Question 1

What is InvoiceNow?

Accepted Answer

InvoiceNow is a nationwide e-invoicing method operating on the open standard PEPPOL network that facilitates the direct transmission of invoices in a structured digital format across finance systems. PEPPOL is a standard established for trading partners to exchange invoices of credit memos (e-invoice) over a common computer network, hereby known as PEPPOL network.

Question 2

How is InvoiceNow different from my existing invoicing method?

Accepted Answer

Presently, your invoices may exist as hard copy documents or PDF files transmitted through email or traditional mail. Both parties must engage in manual processing to input invoice details into their respective systems, a time-consuming task prone to human error. InvoiceNow alleviates this burden by streamlining the process, offering a more secure means of invoice exchange. E-invoices are encrypted and sent directly through the Peppol network to the recipient's InvoiceNow-approved system, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Question 3

Is InvoiceNow e-invoicing and PEPPOL e-invoicing different?

Accepted Answer

No, InvoiceNow e-invoicing is based on the Peppol business document standard and operates over the Peppol network and allowing enterprises to digitally transact with other linked companies on the Network.

Question 4

Is InvoiceNow secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, InvoiceNow is a secure network. It uses the Peppol network to send e-invoices between accounting systems. The Peppol network employs encrypted transport using SSL and a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to safeguard the security and integrity of data.

Question 5

Do I have to be a part of the Peppol network to send InvoiceNow invoices to the Government via the Peppol network?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is essential to be a part of the Peppol network to generate InvoiceNow invoices for the Government through this network. AGD has created a guide detailing the process and the necessary compliance requirements. The guide can be found here: https://www.vendors.gov.sg/doc/Guide-E-invoice_Submission_via_InvoiceNow.pdf?ver=1.2

Question 6

Can the government access the information in my invoices?

Accepted Answer

No, as per existing regulations, the government does not have the capability to view or monitor your e-invoices. The transmission of e-invoices occurs directly between the sending and receiving Access Point providers on a peer-to-peer basis.

SGNIC (Singapore Network Information Centre) manages a central directory of businesses within the network. This directory is crucial for Access Points to determine the appropriate destination Access Point for routing e-invoices, similar to how SGNIC maintains DNS addresses for Singapore registered domains, ensuring that entered URLs lead to the correct webpages.

Question 7

How can I ascertain whether my suppliers and partners are connected to the PEPPOL network?

Accepted Answer

You can conduct a search for your Peppol Ready suppliers, partners, and customers through this platform. If you wish to specifically identify Peppol Ready businesses registered in Singapore, you can search by name or UEN number. Please remember to include "0195:SGUEN" before the UEN number in your search string (e.g., search for "0195:SGUEN" <>).

Question 8

Is it possible to send and receive InvoiceNow invoices across borders? How will this affect my business dealings with international clients?

Accepted Answer

You have the capability to send and receive InvoiceNow e-invoices with businesses in different countries, provided they are connected to the Peppol network.

Question 9

Is it possible to retract an e-invoice once it has been sent? What steps should be taken if I need to recall an e-invoice?

Accepted Answer

No, once e-invoices are sent, they cannot be recalled. The InvoiceNow network operates in a manner similar to email; once an invoice is created, finalized, and transmitted across the network, there is no feature or function to retrieve the sent invoice.

To rectify an incorrect invoice, we recommend that the supplier issues a credit note referencing the erroneously sent invoice to nullify the inaccurate data elements.

Alternatively, the supplier can instruct the recipient of the e-invoice to disregard the received incorrect document and resend a new and accurate one.

To minimize such issues, senders can consider saving the invoice as a draft, allowing for a review of details before finalizing and sending it to the customer.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions