We all hate to pay tax. Ironically, the more taxes you pay, the wealthier you are. However, it might not necessarily so. Because a person earns more than you might be paying less tax money with proper tax planning. One of the area that you can get a tax relief is for education purpose.
Education is a liberal concern because it is about empowering people with the skills, knowledge, attitude and aspiration to develop themselves. Some believe that in order to have a brighter future with better earning capability, higher education is a must. In this article, you will find the complete guide for a Malaysian on how to enjoy tax relief or tax deduction for education purposes.
Photo by bunkaaddict
There are four areas that you can take advantage of tax relief for education purposes:
1. Child education insurance policy – Maximum RM3,000
2. Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional – Maximum RM3,000
3. Post graduate education – Maximum RM5,000
4. Book purchase – - Maximum RM1,000
Child Education Insurance Policy
A child education policy is a life insurance product specially designed as a savings tool to provide a lump sum of money when your child reaches the age for entry into college. If you opt for a payor benefit rider, an education policy provides the assurance that, in the event of an untimely demise of the parents or legal guardian, the child will have access to funds to help finance his/her education expenses. Under a child education policy, the child is the life assured, while the parent/legal guardian is the policy owner.
Types of child education policies available
There are two main types, i.e. an endowment or investment-linked policy. The difference between the two lies in the structure as well as the nature of investments.
1. Endowment Policy
An endowment policy combines a savings component with protection coverage. Endowment policy may be either participating or non-participating . As the name implies, non-participating policy do not participate in the life insurance fund’s profits but all insurance benefits are fully guaranteed. On the other hand, for participating policy, a portion of insurance benefits are guaranteed. However, the ultimate amount of benefits at maturity are not guaranteed as these depend on the performance of the insurance company’s participating life insurance fund.
Example of endowment education policy:
Great Eduplanner: Education Endowment Insurance Plan |Great Eastern Product Reviews
2. Investment-linked policy
An investment-linked policy combines the elements of investment and protection based on your requirement as the policy owner. It offers flexibility as you are able to increase or top-up your monthly premium contribution as your income improves. If you wish to be more aggressive with the instruments of investment, an investment-linked policy will also allow you to choose the types of funds your money will be invested in. However, like any other similar investment, there are higher risks involved and there are no guarantees on the returns, which may be higher or lower than projected.
Tax incentive of RM3,000 for Child Education Policy
One of the benefits of using life insurance as a savings tool for a child’s education policy is the tax advantage. Insurance proceeds are tax-free and you can also obtain an annual tax relief of up to RM3,000 for the payment of premiums for education insurance, subject to approval by the Inland Revenue Board. In order to qualify for tax relief,
- the education plan must be taken up by the parent/legal guardian and it must mature when the child reaches the age of between 13 to 25.
- It is also important that you opt for a payer benefit rider throughout the life of the policy.
- make sure the policy has a the word “education” printed in the policy title
- another method is to purchase an endowment policy that the life assured is the parent, but the beneficiary must be nominated to the child and mature before the child reach 25 years old.
- Remember, if your wife elects for separate assessment, she can also claim the same amount of relief on her life, education and medical insurance premiums but not on the same child.
PTPTN Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional
Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) introduced a savings scheme which puts emphasis on ‘Savings Towards Higher Education’. Besides ensuring annual dividend returns, the SSPN also provides special financial incentives in the form of Matching Grants especially for low income depositors. In addition, insurance coverage and payment of death compensation is provided free of charge to all eligible depositors.
How to Open a SSPN Account
To open an account, the application form must be submitted to PTPTN counter and any collection agent along with the following documents:
- A copy of the depositor’s MyKad/Military/Police Identity Card;
- A copy of the child’s MyKid/Birth Certificate/MyKad; and
- Certification of adoption (if the SSPN account is meant for an adopted child).
For a family whose household income does not exceed RM2,000 per month, the latest income statement of the family must be submitted along with the application form and a copy of the spouse’s MyKad/Military/Police Identity Card.
The minimum total deposit for purposes of opening an account and increase of deposit is RM20 for each nominated beneficiary’s account. Deposit increase can be made as soon as the membership card is received.
