Thursday, January 29, 2026

𝗟𝗛𝗗𝗡𝗠 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗽 𝗗𝘂𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗩𝗗𝗣: 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿!

LHDNM has just announced a 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙑𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝘿𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙚 (𝙎𝙑𝘿𝙋) for stamp duty, running for six months from 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026.




This is a great opportunity to sort out any unstamped documents you might have. If you have agreements or instruments that were executed between 𝟭 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟯𝟭 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 but haven't been stamped yet, you can do so now without any penalty.

Key Points of the Stamp Duty SVDP:

𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 – Pay the outstanding stamp duty during the program period, and all late payment penalties will be fully waived.

𝗡𝗼 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 – Instruments stamped under this program will not be subject to audit for stamp duty compliance.

𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 – The penalty is waived automatically when you pay the duty. No separate application is needed.

⚠️ 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙪𝙙.

Don't miss this chance to get your documents in order. The deadline is 30 June 2026. If you need help reviewing your documents or have any questions about this program, feel free to get in touch with us.

📱 Whatsapp us: 011 2366 5233


Source : https://www.hasil.gov.my/media/4zvbflbl/20260128-kenyataan-media-hasil_pkps-duti-setem-2026.pdf

#LHDNM #StampDuty #DutiSetem #SVDP #PKPS #TaxMalaysia #MalaysiaTax #CharteredAccountant #KSChiaAssociates #PenaltyWaiver #StampDutyMalaysia

Thursday, January 22, 2026

LHDN's New Guidelines for Social Media Influencers: What You Need to Know

The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) has released new guidelines on the tax treatment of income for social media influencers, effective 14 January 2026. If you earn income from social media, it is important to understand your tax obligations.

This guide breaks down the key points of the new LHDN guidelines to help you stay compliant.



Who is Considered a Social Media Influencer?

According to the guidelines, you are considered a social media influencer if you are involved in activities such as:
Creating and sharing content: Producing, recording, publishing, or displaying any audio, video, or written content on social media.
Appearing in events: Participating in any activity, program, or event on social media.
Promoting products or services: Engaging in advertising or promotional activities on social media.
Receiving benefits: Accepting any form of payment, gift, or benefit for your involvement in social media.

What Income is Taxable?



All income you receive as an influencer is considered business income and is subject to tax. This includes both monetary and non-monetary payments. The guidelines provide a list of taxable income sources:


All income derived from your activities as an influencer is taxable, regardless of whether the payment comes from within or outside Malaysia.

What Expenses Can You Claim?

You can claim deductions for expenses that are directly related to your income-generating activities as an influencer. These include:
Internet and data costs
Filming and editing costs
Other expenses wholly and exclusively incurred in the production of your gross income

You can also claim capital allowances for any capital expenditure incurred in your activities as an influencer.

Your Tax Responsibilities

As a social media influencer, you are responsible for:
Reporting all your income: You must declare all income received from your activities as an influencer in your annual tax return.
Paying your taxes: You are required to pay income tax on your chargeable income at the prevailing tax rates.
Keeping proper records: You must keep complete and accurate records of all your income and expenses for at least seven years.

Need Help?

Understanding your tax obligations as a social media influencer can be complex. If you have any questions or need assistance with your tax planning, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Whatsapp us: 011 2366 5233

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Friday, January 16, 2026

Employer's Compliance Guide: Your 2026 Checklist for Malaysian Tax Rules

Employer's Compliance Guide: Start 2026 Right


As we step into 2026, it's the perfect time for employers to review their compliance checklist. This guide serves as a friendly reminder of your key obligations to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), including an important clarification on when to file Form CP22A for departing staff.

1. For New Hires in 2026

1.Stamp the Employment Contract: All employment contracts must be stamped with a RM10 duty within 30 days of signing.
2.Submit Form e-CP22: Notify LHDN of new hires within 30 days via the mandatory e-CP22 portal, especially if the employee is likely to be taxable.



2. For Departing Employees: When is Form CP22A Required?

This is a common point of confusion. You are NOT required to file Form CP22A for every resigning employee. The key is whether the employee's income has been consistently reported via Monthly Tax Deductions (MTD/PCB).
You are generally EXEMPT from filing Form CP22A if:
The employee's income has been subject to MTD/PCB, AND
They are not receiving any lump-sum payments like gratuity or compensation for loss of employment.
You MUST file Form CP22A (via e-SPC) if:
The employee's monthly income was below the MTD threshold (and thus no MTD was ever deducted).
The employee is receiving a final payment of compensation or gratuity upon termination.
T he employee is a foreign worker leaving Malaysia (use Form CP21).

When in doubt, it is always safest to file. If you do file, you must withhold all final payments until you receive the Tax Clearance Certificate from LHDN.

3. Annual & Monthly Obligations

Form E (Annual Return): The statutory deadline is 31 March (or 30 April for e-filing).
Form EA (Staff Remuneration): Provide to all employees by the last day of February.
MTD/PCB (Monthly Deduction): Remit by the 15th of the following month.




A Partner in Compliance

Understanding these nuances is key to efficient compliance. We're here to help you navigate these requirements with confidence.

Monday, January 12, 2026

e-Lanjutan Masa: A Complete Guide to LHDN's New Tax Filing Extension System for Malaysian Companies

Introduction

The Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri Malaysia (LHDN) has released a new guideline called Garis Panduan Operasi Bil. 4 Tahun 2025, which introduces the e-Lanjutan Masa system. This online facility allows eligible companies to apply for an extension of time (EOT) for submitting their tax returns.
For many Malaysian SME owners, this is welcome news. But there's a catch that many don't know about: your company must first have an SSM extension before LHDN will approve your application.
In this article, we explain the new system, why companies need extensions, and the proper procedure to follow.

