[TAX, CUSTOMS & TRADE] Tax Pulse: Post-SVDP 2.0 and the Return of the Revenue: Navigating New Challenges in Tax Audits and Investigations

July 12, 2024

With the conclusion of the Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme 2.0 (“SVDP 2.0”) on 31.5.2024^[1], the Inland Revenue Board (“IRB”) has intensified its focus on ensuring tax compliance across Malaysia. This marks a significant shift towards stricter enforcement and heightened scrutiny in various key areas.

Key Focus Areas

In particular, the IRB has identified the following areas of focus in enforcement activities:

Domestic Transfer Pricing
Offshore Accounts
High Net Worth Individuals (“HNWIs”)
Digital and Shadow Economies
Tax Incentives, including organisations and institutions enjoying exemptions under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act 1967 (“ITA”)

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Latest Developments in mid-2024

Since June 2023, the IRB has indicated its intention to intensify enforcement efforts post-SVDP 2.0. The following recent developments indicate their full commitment to fulfilling that promise.

1 Strategic Compliance Branch (“Cawangan Pematuhan Strategik”)

Established as one of its Special Branches (Cawangan Khas), this unit has been actively conducting raids, investigations, and desk audits across various industries and sectors in recent weeks.

2 Tax Investigation Framework (“TIF”) 2024^[2]

The IRB has issued its updated TIF effective 31.5.2024. Amongst others, taxpayers facing investigation can expect:

a. More comprehensive requests for documents^[3].

b. Unannounced inspections, including surprise visits on business premises and even the residences of taxpayers, tax agents, and other relevant parties^[4].

c. Stricter penalties and potential prosecution for failures to submit tax returns^[5].

For a detailed overview of common tax disputes in the country and procedures for resolving them, see our publication titled: Lexology In-Depth: Tax Disputes and Litigation (12th Edition) 2024^[6].

3 Ops Token^[7]

The IRB has launched a specialised programme in conjunction with the Royal Malaysian Police Department (“PDRM”) to target perceived revenue leakages arising from cryptocurrency trading (“Crypto”), underlining their proactive approach towards emerging sectors^[8].

See our Special Alert: Crypto in the IRB’s Crosshairs: Debunking 3 Myths for Traders and Dabblers^[9].

Implementing Strategic Compliance Measures

As the IRB intensifies its enforcement actions, taxpayers must adopt strategic compliance measures. Amongst others, it is crucial for businesses and individuals alike to:

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of tax exposure and risks.
Enhance tax strategies and compliance frameworks.
Understand their rights under TIF 2024, including the right to appoint a representative during audits and investigations.

Navigating these evolving regulatory landscapes demands proactive compliance measures and professional guidance. For assistance regarding ongoing tax audits or investigations by the IRB, please contact the author, Partner Chris Toh Pei Roo (tpr@lh-ag.com) or his fellow tax Partners Jason Tan Jia Xin (tjx@lh-ag.com) and Ivy Ling Yieng Ping (il@lh-ag.com).

Authors: Chris Toh Pei Roo & Nathaniel Jagan

REFERENCES

[1] https://www.hasil.gov.my/en/special-voluntary-disclosure-programme-svdp-20/

[2] Available in the Malay language only at https://www.hasil.gov.my/media/puwbltue/rangka-kerja-siasatan-cukai-2024.pdf

[3] Paragraph 7.1, TIF 2024

[4] Paragraph 7.1, TIF 2024

[5] Paragraph 10.1, TIF 2024

[6] https://lh-ag.com/lexology-in-depth-tax-disputes-and-litigation-12th-edition-2024/

[7] Available in the Malay language only at https://www.hasil.gov.my/media/puwbltue/rangka-kerja-siasatan-cukai-2024.pdf

[8] https://www.hasil.gov.my/media/f0vfbzv3/20240615-kenyataan-media-hasil-perluasan-asas-cukai-terus-diperkasa-menerusi-operasi-pematuhan-khas-ops-token.pdf

[9] https://lh-ag.com/tax-customs-trade-special-alert-crypto-in-the-irbs-crosshairs-debunking-3-myths-for-traders-and-dabblers/

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