Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (Malaysia): e-Filing
Its that time of the year again when everyone is scrambling to get their tax forms filled out and submitted. The deadline for this year’s submission to Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN or Inland Revenue Board [IRB]) is 30th April 2006. So if you didn’t know earlier, you do now. They’ve advanced quite abit since the days when my parents were filling up the forms. They’ve implemented the self valuation, and just this year, they officiated the e-Filing system. I pointed my browser over to LHDN’s website in hopes of taking this new system out on a test drive.
Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri’s website
The first page that loaded up was the portal page for LHDN. From there, you can choose to see the site in Flash or plain HTML. This page was a little cluttered and took a second look to find the appropriate links. I chose the latter. The default language on the LHDN was Bahasa Malaysia (BM). For those who can’t read BM, there’s a button on the top right corner of the screen to switch to English. My good impression towards LHDN was slowly building up. The site was fast, it was informative, it was up to date, and, while a little cluttered, it is pretty organised.
After poking around for a bit, I found the link to the e-Filing portal hidden away among the text on the main page. Its a simple text link embeded in the first paragraph under the big e-Filing banner. I have to question the logic of not linking the banner to the page as well. For one thing, its a whole lot more visible. People tend to scan a page for the stuff they need. If you have a banner that grabs attention and a small itty bitty text link directly below it, its going to take a while to find.
Long time never read BM. Takes a while to process and understand.
- Friend’s comment on browsing e-Filing site -
What needs to be done
The link brings you to the e-Filing main page which is again in BM. Unfortunately, there’s no English translation for the page! That’s bad, considering that half the people who might want to use the system isn’t well versed in BM. Good thing I wasn’t too rusty and managed to interpret the information and get to the important bits. Since we’re on the topic, for the benefit of those who don’t understand BM, here’s a quick translation on the steps to using the e-Filing system:
- Make sure you have registered with LHDN and have received your Tax Reference number. If you are unregistered, you can do so at the closest LHDN office.
- Request for a Digital Certificate. You can request for one at the closest LHDN office or via mail, fax, or email. When applying, please include your Tax Reference number, current mailing address, and a photocopy of your identification card (both front and back).
- Register for the e-Filing service.
- Download and install the e-Filing software (1.2 MB).
- Fill in the tax forms, digitally sign it, and submit via the installed software.
e-Filing Registration
Unfortunately, I got stuck at the registration form. After filling up my IC number and exiting the field, I got the following popup message:
- LHDN e-Filing: Underaged (Enlarge) -
Pemegang No K/P Baru Ini Belum Cukup Umur 18 Tahun
Translation: The holder of this new I/C is under the age of 18 years
- Underaged I/C holder popup message -
I was surprised because the last I checked, I was starting to get old. In fact, my panel doctor once told me that I was not 18 anymore and to take it easy on contact sports. This is the sort of compliment that ladies would love to receive from people, telling them that they look young. If you’re feeling a little bummed about getting old, head on over to LHDN’s e-Filing registration and it will tell you just how young you are ;) Anyway, I didn’t manage to get registered because I haven’t applied for the digital certificate. I’ll try that out when I visit one of their offices to submit my tax forms later.
e-Filing Software
Failing to register didn’t stop me from installing the e-Filing software. As it turns out, the software consists of a Digital Certificate verification program and the Tax Form in PDF format. So basically, you fill up the PDF form using Acrobat Reader (7.0 and above), sign it with the digital cert verification, and submit it. You also have the option to export/import the form to/from an XML file (cool actually).
The form that you get from installing the software is for 2005. I’m not sure whether it automatically downloads the latest forms from LHDN or not. I suspect that it doesn’t and you’ll have to reinstall the software for subsequent years. It would be cool if they had that auto-download mechanism in place where the latest tax forms are looked up and downloaded. However, that doesn’t mean that the software is useless. Far from it.
Even if you’re not registered for e-Filing, it doesn’t stop you from downloading the software and using it to fill your forms. There’s an option to print the form, and I’m sure LHDN would accept the printed copy. And the best part is that you can keep a digital copy for your own reference and documentation. That’s useful in case LHDN decides to check up on whether you’ve been filing your tax returns.
Conclussion
The e-Filing system is a step in the right direction on the part of LHDN. I applaud their efforts. Since its still in its infancy, it still has some kinks and bugs that needs to be ironed out. The one time registration process is a little inconvenient but once done, should provide for a more convenient means of filing your taxes. Since I was unable to try out the actual submission of the form to see if it works, I won’t comment on it. The digital copy of the tax forms and the ability to import/export to XML is cool in my books. Now I don’t need to make photocopies of the tax forms for my own records.
