As Malaysians gear up for tax season, it’s essential to stay informed about the available tax reliefs. Whether you’re an individual earning at least RM34,000 for the Year of Assessment (YA) 2023 or a seasoned taxpayer, understanding these incentives can significantly impact your overall tax liability. Let’s dive into the details and ensure you make the most of your tax-saving opportunities.
Individual and Dependent Relatives Relief: Up to RM9,000
- If you’re unmarried, this relief is automatically granted.
- Individuals with disabilities registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) receive an additional RM6,000 relief.
Spouse Relief: Up to RM4,000
- Applicable when your spouse has no income and opts for joint assessment under your name.
- If your spouse is disabled, an extra relief of RM5,000 applies.
- Divorced individuals paying alimony to their former spouse also qualify.
Child Relief: RM2,000 per Child
- Married with children? Claim RM2,000 relief for each unmarried child under 18.
- Disabled children registered with JKM qualify for RM6,000 relief.
Additional Relief for Children (18+) in Full-Time Education: Up to RM8,000 per Child
- Unmarried children aged 18 and above enrolled in full-time education (A-Levels, certificates, matriculation, or preparatory courses) can claim RM2,000 relief.
- Pursuing further education in Malaysia (diploma level or higher) or outside Malaysia (degree level or higher)? Enjoy a higher deduction of RM8,000.
- Disabled children pursuing higher education (diploma level or higher) qualify for an additional RM8,000 relief.
Self-Education Fees: Up to RM7,000
- Paying for your own higher education? Claim up to RM7,000 relief.
- Whether you’re enhancing skills or pursuing recognised courses, optimise your savings.
Summary Table from LHDN Malaysia
| No | Individual Relief Types | Amount (RM) |
| 1 | Individual and dependent relatives | 9,000 |
| 2 | Medical treatment, special needs and carer expenses for parents (Medical condition certified by medical practitioner) | 8,000 (Restricted) |
| 3 | Purchase of basic supporting equipment for disabled self, spouse, child or parent | 6,000 (Restricted) |
| 4 | Disabled individual | 6,000 |
| 5 | Education fees (Self):
|
7,000 (Restricted) |
| 6 | Medical expenses on:
|
10,000 (Restricted)
|
| 7 | Expenses (Restricted to RM1,000) on:
|
|
| 8 | Expenses (Restricted to RM4,000) for child aged 18 and below:
|
|
| 9 | Lifestyle – Expenses for the use / benefit of self, spouse or child in respect of:
|
2,500 (Restricted) |
| 10 | Lifestyle – Additional relief for the use / benefit of self, spouse or child in respect of:
|
500 (Restricted) |
| 11 | Purchase of breastfeeding equipment for own use for a child aged 2 years and below (Deduction allowed once in every TWO (2) years of assessment) | 1,000 (Restricted) |
| 12 | Child care fees to a registered child care centre / kindergarten for a child aged 6 years and below | 3,000 (Restricted) |
| 13 | Net deposit in Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (Net deposit is the total deposit in 2023 MINUS total withdrawal in 2023) | 8,000 (Restricted) |
| 14 | Husband / wife / payment of alimony to former wife | 4,000 (Restricted) |
| 15 | Disabled husband / wife | 5,000 |
| 16a | Each unmarried child and under the age of 18 years old | 2,000 |
| 16b | Each unmarried child of 18 years and above who is receiving full-time education (“A-Level”, certificate, matriculation or preparatory courses). | 2,000 |
Each unmarried child of 18 years and above that:
|
8,000 | |
| 16c | Disabled child | 6,000 |
| Additional exemption of RM8,000 disable child age 18 years old and above, not married and pursuing diplomas or above qualification in Malaysia @ bachelor degree or above outside Malaysia in program and in Higher Education Institute that is accredited by related Government authorities | 8,000 | |
| 17 | Life insurance and EPF
Civil servants’ pension schemes, non-civil servants pension schemes and self-employed category:
|
7,000 (Restricted) |
| 18 | Deferred Annuity and Private Retirement Scheme (PRS) | 3,000 (Restricted) |
| 19 | Education and medical insurance | 3,000 (Restricted) |
| 20 | Contribution to the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) | 350 (Restricted) |
| 21 | Expenses on charging facilities for Electric Vehicle (Not for business use) | 2,500 (Restricted) |
LHDN Malaysia – Pelepasan Cukai Individu Pemastautin 2023
Stay Informed and File Timely
As the tax deadline approaches, it’s crucial to stay informed about the process. For the Year of Assessment (YA) 2023, the deadline to file your income tax returns is 30 April 2024. If you choose to use e-filing services, there’s a grace period extending up to 15 May 2024.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to LHDN’s MyTax Portal: Access the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) website and use the MyTax portal to file your income tax returns conveniently.
- Explore Income Tax Reliefs: For detailed information on income tax reliefs, visit the LHDN website or contact LHDN directly at +603-89111000. Alternatively, you can visit an LHDN branch near you.
Stay proactive, meet the deadlines, and make the most of available tax reliefs to optimise your financial planning.