Eligibility to apply for PTPTN education financing
- For household income exceed RM2,000 per month, a minimum deposit of RM3,000 is required
- For household income does not exceed RM2,000 per month, a minimum deposit of RM500 is required.
Benefits:
- Tax relief on savings up to
RM3,000per year (RM6000 per year starting 2012) - Free insurance coverage up to RM50,000 (dollar to dollar) for depositors who have an accumulated deposit of a minimum of RM1,000 (Eligibility for insurance/death compensation is only for depositors between 18 and 65 years, whereas death compensation is awarded only to beneficiaries aged 1 to 28 years)
- Matching grant with a maximum endowment of RM10,000 per family (A family whose household income does not exceed RM2,000 per month is eligible for a matching grant when the child is accepted into a higher learning institution)
- Deposit as low as RM20 at any time deemed necessary and government guarantee on savings
- Competitive dividend rate and tax exemption on dividend
Saving Method
- Salary deduction for the staff of government and private sector
- Salary deduction through Biro Perkhidmatan Angkasa
- Auto debit – Bank Pertanian Malaysia and Maybank
- Standing instruction – Bank Simpanan Nasional; or
- Online transaction through e-SSPN – especially for those who have savings accounts in Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, CIMB Bank, Hong Leong Bank, Public Bank Berhad and Maybank.
Account Statement
- The account statement is prepared and posted to the address of the depositor twice annually
- No savings book is given
- All beneficiaries will be given SSPN membership cards
Withdrawal
Withdrawal of savings can only be done after one (1) year of saving in the SSPN. The withdrawal of 10% of the balance in the account or RM500 (whichever is lower) once annually is allowed (after one year of becoming member). Withdrawal of up to 100% of the balance of the account is allowed if the beneficiary fulfills one of the following criteria:
- Is accepted to any government recognised IPT;
- Withdraws voluntarily from the education system or is terminated for specific reasons;
- Chronic illness with no hope of recovery with doctor’s certification;
- Permanent disability; or
- Death
Deposit Collection Agents:
The opening of an SSPN account can be done at the PTPTN headquarters and at all deposit collection agents throughout Malaysia.
List of agent:
- CIMB Bank Berhad
- Bank Pertanian Malaysia (BPM)
- Bank Kerjasama Rakyat (BKR)
- Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN)
- Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB)
Contact PTPTN:
Post Graduate Education
To promote a culture of lifelong learning among Malaysians, the Government proposes tax relief of up to RM5,000 on education fees be extended to all post-graduate studies (Masters and Doctorate leve), effective from Year of Assessment 2008.
Every individual are eligible to claim a RM5,000 relief each in respective tax returns provided that the post-graduate studies are at institutions or professional bodies in Malaysia that are recognised by the Government or approved by the Minister undertaken for the purpose of acquiring law, accounting, Islamic financing, technical, vocational, industrial, scientific or technological skills or qualifications. Please note that this deduction is effective only from YA 2008 onwards.
Book Hunting
To further inculcate the reading habit and in line with life long learning, the Government provides tax relief on the purchase of books up to RM1,000 per year. All the text books for your children, or your own post graduate studies are eligible for tax relief. Even the Harry Porter and magazine you buy from book stores can be used to deduct tax. But you must keep the book purchase receipt for tax audit later, if you are lucky.
Some reminders
- buy books and magazine from chain bookstore, such as Popular, MPH, BORDERS etc. You will notice the receipt provided by Popular have [BK] printed for book items.
- You can even order your book via the internet – Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
- Normally, there won’t be any receipt produced when you buy magazines from local book stall. If you want your expenses to be tax deductible, avoid this.
Summary
If you fully utilized the tax relief for the above elaborated 4 areas:
1. Child education insurance policy – Maximum RM3,000
2. Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional – Maximum RM3,000
3. Post graduate education – Maximum RM5,000
4. Book purchase – - Maximum RM1,000
There is a total of RM12,000 tax relief to be claimed. I will definitely use up item no.1, 2, and 4. But for item no.3, there is no clear definition of post graduate study and list of courses that is eligible. It would be nice if colleges and universities can indicate the tax relief eligibility when promoting their courses for working adults.
