How to Check Taxpayer Identification Number Malaysia
In Malaysia, a Taxpayer Identification (TIN) number is allocated to every individual and company registered with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN). Previously this number was called an Income Tax. This special number is key in remittance of taxes, e-Filing and other official activities to be done with LHDN. It is important that you should know how to check, retrieve, or verify your TIN under both individuals and business.
How the taxpayer is identified in Malaysia
The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is the required identification number to be used by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM/LHDN) in tracking tax records. On 1 January 2023, Malaysia introduced the TIN system according to the requirements of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- In Individuals: TIN is registered with the personal income tax.
- Businesses: Businesses such as companies, partnerships, and sole proprietors will be issued with TIN when they register with LHDN.
TINs are distinct and they do not change over the life of a taxpayer.
Who is Required to a Taxpayer Identification Number
- Employees with chargeable income.
- Freelancing professionals, businesspeople, entrepreneurs.
- Firms and companies incorporated in Malaysia.
- Partners, co-operative associations and associations carrying out a taxable business.
- Foreigners who are taxpayers within Malaysia.
Formats of Taxpayer Identification Numbers in Malaysia
TINs are formatted differently based on the taxpayer type. Common prefixes include:
- Individual Tax Number: Typically begins with SG, OG, or similar.
- Company Tax Number: May start with C, D, or E.
- Employer Number: Often starts with E.
- Partnership Number: Usually begins with F.
- Each code helps LHDN identify the nature of the taxpayer.
How to Verify Taxpayer Number Identification Online.
LHDN has several easy ways to verify your TIN. Following is the key ways of doing this:
1. Through MyTax Portal (e-Daftar)
The most direct way is available in the MyTax portal.
- Go to the official MyTax portal at https://mytax.hasil.gov.my
- Enter with your User ID (IC number to an individual, business registration number to a company).
- Go to the profile section.
- Your Taxpayer Identification Number will be indicated
If you are not already registered, you may apply e-Daftar to obtain TIN.
2. Check via e-Filing Portal
Already filing taxpayers of the income tax returns
- Click on to e-Filing https://mytax.hasil.gov.my
- business registration number or IC number
- When you are logged into the portal, your TIN is indicated under account details.
3. Contact LHDN Call Centre (HASiL Care Line)
It is also possible to verify TIN with an officer:
- Phone: 03-8911 1000 (local) or +603-8911 1100 (overseas).
- Specify your full name, IC number, or business registration number.
- The officer will first prove your identity prior to disclosing your TIN
4. Please visit the closest LHDN branch
If it is inconvenient to use online, you can visit any LHDN offices. Bring along:
- MyKad (Malaysians).
- Passport (foreigners)
- Registration certificate (in the case of business).
The counter officer will come to your help to get your TIN back.
5. Through the Email or online Enquiry
LHDN can take email or online enquiries
- Send a mail to: callcentre@hasil.gov.my.
- Such information includes your full name, IC number/passport number, and contact information.
- Or fill out the Customer Feedback Form on the MyTax portal.
Steps to Register for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
In a case when you do not have the TIN, you must register it.
For Individuals
- Go to e-Daftar at https://edaftar.hasil.gov.my.
- Enter the personal information on the online form.
- Upload scanned documents
- MyKad/Passport copy
- Utility bill or bank statement of address
- The application should be submitted and wait to be approved.
- After it is approved, a TIN will either be emailed to you or can be accessed in MyTax.
For Companies and Businesses
- Register through e-Daftar.
- Provide supporting papers
- SSM Certificate of Incorporation (Form 9, 24, 49, or Section forms)
- Contact information of the directors of the company.
- Business license (in case).
- Upon processing, you will be issued with a TIN by LHDN.
Why it is Important to Know Your TIN
To gain the accuracy of your TIN is important in:
- E-filing of tax filings
- Issue and receive e-Invoices using the new LHDN system.
- Claiming refund of taxes
- Preventing penalties on un-registered taxpayers.
- Compliance with banks and other financial institutions that need information on TIN.
Standard Problems Encountered During TIN-Checking and How to Solve Them
- Forgotten TIN: log in to MyTax, using IC number to regain.
- TIN not found: Either you are not registered, register through e-Daftar.
- Error messages on portal: Clear Browser cache or use a different browser.
- Mismatch of information: Make sure IC/passport number is the same as the LHDN records.
FAQ
Yes, TIN has replaced the old Income Tax Number system starting from 2023.
Yes, all foreign individuals earning taxable income must register for a TIN.
No, only individuals with taxable income need to register, unless specifically required for other reasons (e.g., property transactions).
No, each business entity must have its own unique TIN.
Typically 3–7 working days, depending on the method of registration and document verification.