Malaysia – Transfer pricing documentation required for 2014 tax return
The Malaysian transfer pricing rules imposing the arm’s length principle are contained in section 140A of the Income Tax Act. The Inland Revenue Board has been increasing its scrutiny of the transfer pricing issues of large taxpayers and is
See MoreHong Kong and Malaysia Discuss Islamic Finance
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) took part in a meeting on 14 April 2014 to discuss Islamic finance. They are aiming to increase interest in the financial instrument known as sukuk as a viable financing and
See MoreMalaysia – Steep Penalties in GST Bill
Malaysia is to introduce a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act to replace a draft Act originally put forward in 2009. The new Act will contain harsh penalties for taxpayers who fail to comply with its provisions. The GST rates and structure are not
See MoreMalaysia: increasing scrutiny of transfer pricing
The transfer pricing landscape in Malaysia continues to develop with the Malaysian tax authority becoming increasingly proactive and vigilant in examining the controlled transactions of multinational enterprises (MNEs). The intensity of tax audits
See MoreMalaysia – WTO Tracks Malaysian Tax Developments
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has recently stated in its Trade Policy Review of Malaysia that the country needs to implement fiscal consolidation and tax reforms to ensure equitable and sustainable growth. The WTO noted the country's plans for
See MoreMalaysia- issues filing program for calendar year 2014
The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia has issued the filing program for 2014: Non-corporate entities: Form Deadline period for submission Form E – Return Form of Employer 31 March 2014 hand
See MoreMalaysia: Flat corporate tax rate introduced for SMEs which merge
On 14 February 2014, the International Trade and Industry Minister announced a flat rate of 20% for 5 years for Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which have merged to form larger entities. Currently, SMEs only enjoy the reduced corporate tax rate of
See MoreMalaysia: New Public Ruling on Withholding Tax on Special Classes of Income
The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia issued Public Ruling No. 1/2014 (PR No. 1/2014) on Withholding Tax on Special Classes of Income on 23 January 2014. The special classes of income covered by the public ruling include amounts paid in consideration
See MoreMalaysia Confirms Change of Policy on Vehicle Excise Tax Cut
Despite last year's election manifesto promise, and persistent calls for a reduction in Malaysia's high car prices, the International Trade and Industry Minister has confirmed that the Government has no plans to reduce vehicle excise duties at the
See MoreMalaysia: Audits process
Under the transfer pricing audit framework for transfer pricing audit effective from 1 April 2013, a taxpayer may be selected for audit based on the significance of its controlled transactions before taking into account other risk analysis. The time
See MoreGST in Malaysia supported by the IMF
It was reported on 19 December 2013 that the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Mission Chief for Malaysia said at the conclusion of discussions for the 2013 Article IV Consultation that he welcomes the country’s decision to introduce a Goods
See MoreMalaysian Budget for 2014
Malaysia’s budget for 2014 proposes a new goods and services tax (GST) to replace the existing sales tax and service tax regimes. The GST would be effective from 1 April 2015. It would be imposed at a rate of 6% (with some goods and services
See MoreMalaysia – GST implementation to be delayed beyond 2014
The Malaysian Budget for 2014 which may be presented to Parliament in the near future is unlikely to include details of the GST, which is due to replace the existing Sales Tax and Service Tax of 10% and 6% respectively. Plans to introduce a Goods
See MoreCanada-Malaysia Tax Treaty Signed
Canada and Malaysia has signed a declaration of intent on October 7, 2013 to conclude a new tax agreement that will deduct tax obstacles and inspire to increase trade and investment. The new agreement will include provisions consistent with the
See MoreMalaysia: Hike in Property Gains Tax
Malaysia is considering a hike in the real property gains tax (RPGT), which is imposed on the profits from the sale of properties within certain periods after their purchase. This would be done to restrict what is seen as too much speculation in the
See MoreMalaysia signs new DTA with Poland
Malaysia has signed a new income tax treaty with Poland on 8 July 2013; the new treaty will replace the current 1977 Malaysia-Poland Treaty. The new treaty will enter into force in the tax year just following the calendar year in which the approval
See MoreMalaysia: Deduction for Acquisition of Foreign Owned Company Rules
The Income Tax (Deduction for Cost of Acquisition of Foreign Owned Company) Rules 2013 were published in the official gazette on 4 July 2013. The rules are however deemed to have come into operation on 3 July 2012. The Rules provide that for the
See MoreDocumentation Considered in Malaysia’s First Transfer Pricing Case
The Special Commissioners of Income Tax in Malaysia delivered a landmark decision on February 2013 in the favour of the taxpayer in the first transfer pricing litigation in Malaysia. The case concerned assessments on a shipping and logistics
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