Once again, two thumbs up for effort and the digital form. Hopefully, it improves loads in the coming year and I won’t have to mail my tax forms or (worse) take a day off to drop it off at the local tax office.
Have you done your tax submission? Have you registered for and used the new e-Filing system? If yes, tell us what you think.
Related posts:
April Is Malaysia Tax Month
Malaysia Tax E-Filing 2008
eFiling - Electronic Borang B/BE Available
eFiling Part 9: 2006 BE Form - Acknowledgment & Signature
2006 Tax Assessment - Last Day For Submission
Boredworkers.com » Long Weekend And Sleepy Monday Said,
April 17, 2006 @ 2:17 pm
[…] While we were there, we had a quick chat with the tax officer about e-Filing and I took the opportunity to ask about that underaged IC holder thing. As it turns out, it only happens when you’re using Mozilla Firefox. I’m actually quite impressed that they know their shit and gave me a straight answer. The e-Filing site is best viewed with Internet Explorer (IE) 6 and above. Its a pity that they don’t support the better browsers. […]
Eddie Said,
April 21, 2006 @ 10:50 am
Before you actually excited all about this e-Filing from LHDN, please bear in mind you still need to make an effort to post or submit to tax office if you have any share dividends that you need to declare. And I find it defeat the whole purpose of e-Filing.
No wonder only 3.2% of population utilise the system because it’s not friendly at all.
Wasted my rm50 to purchase the MyKad reader from Digicert.
gbyeow Said,
April 21, 2006 @ 11:09 am
Shares. I’m not into shares so I’m unfamiliar with this section. You need to submit documents for share dividends? I thought under the self valuation system, you just declared it under ‘(C2) Dividend’ and call it a day. No document submissions. You’re right though that it would be counter productive if we have to manually submit stuff to LHDN when using e-Filing.
Why do you have to buy the card reader?
I wound up submitting my forms at the office. I tried registering but they refused to let me since I already had the hardcopies filled out. “Let the others do it first”, they told me. Which is actually irritating because if they allowed me to register then for next year, it would save me the trouble of doing it again later.
On a side note, regarding the underaged IC holder error when registering, it is a problem with Mozilla Firefox. Using IE solves the problem.
MOHD NORDIN DAUD Said,
May 4, 2006 @ 10:45 am
tolong jelaskan cara isi form e-filling,saya belum isi borang BE lagi,baru balik kursus
gbyeow Said,
May 4, 2006 @ 11:48 am
Bila balik rumah nanti baru tulis caranya dengan jelas. Kat kerja ni susah sikit.
che iskandar bin che din Said,
May 19, 2006 @ 9:22 pm
saya nak failkan e-filing
Chiew Mei Sim Said,
May 22, 2006 @ 10:32 am
How to get my e-pin..for e-filling?
gbyeow Said,
May 22, 2006 @ 5:32 pm
Sorry about the long delay. Have been away for quite a while. Anyway, to answer your questions e-Filing is fairly simple.
Once you’ve filled in the form, you just need to sign it with the pin that you’ve applied for and send. However, getting the pin might be a hassle.
There are basically 3 different ways for you to get the digital cert/pin/or whatever you might like to call it:
1. Go to the nearest LHDN office and ask them to issue you one. This is by far the fastest way.
2. Apply via fax.
3. Via snail mail.
4. Apply via email (scan the necessary documents and attach).
However, its getting close to the final deadline (31-05-06), so the last three options might not be suitable as it may take a while. Last time I tried getting a response via email, it took them 2 weeks! My suggestion is to head down to the closest LHDN office and get them to issue you the pin and register for eFiling on the spot. You can even prepare the form before hand, export it to XML and submit it on the spot when you register.
ADNAN Said,
June 2, 2006 @ 4:57 pm
Macam mana nak dapatkan no siri slip & no pin slip.
gbyeow Said,
June 2, 2006 @ 6:39 pm
Its 02-June-2006. The deadline’s kinda over. But to answer your question, read my previous comment.
siti Said,
July 15, 2006 @ 12:41 am
Just wondering why are so many people against e-filling? can give ur opinion why people not into e-filling? >.
nurhaliza Said,
July 15, 2006 @ 12:42 am
thx for sharing with me ur view about why people is against e-filling! its not only helping my assignment then the irb would know about this matter and improve it! don’t you like improvement? ^^ feel free to share ur point thx! have a great day!
gbyeow Said,
July 15, 2006 @ 2:57 am
Siti Nurhaliza o.O Haha. Well, I have nothing against e-Filing. In fact, I find it rather convenient and encourage it.
My guess as to why people are against it is simply because of the way it is presently handled, in particular the registration process for the PIN. The manual and automated hybrid system of records that is currently being employed is a turnoff for some.