If your tax bracket is 21%, you will save up to maximum of RM2520 tax payable yearly.
Last but not least, I would urge that you take advantage of them all during year end.
- Purchase your child insurance policy and pay yearly in December – the premium paid will be eligible for tax relief immediately
- Open SSPN account in December, and max it up to RM3,000.
- Consolidate the receipt of book purchase, and use up the RM1,000 if you enjoy reading books. If not, try buy books as gift to others whenever possible. Books are great birthday gift. It is definitely worthier than flowers.
By using this “year-end” strategy, you have kept the money with you for a full year and already reap the full investment return.
Do you have any other tips to share with us? Please comment.
More on personal tax relief, download the guideline from IRB (pdf file)
ck December 10, 2007 at 10:04 pm
hi, KC i just received Borang BE two days ago and i couldnt find the provision for personal relief on savings in sspn. from the notes attached personal tax relief for EPF & insurance allowed is max RM6,ooo while education / health insurance is max RM3,000.
Appreciate if you could advise on the saving in sspn.
Thank you
KCLau December 11, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Hi CK,
You will have to consult a tax accountant on filling up the form.
Fara March 13, 2012 at 10:27 am
Hi KC,
Does that mean i can claim from Tax RM6000 ANNUALLY (?) for RM3000 Child Education Policy and Rm3000 from SSPN?
So if I’m saving RM250 monthly to Child Education Policy and another RM250 monthly for Child Education Policy.. it will sum up to RM3000 by the end of the year for each of them… Can I claim full RM6000 from Income Tax every year for one child?
What if I’ll have another child.. let’s say in 3-4 years time after the first.. can I do the same? (as in .. apply RM6000 x 2 child = RM12,000)
What is the maximum number of child allowed for the Income Tax Relief?
Both hubby and I planning to have a child soon, so we are doing early budgeting. Hope you can assist us
KCLau March 13, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Hi Fara, you can only claim tax relief up to RM3000 on child education policy and separate RM3000 of SSPN savings, each year. So Maximum RM6000. Even if you save more say RM10,000, you can only claim RM6000 every year.
Since SSPN only allow one parent for one child, you and your husband will need to open SSPN saving accounts for separate child in order to claim tax relief for both parents.
Fara March 13, 2012 at 2:18 pm
Thank you for the reply.
One more question, what if my first child managed to get a scholarship, can I change the name to my second child? Or… is there a possibility to open SSPN Education account but the receiver is open to any of my child?
I checked in PTPTN website that for a person who is 29 years and above (3rd category), they can only open their own account? Does it make me eligible to claim from income tax for my child’s education?
rokaiyah January 10, 2008 at 8:16 pm
CK, Tax relief on SSPN is only available from Y/A 2008
KCLau January 11, 2008 at 10:50 am
My accountant said that it is eligible for Y/A 2007
rokaiyah February 2, 2008 at 10:07 pm
I have checked and you are correct. Although the proposal was made at the 2008 budget, the effective date is Y/A 2007.( There was apparently an error on the effective date in the budget handbook that I referred to)
MW March 20, 2008 at 9:34 am
Hi KC. I’ll never expect I’ll bump into an old friend’s webpage by google-ing “Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional”. Haha…
JY April 8, 2008 at 11:11 am
Hi KC,
Would like to check with you whether it is against Malaysian’s law if I request my company to move a portion of my salary to EPF as Employer’s EPF contribution to minimise personal income tax? Thanks
KCLau April 8, 2008 at 12:19 pm
@JY,
Yes. You can do that. Employer can contribute up to 19% and the benefit paid to employee is totally tax free. You will have to negotiate with your employer for this arrangement.
BC April 19, 2008 at 8:26 am
Hi KC,
I have a question not related to education but Computer Tax Relief.
There is a 3000 tax rebate for Computer Purchase for Y/A 2007 personal income tax declaration.
