WHAT IS GST?
Goods and Service Tax (“GST”) is governed by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and it is a replacement of the current Sales Tax and Service Tax. GST is a consumption tax, which means the more you consume, the more GST you need to pay.
GST is applicable on goods and services that are imported and/or consumed in Malaysia.
The first thing to note is that GST has no relation to the Inland Revenue Board (or LHDN) and definitely has nothing to do with your company taxes. Hence, do not expect or assume that your Accountant or Tax Agent will take care of GST for you.
WHO MUST REGISTER?
As a general rule, all Taxable Persons generating annual revenue exceeding RM500,000 is MANDATORY to register. Those annual revenue below RM500,000 may register on voluntary basis.
Taxable Person means any enterprises, companies or natural persons.
Taxable persons act as collection agent for the Customs Department. All GST collected from the customers will be paid to the Customs. GST paid to suppliers can be used to offset against the GST payable to the Customs.
GST billed to customers is called Output Tax whereas GST paid to suppliers is called Input Tax.
When Output Tax > Input Tax : Difference will be paid to the Customs Department
When Output Tax < Input Tax : Difference will be refunded from the Customs Department
TAXABLE PERIOD & PAYMENT TIMING
Taxable Period refers to the regular period where GST is computed.
For annual revenue not exceeding RM5 million, the taxable period is quarterly and for annual revenue exceeding RM5 million, the taxable period is monthly.
Payment must be made on or before the last day of the month following the taxable period. Example, if the taxable period is January to March, it means that payment must be made no later than 30 April.
Refund takes 14 days via online submission, and 28 days via manual submission.
Related Sections:
- What is GST, Who Must Register, Taxable Period & Payment Timing (this section, Section 1)
- How does GST work & Types of Supply (Section 2)
- Taxable Supplies, Value of Supplies & Time of Supply (Section 3)
- Non-Allowable Input Tax, Bad Debts Relief, Record Keeping, Offences & Penalties (Section 4)
In the next section, we’ll be talking about How GST works.
Important Notice: KLM’s personnel and accounting software are GST ready, and we are able to prepare the accounting and recording of entries into the accounting system. However, we DO NOT provide GST advisory on your business transactions. We suggest that you seek advice directly from GST advisors licensed by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department.