What is e-Lanjutan Masa?

e-Lanjutan Masa is LHDN's new online application system for requesting more time to submit your company's tax return (Borang Nyata). The system is available through the MyTax portal at mytax.hasil.gov.my.
Who can apply?
• Companies (Sdn Bhd, Berhad)
• Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP)
• Cooperatives
• Trust bodies
• Petroleum operations
Who cannot apply?
Individual taxpayers (sole proprietors, partnerships, employees) are not eligible for this system.

The Critical Requirement: SSM Extension First

Here's what many business owners miss: one of the main conditions for LHDN to approve your e-Lanjutan Masa application is that you already have an EOT from SSM.
This means if your accounts are delayed and you haven't applied for SSM extension, you won't qualify for LHDN extension either. You'll face penalties from both SSM and LHDN.

Why Do Malaysian SMEs Need Extension of Time?



Based on our experience working with hundreds of SME clients, here are the most common reasons companies can't meet their filing deadlines:

Many SMEs struggle with basic bookkeeping. Common issues include:
• Missing invoices and receipts
• Cash sales not properly recorded
• Poor filing of supporting documents
• No bank reconciliation done regularly
These problems mean the trial balance isn't ready, and the audit cannot even start.

2. Staffing Challenges
Small businesses often have:
• Junior or inexperienced accounts clerks
• High staff turnover in the accounts department
• Admin staff handling accounts as a side duty
• No proper handover when staff leave
This leads to errors, rework, and delays.

3. No Proper Closing Process
Many SMEs don't have a month-end or year-end closing checklist. There's no cut-off review, no stock count, no reconciliation. The accounts only get "cleaned up" once a year when the auditor starts chasing.

4. Last-Minute Culture
Some business owners send documents to their auditors just days before the deadline, expecting the audit firm to "rush for them." This is unrealistic. A proper audit takes time — preparing working papers, drafting reports, review process, and converting to XBRL format for SSM submission.

5. Low Awareness of Deadlines
For many SME owners, audit and tax filing are low priority compared to sales, cash flow, and daily operations. They don't realise the penalties for late submission can be significant.

6. Management Delays
Sometimes the accounts are ready, but management hasn't made certain decisions needed to finalise them:
• Impairment of assets
• Provisions for doubtful debts
• Director remuneration
• Dividend declarations
• Related party transaction disclosures

7. Shareholder or Director Disputes
Family businesses or companies with multiple shareholders sometimes face internal conflicts. Partners may be exiting, family members may be in dispute, or directors may refuse to sign the financial statements. This causes paralysis and delays.

8. Unexpected Disasters
Sometimes things happen that are beyond anyone's control:
• Fire or flood damaging office and records
• Theft of computers or documents
• These situations require reconstruction of records, which takes considerable time

In today's digital world, cyber attacks are a real risk:
• Ransomware encrypting all company data
• Server failures with no proper backup
Loss of cloud accounting data
Recovering from these incidents and reconstructing ledgers can take months.

10. Change in Accounting Standards
Companies adopting MPERS or MFRS for the first time, or dealing with new accounting standards, may face delays in making policy decisions and restating comparative figures.



The Proper Procedure: Step by Step

If your company's accounts won't be ready on time, here's what you should do:

Step 1: Recognise the problem early
Don't wait until the last week. If you know your accounts will be delayed, start planning at least 2-3 months before the deadline.

Step 2: Apply for SSM extension
Submit your EOT application to SSM through their online system. You'll need to provide a valid reason for the extension.

Step 3: Get SSM approval
Once SSM approves your extension, keep the approval letter and the Publish Report screenshot.

Step 4: Apply for LHDN extension via e-Lanjutan Masa
Log into MyTax, go to e-Lanjutan Masa, and submit your application. Upload your SSM approval documents.

Step 5: Meet the new deadline
Once approved, make sure you submit your tax return by the extended deadline. The extension doesn't mean you can delay forever — there's still a new deadline to meet.

Important Timelines to Remember

Applications must be made at least 14 days before your filing deadline
Applications made less than 14 days before deadline will be automatically rejected
The earliest you can apply is 30 days before the deadline

What Happens If You Don't Follow This Process?

If you miss the deadline without proper EOT approval:
SSM penalty: Late lodgement fees
Late payment penalty: Under Section 103(3) if tax is paid late
These penalties add up and can be substantial for companies with large tax liabilities.

Our Advice to SME Owners

Plan ahead. Work with your auditor early in the year, not just when the deadline is approaching.
Fix your internal processes. Invest in proper bookkeeping, train your staff, and implement month-end closing procedures.
Know your deadlines. Mark them in your calendar and work backwards to set internal milestones.
Communicate with your auditor. If you're facing delays, tell your auditor early so they can advise you on the EOT process.
Don't assume your auditor can rush. A proper audit takes time. Sending documents at the last minute puts everyone under pressure and increases the risk of errors.

Need Help?

If you have questions about the new e-Lanjutan Masa system, SSM extensions, or your company's tax filing obligations, we're here to help.

KS Chia & Associates
Chartered Accountants (AF001828)

📱 WhatsApp us: 011 2366 5233

We've been helping Malaysian SMEs with their audit and tax compliance for years. Let us guide you through the process.