Would i be eligible for this tax rebate if i purchase a lap top on 20 April 2008 for the amount 3200.00?
Thanks.
BC
KCLau April 23, 2008 at 5:33 pm
First of all I would like to clarify that the tax rebate of RM3,000 for the purchase of personal computer which is given in YA2007 is actually a kind of “relief” instead of “rebate”. One can claim only once in three years time.
If you have had claimed it in YA2007, then, it means that you can not claim the relief of RM3,000 for the second time in YA2008.
However, if you bought the laptop for business purpose, then you can claim it under Capital Allowance(CA). The claim would base on the actual price that you had incurred in the purchase of the computer.
& the CA would take 2- year time to fully claim it. This normally have more benefit than claim as personal computer relief if the cost of computer is more than RM3,000 & your business is making profit.
But pls bear in mind that you would probably be liable for tax if you sold the computer in future.
Horcl May 12, 2010 at 1:03 am
If the computer is purchased overseas – possible to claim relief? say in SG……
KCLau May 13, 2010 at 10:55 am
Yes. You just need the receipt.
AL April 23, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hi KC,
I have a scenario on computer tax deductible.
I bought a personal computer in 2004 and got rebate $350 in Y/A 2004. At that time the computer rebate is allowed once every 5 years.
In year 2007, I bought laptop for $3500. Same time, it’s announced change in computer rebate to relief up to $3000 once every 3 years.
Would the change in computer rebate to relief means that laptop purchase in 2007 be allowed for deduction even though the 1st computer is not 5 years yet?
Thanks.
AL April 23, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Hi KC,
It’s a personal computer use. Since the tax rules change from rebate to relief. So the relief $3000 is starting fresh from Y/A 2007, regardless that I had claim a rebate in Y/A 2005? Or my assumption is wrong?
BC April 24, 2008 at 9:46 pm
HI KC,
Thanks for replying. Can i throw in a few more challenges?
Scenario A.
Date: 1 April 2007
Laptop – 2500
Printer – 300
Scanner – 200
Total – 3000 (Single Receipt)
What is the amount for computer relief?
Scenario B.
Date: 1 April 2007
Computer – 2000
Hardware Upgrade – 300
(RAM, Hard Disk)
Router – 200
Total – 2500 (Single Receipt)
What is the amount for computer relief?
Scenario C. (following Scenario B)
Date: 1 Sept 2007
Lightning Strike!
Killed Router and Motherboard.
No covered under warranty.
Replaced Motherboard & Router.
Total 500
What is the amount allowed for computer relief? (Scenario B + C) total amount combined.
KCLau April 25, 2008 at 10:31 am
All the scenarios should be entitled to full RM3000 relief.
I am not a tax consultant. It is best to verify these with one.
BC April 25, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Thanks for replying, do you know of any tax consultant that i can verify this with?
BC
LSH April 28, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I have bought a new laptop in 2006 and a new PC in 2007.
Can I claim for $3000 tax relief for year 2007 if I already claim for $500 tax rebate for the year 2006.
Thanks in advance.
KCLau May 5, 2008 at 10:38 pm
@ LSH
I just got a reply from my tax consultant.
The answer is “no”.
JY May 7, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Hi KC,
Do MBA / DBA / CFP / PhD by research education fees enjoy personal relief for resident personal income tax (RM 5000)?
cheoky June 25, 2008 at 5:22 pm
someone told me that i will save on tax if i don’t take out my distribution from my unit trust investment but let my fund accumulate. is that true?
KCLau June 27, 2008 at 10:35 am
@ Cheoky
when a unit trust fund distribute it’s income, you will be taxed regardless of if you reinvest, and opt to receive the distribution.
So .. no, you won’t save on tax.
fortknox October 30, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Nice article on how to use the tax relief on education. How about writing an article on tips regarding enjoying the other tax reliefs like computer and buying sports equipments? I'm from the Philippines and I just moved to Malaysia to work.
Anonymous November 4, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Check this
http://enterpriser.wordpress.com/2008/01/12/top…
Did he contact you first?
