Real Property Gains Tax Malaysia

Real Property Gains Tax Malaysia (RPGT) is a tax imposed on gains arising from the disposal of real property or shares in a real property company (RPC). Although Malaysia generally does not impose tax on capital gains, RPGT serves as an exception to this rule under the Real Property Gains Tax Act 1976. What is […]
Income of Settlement is Deemed to be Income of the Settlor

Income of Settlement is Deemed to be Income of the Settlor (Malaysia Tax Guide 2025) Under Malaysia’s Income Tax Act 1967 (Section 65), income of a settlement is deemed to be income of the settlor in certain cases. This provision ensures that individuals cannot avoid taxation by transferring assets or income to others under a […]
Malaysia Trust Tax – Rates, Residency & Filing Rules

Introduction Under the Malaysia Trust Taxation framework, a trust is treated as a separate chargeable entity under the Income Tax Act 1967. The trustees are collectively responsible for managing the trust’s income, submitting tax returns, and paying taxes due — but only up to the funds held in the trust. This guide explains how trusts […]
Malaysia Types of Trust

Introduction Under the Malaysia Types of Trust framework, trusts play a key role in managing assets and protecting family wealth. A trust allows a settlor to transfer assets to a trustee, who manages them for beneficiaries based on clear legal terms. This article explains the main types of trusts recognized in Malaysia and their practical […]
Malaysia Trust Structure

Introduction Under the Malaysia Trust Structure, a trust serves as a legal arrangement that manages property or assets — such as money, investments, land, or buildings — for the benefit of individuals who may not be able to manage them personally. In Malaysia, trusts are often created for estate planning, family protection, charitable purposes, or […]
Malaysia Settlement Income Deemed Tax

Introduction Under Malaysia Settlement Income Deemed Tax, income arising from certain settlements may be treated as the settlor’s taxable income instead of the beneficiary’s. Section 65 of the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA) governs situations where income generated under a settlement — especially when the settlor retains control, revocation power, or benefits — is deemed […]
Malaysia Settlement Income Tax

Introduction Malaysia Settlement Income Tax rules define how income or assets transferred under a settlement are taxed when the settlor retains control or benefits. Under Section 65(11) of the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA), a “settlement” includes any disposition, trust, covenant, or transfer of assets or income, whether formal or informal. This article explains what […]
Malaysia REIT Unit Holder Taxation – Income Rules

Introduction Malaysia REIT unit holder taxation governs how investors are taxed on income distributions from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or Property Trust Funds (PTFs). Under the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA), unit holders are assessed based on when they receive the distribution, the source of income, and whether it has already been taxed at […]
Malaysia Foreign Source Income Tax – Full Exemption Guide

Introduction Malaysia Foreign Source Income Tax governs how income earned abroad is taxed when remitted into Malaysia. Effective from 1 January 2022, all types of foreign income received in Malaysia by a resident person are generally subject to tax under the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA) — unless specific exemptions apply. This guide explains which […]
Malaysia REIT Taxation – Rental & Income Rules

Introduction Malaysia REIT taxation determines how rental and investment income from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) or Property Trust Funds (PTFs) are assessed under the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA). Approved REITs/PTFs — whether listed or unlisted — enjoy specific tax treatments when authorized by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). Basis of Assessment The basis […]