Monday, October 13, 2025

Budget 2026 Malaysia: Essential Tax Changes You Need to Know

 




By: KS Chia & Associates - Licensed Tax Agents, Kuala Lumpur


⚡ Quick Summary (TL;DR)

Budget 2026 announced 40 tax measures on 10/10/25. Three require immediate action:

  1. LLP Partners: NEW 2% tax on distributions >RM100k (Act by 31/12/25 for tax-free window)
  2. Businesses: Capital allowance 100% in 2 years - BUT local manufacturers ONLY
  3. Individuals: Multiple reliefs expanded (childcare RM2k→RM3k, learning disabilities, CCTV)

👇 Skip to your section: LLP Partners | Business Owners | Working Families


🚨 URGENT: New LLP Tax (Deadline: 31/12/25)

What's Changing

LLP profit distributions were 100% tax-exempt. From YA 2026: distributions >RM100k taxed at 2%.

Critical Deadline

31 December 2025 = Last day for 100% tax-free distributions (YA 2025)

⚠️ Don't Convert to Sdn Bhd!

Common mistake: "I'll convert my LLP to Sdn Bhd to avoid the tax"

Reality: Sdn Bhd dividends ALSO taxed at 2% (from YA 2025 - already in effect!)

What to Do NOW

✅ Calculate your YA 2026 distribution exposure
✅ Consider accelerating profits to YA 2025 (if cash flow permits)
✅ Review optimal distribution amounts per partner

Need help? Free assessment available 👇


⚠️ Capital Allowance: The Local Manufacturer Trap

The Good News

Claim 100% capital allowance in 2 years (was 3-10 years):

  • Year 1: 20% + 40% = 60%
  • Year 2: 40%
  • Total: 100% in 2 years

The Catch (CRITICAL!)

Only for machinery from LOCAL manufacturers!

Who Qualifies vs Who Doesn't


Real Impact: RM100k Machinery

Local Manufacturer (2 years):

  • Year 1: Claim RM60,000
  • Year 2: Claim RM40,000
  • Tax saving @ 24%: RM14,400 (Year 1)

Imported (7 years):

  • Year 1: Claim RM34,000
  • Years 2-7: Spread over 6 more years
  • Tax saving @ 24%: RM8,160 (Year 1)

Difference: RM6,240 cash flow advantage in Year 1 for local machinery!

Before You Buy: Verification Checklist

Most Malaysian SMEs import specialized machinery. Don't assume you qualify!

Verify:

  1. Is supplier the actual manufacturer or just distributor?
  2. Where is machinery manufactured? (Malaysia vs imported)
  3. Get manufacturer's SSM registration
  4. Obtain written manufacturer declaration
  5. Document for LHDN audit

Purchase Deadline: 11/10/25 to 31/12/26 (only 14.5 months)

Our Service: We'll verify your supplier's qualification before you commit. Contact us 👇


👨‍👩‍👧 Individual Tax Reliefs - What's Expanded

1. Childcare Relief: RM2,000 → RM3,000 ✅

What Changed:

  • Increased to RM3,000 (permanent)
  • Age limit: Up to 12 years (was 6)
  • Includes after-school transit centers

Tax Saving: ~RM240-260 per year


2. Learning Disabilities: RM6,000 → RM10,000 ✅

Covered:

  • Assessment, diagnosis, early intervention
  • Rehabilitation for autism, ADHD, GDD, Down syndrome
  • Children aged 18 and below

Tax Saving: ~RM2,400 at 24% rate


3. Life Insurance: Now Includes Children ✅

Previous: RM3,000 for self & spouse only
New: RM3,000 now includes children's life insurance

Child Eligibility:

  • Below 18 and unmarried, OR
  • 18+ unmarried pursuing tertiary education, OR
  • Disabled children (no age limit)

4. CCTV & Home Safety: RM2,500 Relief ✅

New Items:

Claim: Once within 2 years (YA2026-2027 only)


5. Tourist Attractions: RM1,000 Relief ✅

New for YA2026:

Tax Saving: ~RM240


🤖 AI Training Incentive for MSMEs

Who: MSMEs (including HRDF contributors)
Benefit: Extra 50% tax deduction on AI training
Frequency: Once every 2 years
Period: YA2026-2027