KCLau November 6, 2008 at 7:18 pm
this happens quite often. This is some sort of spam blog, which is very
unethical.
Thanks for pointing out.
Yoyo December 26, 2008 at 1:21 pm
hi KC,
want to check with you regarding the SSPN deposit.
if I open an account in DEC 2008 and make a
deposit of RM3000, am I eligible for tax relief for year ending 2008 or 2009?? advice needed.
KCLau December 30, 2008 at 10:33 am
@ Yoyo,
for accounting year 2008
Yoyo December 27, 2008 at 9:24 pm
hi KC,
one more question from me, regarding the tax relief of RM3000 for purchase of computer.
If I bought a notebook by EASY INSTALLMENT SCHEME for 12 months through Maybank, am I eligible for the relief? if the installment start Dec 2008, when can I claim for the relief? 2008 or 2009?
Thanks
KCLau December 30, 2008 at 10:33 am
If not mistaken, you are only allowed to claim the amount you’ve paid. In your case, only the first installment in Dec 2008 is eligible.
To be sure, consult a tax accountant.
SS February 3, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Hi there. I have a question, maybe silly to most. But why is it a good thing to spend up to RM1000 on books for relief, which will at the end contribute to just a small sum of money saved?
My point is, basically, people still wont really be spending that much on books since you get back only that little. RM1000 is a lot to be spent just on books even if you have interest in it. I hope this question makes sense…thanks!
KCLau February 4, 2009 at 10:14 am
@SS,
Your comment is not missing. I just haven’t approved it until now(after a long CNY holiday)
RM1000 is quite a big sum to spend on books. I used it up, and even exceeded the amount last year. I spent about RM2300 in 2008 on books.
For those who don’t like reading, it is in fact useless to spend money on books.
To me, books
1. give me entertainment – although I do play basketball, video games, PC games, iPhone games, watch movies etc.. reading book is still a great entertainment to me
2. fill up my mini library – it decorates my home office & music studio, makes the place looks classy and “educated”
3. teach me a lot of things – self-improvement, business, creativity, writing etc.
Just for the above reasons, I bought a lot of them.
Guciguci April 24, 2013 at 5:10 pm
I know this reply is abit ‘late’. Below is a scenario u should spend 1000 on books whether u like it or not.
1.Joint assessment – where husband/wife without source of income e.g. unemployed.
2.when for example, total Chargeable income 35,500. (just slightly over 35k bracket)
Hence, by spending 500 on books, u bring down ur CI to 35k, avoided 500 x 12% tax and get further tax rebate on personal rebate 400 and Husband/wife rebate 400 for CI below 35k. Plus, U can sell ur books later.
KCLau April 25, 2013 at 9:43 am
@Guciguci, you’ve provided us a very creative suggestion!
SS February 4, 2009 at 2:17 am
I posted a comment earlier today and it has gone missing. Tried to contact you through the Contact Us page but the submission doesnt work eventhough I tried three times.
I just would like to know why was my comment deleted when it has a valid question that has none of any inappropriate content to it.
Thanks.
Pris April 15, 2009 at 10:38 am
Hi KC,
Thanks for the tips.
I paid a lump sum on tuition fees (> RM10K) for a 2-year-MBA course, and have a single receipt.
Can i use it for relief for both YA2008 and YA2009, with only 1 receipt?
Many thanks in advance!
KCLau April 15, 2009 at 5:55 pm
@Pris,
I don’t think you can split it into two years relief. You better check with a tax consultant to make sure of this.
NiNa April 21, 2009 at 9:52 pm
My income in 2008 was not eligible to be taxed and I bought a laptop in early 2008.
However, my salary in 2009 is now taxable. Do you think I could use the laptop purchase made in 2008 as relief for my Y/A 2009?
KCLau April 22, 2009 at 10:15 am
@NiNa,
I am afraid that it is not possible. Better check with a tax consultant.
DaRLeNE^_^ August 27, 2009 at 4:48 pm
KC Lau, Good day to you! Can I check with you whether flash cards fall into the category of book purchase?Thanks for your clarification and have a blessed day!