There may also be some misunderstanding and misconceptions about the system. The fact that the online registration form only supports Internet Explorer contributes to this confusion. People are turned off when they see errors and rejections without proper explanations (for example the under 18 error message that is seen when using other browsers).
A third reason may be the inconvenience and lack of support of some advanced features in the e-Filing forms. For example the shares dividends as pointed out by Eddie. I’ve also heard of problems with dependants (e.g. children).
I have noted my observations in a couple of articles hidden somewhere. Feel free to browse them and question my opinions. I’ll answer them the best I can. Perhaps this calls for another article addressing some of the difficulties that is being faced when filing taxes electronically.
Hope that whatever you find here helps. Cheers.
Bapa of Siti Nurhaliza Said,
July 15, 2006 @ 9:41 am
thx a lot brother! ^^ i really appreciated and respect ur committment into this! U deserve the compliment coz it just took 1 day for me to recieved the reply! effective and efficeint! Malaysia really need more people like you! ^^ have a nice day!
Mohd rcd Said,
January 30, 2007 @ 5:49 pm
Bagaimankah saya boleh menukar alamat surat-menyurat secara online?
G: Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to change the address online. You’ll have to go to the closest LHDN office.
K.GOPALA KRISHNAN Said,
February 22, 2007 @ 11:44 am
NO FAIL INCOMETAX SAYA SG649210-08. SAYA MASIH BELUM MENERIMA BORANG BE SAYA.SAYA CUBA MENDAFTAR MELALUI E FILING TETAPI SAYA TIADA NO SIRI SLIP.
ALAMAT SAYA
KWANTAS EDIBLE OILS COMPLEX
JALAN KASTAM BARU
P.O.BOX61118
91120 LAHAD DATU
SABAH.
KERJA SAMA DAN BIMBINGAN DARI PIHAK TUAN SANGAT DI HARGAI
TERIMA KASIH
YANG BENAR
GOPAL
G: Erm… Sorry but I’m not with LHDN :) You’ll have to give them a call.
Michael Said,
March 5, 2007 @ 12:25 pm
wonderful effort, Yeow. Post up!! Cheers
G: Glad you think so :) Just doing my bit for the community. Should also check out the latest eFiling tutorials.
leah Said,
March 26, 2007 @ 11:32 am
can I scan and post the share dividends as attachment
G: Unfortunately, the answer is no. At the moment, you still have to submit that manually which defeats the purpose…
leah Said,
March 28, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
What’s the difference between ” login(Digital Certificate) and login(Mykad) ?
G: Login Digital Certificate utilises a digital certificate to sign and authenticate your form submission. I’ve explained written an article detailing process for registering and installing the digital certificate.
Login MyKad uses your MyKad to authenticate the submission. It requires that you have a card reader attached to your computer and you then login using your MyKad information (e.g. slot in your MyKad and use that to verify your login).
RAZALI BIN MOHAMAD Said,
April 25, 2007 @ 2:17 pm
please submit form for e-filling
G: Huh?
isa bin ab hamid Said,
April 26, 2007 @ 10:52 pm
Dear Sir !
How cant fill a BE form with e-Filing LHDN
G: You need to register for it first. Check out the detailed eFiling tutorial/guide.
Zailani bun Rosdi Said,
April 30, 2007 @ 8:09 am
masih belum lengkap
G: Apa yang belum lengkap? eFiling system?
ravindran sathasivam Said,
May 22, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
Dear Sir,
May i know if i still a tax payer.As i left my job last few year.
My IC is.640125-01-5261
My Wife 651207-35-5470
Appreciate if you could help me tp check my wife’s file also.
Thank you very much.
ravindran
G: Hi Ravindran. You might like to call the tax office instead (Hotline: 1-300-88-3010) or send them an email inquiry (lhdn@hasilnet.org.my).
Suriani binti Husin Said,
May 24, 2007 @ 2:41 pm
saya sudah 3 tahun bekerja tapi tidak pernah mendapat borang cukai pendapatan.bagaimana caranya untuk saya mendaftar.
G: Kena pergi ke pejabat LHDN yang terdekat dan minta buka akaun baru. Bawa bersama borang AE dari majikan.
Mohamad Noor Said,
August 18, 2007 @ 5:56 am
Saya kerja dah bertahun-tahun borang J tak dapat pun.
Apa saya perlu buat.saya harap pihak tuan dapat menbantu saya.
