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Individual Tax Rates in Malaysia

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Individual Tax Rates in Malaysia

Malaysia imposes income tax on individuals based on a structured rate system that reflects both a person’s level of income and their tax residency status for the relevant Year of Assessment (“YA”). With a progressive tax structure for resident individuals and a separate flat rate for non-residents, understanding the correct tax rate is essential for accurate tax planning and compliance.

This article sets out the current tax rate framework that applies to individuals in Malaysia. It complements our separate articles that address tax residency rules, the scope of taxable income, and reliefs available to reduce chargeable income.

  1. Tax Residency of Individuals

    Tax residency status plays a crucial role in determining the applicable tax rate and the availability of tax reliefs in Malaysia. Residency is generally determined based on the number of days an individual is present in Malaysia within a calendar year and related continuity rules. More comprehensive guidance on residency conditions and practical implications can be found in our article titled “Tax Residency for Individuals in Malaysia”.

  2. Scope of Taxable Income for Individuals

    The rates in this article apply to income accruing in or derived from Malaysia, unless otherwise legislated. Specific rules may apply to foreign-sourced income received in Malaysia depending on the taxpayer’s residency status and prevailing exemptions. Further details are provided in our dedicated article on “Scope of Taxable Income for Individuals in Malaysia”.

  3. Progressive Tax Rates for Resident Individuals

    Resident individuals are subject to progressive tax rates, where higher income levels attract higher marginal tax rates after allowable deductions and reliefs. The following rates are effective from YA2023 onwards, unless revised by future legislation:

    Chargeable Income

    (RM)

    Calculation

    (RM)

    Tax rate

    Tax payable

    0

    |

    5,000

    On the First 5,000

    0%

    RM NIL

    5,001

    |

    20,000

    On the First 5,000

    Next 15,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    1%

    RM NIL

    RM150

    20,001

    |

    35,000

    On the First 20,000

    Next 15,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    3%

    RM150

    RM450

    35,000

    |

    50,000

    On the First 35,000

    Next 15,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    6%

    RM600

    RM900

    50,001

    |

    70,000

    On the First 50,000

    Next 20,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    11%

    RM1,500

    RM2,200

    70,001

    |

    100,000

    On the First 70,000

    Next 30,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    19%

    RM3,700

    RM5,700

    100,001

    |

    400,000

    On the First 100,000

    Next 300,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    25%

    RM9,400

    RM75,000

    400,001

    |

    600,000

    On the First 400,000

    Next 200,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    26%

    RM84,400

    RM52,000

    600,001

    |

    2,000,000

    On the First 600,000

    Next 1,400,000

    Tax on earlier bracket

    28%

    RM136,400

    RM392,000

    2,000,000 onwards

    On the First 2,000,000

    Subsequent amount

    Tax on earlier bracket

    30%

    RM528,400

    Flat rate of 30%


  4. Tax Rate for Non-Resident Individuals

    Non-resident individuals are generally taxed at a flat-rate of 30% on all taxable income derived from Malaysia. Unlike residents, non-residents are not eligible for personal reliefs, which will result in a higher tax burden.

  5. Preferential Tax Rates for Specific Approved Individuals

    Certain individuals may qualify for concessionary flat tax rates under specific incentive programmes approved by the Government. Key preferential rates currently available include:

    Incentive / Programme

    Preferential Tax rate

    Classification of income

    Effective YA

    Legislation / Reference

    Knowledge Workers in Iskandar Malaysia

    15%

    Employment income

    Effective from YA2010

    P.U.(A) 344/2010;

    Part XIV, Schedule 1 of the Income Tax Act, 1967 (“the Act”)

    Knowledge Workers in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER)

    15%

    Employment income

    Effective from YA2022

    P.U.(A) 330/2023;

    Part XIV, Schedule 1 of the Act

    Returning Expert Programme

    15% for 5 YAs

    Employment income

    Effective from YA2012 until YA2026

    P.U.(A) 151/2012;

    P.U.(A) 147/2021;

    P.U.(A) 45/2024;

    Part XV, Schedule 1 of the Act

    Non-citizen resident individuals holding C-suite position in companies investing in new strategic investments, repositioning of the electrical and electronic sector

    15%

    Employment income

    5 YAs determined by the Minister of Finance (“MOF”)

    P.U.(A) 242/2023;

    Part XVIII, Schedule 1 of the Act

    Non-citizen Resident Individuals in Companies Carrying on Business in Respect of a Qualifying Activity

    Not exceeding 20%, specifically prescribed by MOF via special order (P.U.(A))

    Employment income

    Specifically prescribed by MOF via special order (P.U.(A))

    Part XVIII, Schedule 1 of the Act

    Knowledge Workers and Malaysian Working in Forest City Special Financial Zone

    15%

    Employment income

    Specifically prescribed by MOF via special order (P.U.(A))

    Part XVIII, Schedule 1 of the Act

    Dividends Received by Individual Shareholders

    2% in excess of RM100,000

    Dividend income

    Effective from YA 2025

    Part XXII of Schedule 1 of the Act


  6. Conclusion

    Understanding how individual tax rates apply in Malaysia is key to determining the correct tax payable each year. Since the tax rate depends on residency status and the level of chargeable income, individuals should ensure these are accurately identified to support proper tax planning and compliance.

For further information, please visit the official website of the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia at https://www.hasil.gov.my/en

KAIZEN Group, together with its associate firms in Malaysia, can help the clients to perform these compliances formalities so as to maintain the Malaysia company in good standing. Please call and talk to our professional accountants in Kaizen for further clarification.

Disclaimer

All information in this article is only for the purpose of information sharing, instead of professional suggestion. Kaizen will not assume any responsibility for loss or damage.

If you wish to obtain more information or assistance, please visit the official website of Kaizen CPA Limited at www.kaizencpa.com or contact us through the following and talk to our professionals:

Email: info@kaizencpa.com
Tel: +852 2341 1444
Mobile : +852 5616 4140, +86 152 1943 4614
WhatsApp/ Line/ WeChat: +852 5616 4140
Skype: kaizencpa

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