KCLau September 3, 2009 at 12:08 pm
I am not sure about that. A tax consultant is better to answer your question.
But normally when you buy those educational material at bookstore, they will have [BK] printed behind the item to indicate that it is book.
You can refer to your receipt to see if it marked as [BK].
connie October 7, 2009 at 1:33 pm
KC Lau, Good day to you! can i check with wife relief/husband relief is only for joint assessment or both deduction for split income tax computation?
KCLau October 9, 2009 at 10:24 am
Hi Connie,
It will be a separate relief for individual parent if you separate assessment.
Pang CS October 8, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Hi KC,
On SSPN tax relief, the limit of up to 3000 is per child ? Is it 3K or 6K of tax relief if I deposit 3K annually for each of my 3 children ?
Appreciate your comments
KCLau October 9, 2009 at 10:23 am
Hi Pang,
It is 3k maximum tax relief for each parent, regardless of how many children you have.
Raj March 10, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Hi KC,
Am I eligable if i have taken some professional courses last year (e.g. Project Management Certification from Project Management Institute – It is a international recognized certification)
KCLau March 10, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I am not sure about the courses. You should ask a tax agent’s advice on this.
Mrs Boey April 6, 2010 at 10:35 am
Hi KC,
On SSPN tax relief, is it every year must deposit RM3000 only can entitle the max limit of tax relief? So if I deposit RM3000 on SSPN in the year 2008, and I do not deposit any amount in the year 2009, I am not eligable this tax relief in 2009?
KCLau April 6, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hi Mrs. Boey,
In order to entitled for tax relief every year, you will need to deposit RM3000 every year.
Jeffrey April 10, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Hi,
Can purchase of ebook entitle you for a tax deduction?
KCLau April 12, 2010 at 5:31 pm
I just called my tax consultant, she said “yes” for ebook.
ling April 18, 2010 at 9:19 am
hi lau,
is ACCA annual subscription fee deductible ?
Chris April 21, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Hi KC,
I bought a Laptop and hv claim the deduction for Y/A 2008(individual assesment). My wife bought a laptop last year. Can i claim deduction for her laptop for Y/A 2009 since i decided to go for joint assesment with my wife for Y/A 2009? Thanks
KCLau April 22, 2010 at 11:07 am
Hi Chris, not sure about this. Please verify with a qualified tax agent.
CH April 27, 2010 at 9:52 am
I bought a Electonic Dictionary for my child in Year 2009 with price of RM1300. Can I claim this from tax relief under book purchase? Or, I can have the tax relief under personal computer?
KCLau April 30, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Better to ask a tax agent about this issue.
Chong Kong Hui May 2, 2010 at 1:09 am
ACCA subscription fee is deductible is your source of income is related. Say you only have rental income and not employed as Accounting related post… sorry, not deductible.
Candy May 7, 2010 at 10:35 am
Hi KC,
Are you sure that SSPN tax relief is RM3000 for each parent? I thought it’s RM3000 max which you can claim under either husband or wife?
KCLau May 7, 2010 at 4:43 pm
If you have only one child, either the mother or the father can claim the RM3000 because they only allow one parent to open account for each child. So in order to have the tax saving for both parents, you will need to have at least two children.
CHONG KONG HUI May 7, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Pelepasan cukai pendapatan ke atas simpanan SSPN:
Ibu bapa dan ibu bapa angkat/penjaga yang sah dari segi undang-undang yang menyimpan dalam akaun SSPN untuk manfaat anak diberi pelepasan sehingga maksimum RM3,000 setahun tertakluk kepada jumlah simpanan bersih tahun semasa;
Ibu bapa yang membuat taksiran berasingan dan telah membuka akaun simpanan SSPN berasingan atas anak yang sama diberikan pelepasan sehingga maksimum RM3,000 seorang setahun;
Ibu bapa yang membuat taksiran bersama dan telah membuka akaun simpanan SSPN berasingan diberi pelepasan sehingga maksimum RM3,000 setahun; dan
Individu yang menyimpan untuk diri sendiri tidak diberi pelepasan cukai.