G: Perlu pergi ke pejabat LHDN dan buka akaun baru.
bennet bayang Said,
December 13, 2007 @ 11:21 pm
hantar borang ke sekolah saya d pedalaman.d alamat sk kuala kebulu, sebauh bintulu,97100 sebauh.saya dah cuba guna e-fling tp tak dapat online
carolphua Said,
December 21, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
hi Eddie , can i ask u something??? where did u get the figure 3.2% of population not using e-filing??? can u give the website link?? ur reple really arppreciate!! thx!
carol phua Said,
December 22, 2007 @ 1:45 pm
hopefully can reply soon…actually im student, and need the information! thx..
RAVINDRAN A/L SUBRAMANIAM Said,
December 29, 2007 @ 6:41 pm
Dear LHDN,
I,m write this comment for needs to knows about refund the balance to be pay back to tax payer .I was inform by the LHDN office in JOHOR BAHRU the fund will be return during by 3-4 months that was omn July 2007 But until now I never receive any pay back amount by check or others .So pls to inform by when I will get it back.
Thanks & Regards
Ravindran.s
Ng Hun POh Said,
March 27, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
If the monthly deduction ( PCB) exceeds the payable tax amount, would the over deducted amount return the tax-payer
G: Yes it will. But it does not happen automatically. You will have to submit a tax claims to LHDN to get your refund.
Puan Chang Siew Jin Angela Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
Hi Dear Officer incharge,
I am currently now in Australia and a retiree from Malaysia Since 10Mar 2005.
My Income tax reference is as above attached.
Please check and confirm the total amount outstanding to pay.
Please provide a statement of the accumulated tax if any.
Regards
Angela
260-262 Swanston St, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia 3000
angela@extragreen.com.au
Tel +61 3 9623 9918
Tel +61 3 9623 9900
Fax +61 3 9663 1898
Mobile +61 401413346
Zara Said,
December 9, 2009 @ 5:40 pm
Sy rasa tak berpuas hati dgn pemotongan percukaian yg di buat. Pendapatan bulanan sy tidak sampai RM2 ribu sebulan. Terlalu byk komitmen yg perlu sy selesaikan tiap bulan. Bersusah payah bersengkang mata berkerja utk mengejar overtime supaya dpt pendapatan yg cukup utk byr hutang dn kewajipan pd org tua. Tapi senang2 je LHDN potong gaji sy tiap bulan. Adakah LHDN tahu masalah yg sy hadapi? Kewangan sentiasa meruncing dan makin membebankan.
Yg patut di ambil kira utk potongan cukuplah pd gaji pokok. Kenapa harus di campur dgn jumlah pendapatan kerja lebih masa?? Itu namanya lintah darat. Kita yg penat bekerja separuh mati, senang2 saja duit di cantas.
Cukai perlu di pungut dari org yg berpendapatan 3ribu ke atas. Bukan gaji yg pokoknya tak sampai RM 1600 sebulan. Hidup di kuala lumpur ni segalanya perlukan duit. Sy yg berpendapatan kecil mcm ni semakin di himpit. Kalau mcm ni bila sy nk habis byr hutang bank dan benda lain????
Sila beritahu di manakah saluran yg betul utk sy menyelesaikan masalah ini? Di surat khabar atau TV3? ada sesiapa yg tahu caranya… Sila beri tunjuk ajar.
Sekian.
Lim Kim Eng Said,
April 28, 2011 @ 2:47 pm
Sorry to disagree with your praises. This is the 2nd year I am using e-filing. Unfortunately, age is not on my side, and I forgot how I managed to file the form last year. I also forgot to save before I sent this year’s return, and there was no provision for retracting the file to make a print.. My comments:
1. When one’s option is for English, the instructions at the bottom of each page should be in English; it is in BM; not knowing any BM (I am in my 70’s) , I had to keep calling friends for help, whenever there were 2 or 3 options for selection.
2. When I had inserted the figure for the refund on tax withheld from dividend, under Section 110, I forgot to fill up the list of dividends in form HK3.
There should be a prompting for taxpayer to fill in Form HK3.
3. Unfortunately once the form is submitted, one cannot retract to make amendment.
alyza Said,
June 21, 2011 @ 10:07 pm
macan mana nak dapatkan borang j/be/e-filing lhdn……
adakah same borang dengan borang e-be???
FAIZAL Said,
November 1, 2011 @ 8:53 pm
SAYA NAK TAHU BAJET 2011 LEPAS,ADA MNGATAKN YG MNA BG RAKYAT YG SUDAH BRUMAHTANGGA DAN PENDAPATAN BAWAH DR RM3000 LAYAK MENERIMA WANG SAGU HATI SBNYAK RM500 KEPADA SURIRUMAH.JD SY INGIN TAHU DIMANA SY BOLEH DPTKN BORANG BKENAAN.DAN BORANG ITU BOLEH DI ISI THUN INI 2011 ATAU TAHUN DPAN 2012.