The principal GST development during the first half of 2026 was the expansion of Singapore’s GST InvoiceNow Requirement, which will progressively require all GST-registered businesses to transmit invoice data to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) through the InvoiceNow network. Announced during the Ministry of Finance’s Committee of Supply debate on 26 February 2026, the initiative establishes a phased implementation between 2028 and 2031, while the first mandatory phase took effect on 1 April 2026 for new voluntary GST registrants.
Apart from InvoiceNow, Singapore’s GST framework remained largely unchanged. The GST rate continues at 9%, no rate changes were announced in Budget 2026, IRAS issued updated technical guidance in several areas of GST administration, and the tax authority undertook enforcement action against suspected GST refund fraud.
GST Framework
Singapore’s GST rate remains 9%, following the increase from 8% on 1 January 2024.
Zero-rating continues to apply to exports of goods and qualifying international services. Exempt supplies include most financial services, the sale and lease of residential property, and specified digital payment token transactions.
The compulsory GST registration threshold remains SGD 1 million in taxable turnover over a 12-month period or where that threshold is expected to be exceeded. Businesses below the threshold may apply for voluntary registration.
No amendments to the GST rate or registration thresholds were announced during Budget 2026.
GST InvoiceNow Requirement
The Government announced a significant expansion of the GST InvoiceNow Requirement during the Committee of Supply debate on 26 February 2026.
InvoiceNow is Singapore’s national Peppol-based electronic invoicing network. Under the GST InvoiceNow Requirement, GST-registered businesses within scope must transmit prescribed invoice data to IRAS using InvoiceNow-Ready Solutions through the InvoiceNow network. The transmission requirement supplements, rather than replaces, existing GST return filing obligations.
IRAS receives a copy of invoice data through IMDA-accredited Access Point Providers for GST administration purposes.
The requirement will be introduced progressively:
1 November 2025 – companies voluntarily registering for GST within six months of incorporation.
1 April 2026 – all businesses applying for voluntary GST registration.
1 April 2028 – businesses applying for compulsory GST registration from that date and existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies not exceeding SGD 200,000.
1 April 2029 – existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies not exceeding SGD 1 million.
1 April 2030 – existing GST-registered businesses with annual supplies not exceeding SGD 4 million.
1 April 2031 – all remaining GST-registered businesses.
For existing GST-registered businesses, annual supplies are determined using Box 4 of the GST return, comprising the value of standard-rated, zero-rated and exempt supplies reported for accounting periods ending during calendar year 2025.
Businesses may voluntarily activate GST InvoiceNow before their mandatory implementation date.
The requirement does not apply to:
overseas entities, including businesses registered under Singapore’s Overseas Vendor Registration regimes; and
businesses registered solely because of the Reverse Charge regime.
Transition Support
To support implementation, the Government announced several assistance measures.
Eligible SMEs with annual taxable supplies of SGD 4 million or less may apply for the GST InvoiceNow Transition Grant upon meeting the relevant conditions.
Additional transition funding is available for larger businesses, while the InvoiceNow Queen Bee Grant supports larger enterprises implementing InvoiceNow across their wider business ecosystem.
Businesses may also adopt accredited InvoiceNow-Ready Solutions, including free-of-charge packages made available through participating providers during the implementation period.
GST Refund Fraud Enforcement
In March 2026, IRAS carried out coordinated investigations into suspected GST refund fraud involving multiple businesses.
The operation included searches at business and residential premises, resulted in one arrest, and led to the seizure of 179 luxury watches with an estimated value exceeding SGD 1 million, together with accounting records and electronic devices.
According to IRAS, the investigations concern suspected false GST refund claims supported by fictitious transactions and tax invoices.
IRAS also reiterated that businesses identifying historical GST errors should consider making voluntary disclosures under the existing disclosure programme.
Technical Guidance
During H1 2026, IRAS published or updated guidance covering several aspects of GST administration, including:
GST accounting periods and applications to change filing frequency;
GST treatment of construction services;
deposits and the time of supply;
gifts and samples;
GST obligations of businesses under liquidation; and
reverse charge on imported services.
These updates clarify existing administrative practice rather than introducing substantive legislative changes.
Digitalisation of GST Administration
The expansion of InvoiceNow forms part of Singapore’s wider programme of digital tax administration.
The mandatory transmission of invoice data represents a significant development in GST compliance, although GST returns will continue to be filed under the existing return framework.
IRAS has published implementation guidance, technical documentation and industry-specific support materials to assist businesses preparing for their respective implementation dates.
GST Rates
Singapore’s GST framework at the end of H1 2026 is as follows:
9% – standard GST rate.
0% – exports of goods and qualifying international services.
Exempt – most financial services, residential property and specified digital payment token transactions.
The compulsory GST registration threshold remains SGD 1 million in annual taxable turnover.
No changes to Singapore’s GST rates or registration thresholds were enacted during the first half of 2026.