Source http://www.ptptn.gov.my/web/guest/simpanan/cukai
Jialun July 22, 2010 at 12:33 am
It’s written “Purchase of personal computer for individual of up to RM3,000 “. What if I build my own PC and purchase the PC components separately instead of buying a unit of PC?
Can I actually add up all the components (computer related items) bought and claim it as a unit of PC since PC consists of many components?
KCLau July 22, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Jialun, you can do that.
Jialun July 22, 2010 at 5:53 pm
Thank for the reply KCLau.
So, I guess receipt would definately needed for the claim. But what if I’m buying a used computer from someone else, the likelyhood is I wouldn’t get receipt for this kind of purchase.
KCLau July 22, 2010 at 6:13 pm
That will be very hard to prove. Get the seller to issue you a receipt and sign on it.
Noel October 14, 2010 at 11:26 am
Hi KCLau,
Can you please tell me under which relief types I can claim my ACCA Subscription fee?
My source of income is accounting-related.
Thanks a lot in advance!
kslim March 8, 2011 at 12:21 pm
KC,
May i know installments of 7 years study loan from bank rakyat for taking MBA course is entitle for tax deductible under personal education?
kslim March 15, 2011 at 8:53 am
KC,
I no receive any reply or comment from you.
JC April 11, 2011 at 3:46 pm
Hi kc,
I understand there’s a tax relief for individual education fees up to RM 5k for recognized institutions of higher learning other than a degree at Masters or Doctorate level-for acquiring law, accounting,
Islamic financing, technical, vocational, industrial, scientific or technological skills or qualifications . I wonder what’s the definition of the ” recognized education of higher learning” . I tried asking the income department but they seemed to ignore my answers and just tell ” higher learning ” . hope to get a reply from you.
thanks
KCLau April 15, 2011 at 9:38 am
Hi,
In fact it is very hard to define. You better check with a qualified tax accountant.
sid June 14, 2011 at 9:37 am
Hi KC,
You mentioned the following:
“You can even order your book via the internet – Amazon, Barnes and Noble.”
Does that mean that books purchased from sites like Amazon are tax deductible? I purchased a lot of books from Amazon but one of my friends mentioned that i can only claim for books purchased locally. Also, the receipts that i receive from Amazon is in USD. Is it possible to show that as prove? Thanks.
KCLau June 14, 2011 at 9:56 am
When my tax agent do my taxes, the books bought at Taiwan, China, Singapore and also online through Amazon are being counted. You can use a foreign exchange rate applicable to your purchase. As long as you have the receipt of purchase, the payment is tax deductible.
jeremy brand July 16, 2011 at 10:23 am
hi mr kclau
just would like to clerify things up, i bought a book called buku magical math program for Rm100, from an education company doing workshop programs at schools, they gave me their company reciept of rm100. can i claim for the full Rm100 from my tax return or what?
thanks so much for your time
KCLau July 19, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Yes because the product you pay for is a book.
Tang Kiu Mee October 2, 2011 at 10:44 pm
a saving plan. Life assured is a child, parent payor – the rider. Can this product deduct Income Tax under Education relief ?
Hope to hear u soon.
Tq.
KCLau October 3, 2011 at 12:58 am
Yes.
Jeff February 4, 2012 at 1:29 pm
I reside in Malaysia. I work on a freelance basis as programmer through the internet. There are certain hours in the day which I need to be online. The company that I work with is a foreign company located in UAE. I am paid weekly in USD. The money are remitted to my local bank account through PayPal
I like to find out if I were to declare this income, would it be subject to tax? Does it constitute foreign income? I may consider declare it for the purpose of application of housing loan.
KCLau February 9, 2012 at 7:00 am
Hi Jeff, the income is in fact taxable. If not mistaken, you make the money while you are in Malaysia doing the freelance programming work, and it is considered income need declaration.
