The countdown is on. The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM / LHDN) officially opens the e-Filing portal for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2025 on 1 March 2026. Whether you are a salaried employee or a freelancer, knowing your specific deadline is the first step to a stress-free tax season.
Missing the deadline can lead to penalties, fines, and unnecessary headaches. Here is everything you need to know about the Malaysia tax submission deadline for 2026, which form to use, and how to prepare.
Why the Deadline Matters: The Self-Assessment System
Malaysia operated under a Self-Assessment System (SAS). This means you are responsible for declaring your income accurately and submitting your tax return on time. Your submission is considered your final assessment, so accuracy is crucial.
Filing late – or not filing at all – can result in penalties ranging from RM200 to RM20,000, or even imprisonment for up to six months.
Key Tax Filing Deadlines for YA 2025 (Submission in 2026)
The deadline depends on your income source. The good news? e-Filing always grants you an extension compared to manual filing. Since manual filing is no longer accepted for most individuals, the dates below reflect the e-Filing deadlines.
*Note: The e-Filing portal opens on 1 March 2026.
Which Form Should You File?
Choosing the wrong form is a common mistake. Here is a simple guide to help you decide:
– Form e-BE: Use this if your income is solely from employment (salary, bonuses, tips, pension) and you do not run a business.
– Form e-B: Use this if you have business income. This includes:
2. Select the Correct Form: Choose “e-Filing” and select the relevant form (BE or B) for YA 2025.
3. Verify Personal Details: Ensure your name, IC number, and bank account details are correct. Your tax refund will be credited to this bank account.
4. Declare Income:
– For employees, much of your income data may be pre-filled if your employer submitted your remuneration details via e-CP8D.
– Double-check the figures against your EA Form.
– For business owners, enter your total sales, gross income, and allowable business expenses.
5. Claim Your Reliefs: This is where you reduce your tax. Enter your eligible expenses (medical, lifestyle, insurance, etc.). Keep your receipts for 7 years in case of an audit.
6. Review, Sign, and Submit: Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement slip. Save or print this for your records.
What Happens After You File?
– If you owe tax: You must pay by the due date (usually the same as the filing deadline) to avoid late payment penalties. You can pay via FPX, bank transfer, or the ByrHASiL portal.
– If you are due a refund: LHDN usually processes refunds within 30 working days for e-Filing. Ensure your bank account details are correct in MyTax to receive the money faster.
Don’t Miss the Deadline!
Mark your calendars today. Whether you are a wage earner with a 15 May 2026 deadline or a business owner with a 15 July 2026 deadline, start gathering your documents now.
Need a quick checklist?
– EA Form received from employer?
– Receipts for reliefs (insurance, medical, lifestyle) organized?
– Bank account details updated in MyTax?
– Business accounts (for Form B filers) finalized?
Start early, file correctly, and avoid the last-minute rush!