Example:

  • Spend RM20,000 on AI training
  • Total deduction: RM30,000 (RM20k + RM10k extra)
  • Tax saving @ 24%: RM7,200
  • Effective cost: RM12,800

Requirements: Training must be recognized by MyMahir/NAICI


🏢 Other Key Business Measures

Foreign Income: Extended Exemption

  • Dividends & capital gains from overseas
  • Extended 4 years (2027-2030)

Bursa Listing: Expanded Eligibility

  • Now includes energy & utilities MSMEs
  • RM1.5 million deduction on listing costs
  • YA2026-2030

Stamp Duty Changes

  • Non-citizens: 4% → 8% (residential property)
  • First home: Exemption extended to 2027 (up to RM500k)
  • Employment contracts: Threshold RM300 → RM3,000

✅ Your Action Plan

For LLP Partners (URGENT - By 31/12/25)

  1. Calculate YA2026 distribution exposure
  2. Review cash flow for YA2025 accelerated distributions
  3. Assess partnership agreement flexibility

For Businesses (Before Machinery Purchase)

  1. Verify manufacturer location (Malaysia vs imported)
  2. Request SSM registration & manufacturing license
  3. Get written manufacturer declaration
  4. Calculate: local premium vs tax benefit
  5. Time purchases within deadline (by 31/12/26)

For Individuals & Families 

  1. Review childcare expenses & documentation
  2. Assess learning disability treatment costs
  3. Consider CCTV/food waste grinder purchase (YA2026)
  4. Plan domestic tourism with entrance fees
  5. Review life insurance for children

For MSMEs (Planning AI Training)

  1. Identify AI training needs
  2. Verify provider recognition (MyMahir/NAICI)
  3. Budget for YA2026 or YA2027
  4. Submit application to TalentCorp
  5. Document expenses properly

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake 1: Converting LLP to Sdn Bhd

Why wrong: Both have 2% tax. LLP actually better (RM100k threshold).

❌ Mistake 2: Assuming All Machinery Qualifies

Why wrong: Only Malaysian-made qualifies. Most machinery is imported.

❌ Mistake 3: Waiting Until December

Why wrong: LLP deadline 31/12/25. Capital allowance deadline 31/12/26. Plan now!

❌ Mistake 4: Incorrect AI Training Calculation

Why wrong: It's EXTRA 50% (not 150% total). Verify training recognition.

❌ Mistake 5: Thinking Budget = Final Law

Why wrong: Finance Bill Part 2 coming. May have changes or additions.


💼 Need Professional Guidance?

Budget 2026's 40 measures require expert navigation. We're offering:

🎁 FREE Budget 2026 Impact Assessment (30 minutes)

We'll analyze: ✅ Which measures affect your specific situation
✅ Exact RM tax impact calculations
✅ Strategic planning recommendations
✅ Action timeline with deadlines

Our Services:

  • LLP distribution optimization
  • Capital allowance verification
  • Individual tax relief maximization
  • Business incentive applications
  • Year-end tax planning

📞 Contact Us 

KS Chia & Associates
Licensed Audit & Tax Firm • Kuala Lumpur

Get Your Free Assessment:

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm


🎯 Key Takeaways

  1. LLP partners: Act by 31/12/25 for last tax-free window
  2. Businesses: Verify local manufacturer status BEFORE buying machinery
  3. Individuals: Multiple reliefs expanded - maximize your claims
  4. MSMEs: AI training offers 50% extra deduction
  5. Stay alert: Finance Bill Part 2 coming with more details

Don't wait until December. Strategic planning today saves thousands tomorrow.


About KS Chia & Associates

Licensed audit and tax firm serving Malaysian businesses since 1995. We specialize in tax planning, audit, and business advisory for SMEs.

Credentials: Licensed by MOF | Approved LHDN tax agents | 30-person professional team | 500+ clients nationwide

#Budget2026 #MalaysiaTax #TaxPlanning #LLPTax #CapitalAllowance #KualaLumpur #SMEMalaysia #TaxRelief #YA2026

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