Guat March 2, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Hello KC,
I have a question on the tax deduction for Education purpose – in your post, from Y2008, masters/phd can claim a relief of RM5000 for education for oneself. What was stated :
Every individual are eligible to claim a RM5,000 relief each in respective tax returns provided that the post-graduate studies are at institutions or professional bodies in Malaysia that are recognised by the Government or approved by the Minister undertaken for the purpose of acquiring law, accounting, Islamic financing, technical, vocational, industrial, scientific or technological skills or qualifications. Please note that this deduction is effective only from YA 2008 onwards.
Question: Does this means post-graduate studies at institutions in Malaysia only? I tried to download the tax guide pdf but I think the link no longer works. Can you please help me understand? Thanks so much. Also, thanks for putting this very helpful info for everyone to see. Appreciate it!!
KCLau March 7, 2012 at 9:31 am
Hi Guat, I suggest that you talk to a tax agent to verify the latest status. As I am not a tax accountant and the rules and regulations regarding tax matters always change. Wish you all the best!
Lyn March 16, 2012 at 10:03 pm
hi KC, thanks for your tips. Do you know what comes under the “sports equipment” category? Are binoculars included? thanks!
Also, apparently, our parents’ dental bills are now tax-deductible. Is that true?
Thanks!
matji March 24, 2012 at 6:12 pm
me n my wife have deposited RM1500 for each of our 4 kids. That is for year of 2010. we enjoy the tax relief for that year. during 2011 there’s no transaction at all for those account. the question is, do we eligible to enjoy the tax relief again on 2011.
KCLau May 8, 2012 at 10:40 am
you will only be able to claim relief on the amount you save during that year. (fresh money put in, not the money already in the account)
NYC May 8, 2012 at 10:36 am
Hi KC,
On purchase of books, can one use bank credit card statement to show as proof of book purchase, if the actual receipts were lost? Thanks!
Aaron
KCLau May 8, 2012 at 10:39 am
As far as I know, that is not allowed because it can be “stationery” purchase, not books.
So officially, you better keep the original receipt.
Fairus June 22, 2012 at 9:04 pm
How about purchase of digital books? Such as ebooks from Apple Appstore?
yp July 10, 2012 at 2:57 pm
A short term saving plan(endowment plan) with 30years coverage and didn’t stated as education policy. Life assured is a child, policy owner is parent. Or Investment linked product, life assured is a child, policy owner is parent. Can this products deduct Income Tax under Education relief? Or it deduct income tax under life? Thank You.
Raymond March 15, 2013 at 4:31 am
Hi KC, if I withdrew my EPF savings for the purpose of studying MBA, am I still eligible to claim for the tax relief under post graduate studies?
Lai Peng March 21, 2013 at 3:52 pm
HI KC
Does life insurance ( which has a component of savings in it – ie it matures in 15 years time, and if everyone is still alive, there will be a lump sum payout) qualify as a PRS for tax purposes and therefor a tax relief of maximum RM3000. The insurance provider is ING?.
many thanks
KCLau March 21, 2013 at 4:52 pm
@Lai Peng, I am not sure about ING plan. It is better that you check with ING directly.
John Lui April 21, 2013 at 1:26 pm
Hi KC,
Does the tax relief for ebooks or similar publications covered education videos as follows:
1) purchased in bookstores like Popular, etc
2) purchase online from online store and ship to Malaysia.
3) purchased online and view the education video via online streaming
4) purchase online and download the video to PC for offline viewing.
Some of this education videos come together with pdf files.
Appreciate if you can help on this. Thank you.
Regards
John Lui
KCLau April 25, 2013 at 10:07 am
Hi John Lui, so far I know that only books (whether physical or e-copy) is eligible for tax relief. You better check with a tax consultant whether education video qualify or not.
ragu May 6, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Chief, hi. is the RM 1K for Books individual relief? meaning husband and wife can claim 1K each?
thanks, you are so helpful !
KCLau May 7, 2013 at 5:34 pm
@Ragu, yes the RM1k can be claimed separately, each.
ragu May 8, 2013 at 12:31 am
Appreciate that Chief.
one more…. if diagnosed with a critical illness, they say alternative medications, and supplements also can be claimed up to 5K. correct?
thanks so much for ur helpful article and time to respond
God Bless.