A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier assigned to individuals and businesses by tax authorities for the purpose of tracking their tax obligations and transactions. In the context of Malaysia, the TIN, also known as “Nombor Cukai Pendapatan” or Income Tax Number, is issued by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM).
In Malaysia, individuals and entities registered as taxpayers with the IRBM are assigned a TIN. This number is crucial for tax compliance and financial transactions within the country. For Malaysian citizens, the TIN is typically issued once they reach the age of 18 years old.
In situations where individuals or entities do not have a TIN or fail to provide it for any reason, a functional equivalent may be used. In Malaysia, for individuals, the Malaysian National Registration Identity Card Number (NRIC Number) serves as a functional equivalent to the TIN. The NRIC Number is a unique 12-digit identifier issued to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents and is utilized by the IRBM for tax identification purposes.
Format: The TIN format varies, consisting of 13 characters for individuals and 11 or 12 characters for entities, depending on the entity type.
In Malaysia, every citizen and permanent resident gets a 12-digit National Registration Identity Card Number (NRIC). For tax purposes, this NRIC is treated as if it’s the same as a Tax Identification Number (TIN), especially for something called the Common Reporting Standard.
Here’s how the NRIC breaks down:
- The first six digits are your birthdate.
- The seventh and eighth digits represent your place of birth.
- The ninth to eleventh digits are a special number from the National Registration Department.
- And the twelfth digit tells your gender – odd for males, even for females.
Hence, National Registration Identity Card Number can be treated as a TIN number.
How to Register for a TIN Number in Malaysia
To register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Malaysia:
Online Registration: Utilize the IRBM’s online “e-Daftar” system to apply for a TIN. Complete the relevant registration form downloadable from the IRBM website.
In-Person Registration: If online registration isn’t available for your category, visit any IRBM branch office in Malaysia to apply for a TIN in person.
Required Documents: Prepare essential documents such as the National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) for individuals, or relevant business documentation for entities, when applying for a TIN.
Processing Time: Upon application submission, expect the IRBM to process requests within 1-2 weeks.
How to Check Income Tax Number (TIN) in Malaysia
Checking for TIN can also be done through: Via online through MyTax at the following link: https://mytax.hasil.gov.my;
Step by Step checking by MyTax portal
- Visit the official portal provided by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) at https://mytax.hasil.gov.my/ and select the “e-Daftar” option.
Note : Individual or Company can register Tin Number via MyTax portal.
2. Choose the appropriate taxpayer category (individual or company) and provide required details such as identification number, email address, and phone number.
3. Enter the security phrase as prompted and click search to view your registered income tax number and LHDN branch details.
4. If you have never registered before or entered incorrect information, you will receive a message indicating the issue.
