Use them to confirm a provider is accredited before you sign anything.
- [InvoiceNow-Ready Solution Provider list](https://file.go.gov.sg/invoicenowirsp.pdf) (updated 12 October 2026): accounting, ERP and invoicing products accredited for InvoiceNow and GST submission. Start here and search for the software you already use.
- [Access Point Provider list](https://file.go.gov.sg/invoicenowap.pdf) (updated 21 September 2026): 49 entries, marked local or foreign, with business and technical support contacts. Use it if you are integrating your own system.
- [Free-of-charge package list](https://file.go.gov.sg/invoicenow-focpackage-gstbiz.pdf) (updated 17 September 2026): IRSPs offering a full GST InvoiceNow package free of charge with no conditions attached.
Free InvoiceNow packages and the transition grant
IMDA's free-of-charge list names 13 providers. For ten of them the free period runs to 31 March 2031 (one starts on 1 April 2027 and one from 27 July 2026); three end on 31 March 2027. A free package suits a business with low invoice volumes that does not want to change accounting software, or one that only needs to meet the requirement.
If you prefer a paid solution, the GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant FAQ sets out two grants:
| Grant | Who qualifies | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| S$1,000 fixed payout | GST-registered, total 2025 supplies of S$4 million or less | New IRSP subscription (at least 12 months paid) or ERP-to-AP integration after 26 Feb 2026; no IRSP used in the previous 3 months; InvoiceNow activated and data sent to IRAS |
| S$5,000 | Total 2025 supplies above S$4 million, with own ERP | Integrate via an accredited Access Point; start after 26 Feb 2026 and go live by 31 Mar 2028 |
The FAQ says existing subscribers and businesses already connected are not eligible, renewals do not count, and the same cost cannot also be funded by another government grant such as PSG. Payment is by PayNow Corporate, roughly two months after submission.
Questions to ask an InvoiceNow provider before signing
InvoiceNow provider checklist
Ask your accountant too. If they already work in a particular accounting product, staying with it usually saves more than any price difference between providers.
Switching accounting software for InvoiceNow: is it worth it?
If your current accounting software is on the IRS list, switching just for InvoiceNow is rarely worth the disruption. If it is not, and the vendor has no plan to be accredited before your date, you have three options: move to an accredited product, use a free package alongside your current software, or connect your system to an Access Point.
If you are weighing up the main cloud options, our Xero vs QuickBooks comparison covers prices and features in Singapore. Remember that InvoiceNow does not change what a valid tax invoice must contain; our guide to GST tax invoice requirements covers that.
Do it yourself or get help?
If your software is accredited, turning on InvoiceNow is usually a settings task: register the Peppol ID, enable GST InvoiceNow submission, send a test invoice and check with your accountant. Integrating an ERP with an Access Point is a developer project.
Our InvoiceNow (Peppol) Setup (S$190) registers your Peppol ID, switches on InvoiceNow in your accounting software and tests sending and receiving. If you are changing software at the same time, the Xero / QuickBooks Integration (S$390) connects bank feeds, payment apps and invoice templates.
Frequently asked questions
Usually not. If you use accounting software that is on IMDA's InvoiceNow-Ready Solution Provider list, the software vendor handles the Access Point and you switch the feature on in your settings. You only choose an Access Point directly if you have your own ERP or a custom billing system to integrate.
IMDA publishes it as a PDF linked from its nationwide e-invoicing pages. The version updated on 21 September 2026 lists 49 accredited Access Point providers, marked local or foreign, with support contacts. IMDA also publishes a separate list of InvoiceNow-Ready Solution Providers, which is the better starting point for most small businesses.
Yes. IMDA's list of free-of-charge packages for GST-registered businesses, updated 17 September 2026, names 13 providers. Most offer the free package until 31 March 2031, while a few end on 31 March 2027. IMDA says the packages are free with no conditions attached. Check the provider's sign-up page for current details.
According to IMDA's FAQ, eligible businesses have total 2025 supplies of S$4 million or less, subscribe to an accredited solution for at least 12 months (or integrate with an Access Point) after 26 February 2026, activate GST InvoiceNow and submit data to IRAS, then send supporting documents. The grant runs until 31 March 2030 or until fully claimed.
Generally yes. Your Peppol ID is based on your UEN, so it is not tied to one provider, but it must be moved from the old Access Point to the new one so invoices are routed correctly. Ask both providers how they handle the transfer and plan the switch so no invoices are lost in between.