Sales and Service Tax (SST) Compliance
Malaysia's SST System
Malaysia's Sales and Service Tax (SST) was reintroduced in September 2018, replacing the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The SST system consists of two separate taxes: a Sales Tax on goods and a Service Tax on services.
Sales Tax
Sales Tax is a single-stage tax imposed on taxable goods manufactured in or imported into Malaysia.
Key Features:
- Rate: Generally 10% (with some items at 5% or specific rates)
- Applied at the manufacturing or import stage
- Not a cascading tax - applied only once in the supply chain
- Registration threshold: Annual turnover exceeding RM500,000
Who Needs to Register:
- Manufacturers of taxable goods with annual sales exceeding RM500,000
- Importers of taxable goods
Service Tax
Service Tax is imposed on specific services (taxable services) provided in Malaysia by registered service providers.
Key Features:
- Rate: Generally 6%
- Applied on specific taxable services
- Registration threshold varies by service category
- Common threshold: Annual turnover exceeding RM500,000
Taxable Service Categories:
- Accommodation services
- Food and beverage services
- Professional services (legal, accounting, consulting, etc.)
- Insurance and takaful services
- Telecommunication services
- IT services
- ... and several other categories
SST and E-Invoicing Requirements
With the introduction of Malaysia's MyInvois e-invoicing system, businesses need to ensure their e-invoices properly reflect SST compliance. Here are the key requirements:
Requirement | Description |
---|---|
SST Registration Number | For SST-registered businesses, the SST registration number must be clearly displayed on invoices |
Tax Category Identification | E-invoices must properly identify which items are subject to Sales Tax or Service Tax |
Correct Tax Rates | Apply the appropriate tax rate (10%, 5%, 6%, etc.) based on the type of good or service |
Tax-Exempt Items | Clearly identify items that are exempt from SST |
Separated Tax Amount | The amount of SST charged must be shown separately from the price of goods/services |
Invoice Date and Number | Proper sequential numbering and accurate dates for tax reporting periods |
SST Filing and Payment
Filing Requirements
- Frequency: Bimonthly (every two months)
- Due Date: Last day of the month following the taxable period
- Forms: SST-02 for Sales Tax and Service Tax returns
- Submission: Via RMCD's MySST portal
Record Keeping
- Invoice Records: All sales and service tax invoices must be retained
- Records Required: Purchase and sales records, inventories, financial statements
- Retention Period: 7 years
- Language: Records should be in Bahasa Malaysia or English
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with SST regulations can result in significant penalties. Here are some common penalties:
Offense | Penalty |
---|---|
Failure to register | Fine up to RM30,000 or imprisonment up to 2 years, or both |
Late filing of returns | Fine up to RM50,000 or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both |
Late payment of tax |
Penalty based on length of delay: - 10% for first 30 days - 15% for 31-60 days - 20% for 61-90 days - 25% for more than 90 days |
Incorrect returns | Fine up to RM50,000 or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both |
Evasion of tax | Fine of 10x the amount of tax or RM100,000 (whichever is higher), or imprisonment up to 5 years, or both |
How MyEzyInvois Helps with SST Compliance
Our Platform Makes SST Compliance Easy
- Pre-configured SST tax codes and rates
- Automatic calculation of tax amounts
- Clear identification of taxable vs. exempt items
- Professional invoice templates with all required SST information
- Secure storage of your invoicing history for the required 7-year period
- Easy export of records for SST reporting purposes
SST-Compliant E-Invoicing
MyEzyInvois ensures your e-invoices meet both MyInvois requirements and SST regulations. Our platform generates invoices that properly display:
- Your SST registration number
- Accurate tax categories for each item
- Proper tax calculations and breakdowns
- All required SST disclosure statements
This dual compliance saves you time and reduces the risk of penalties from both LHDN and RMCD.
Need More Information?
For more detailed information about SST compliance, visit the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) official website or contact our team for assistance with implementing SST-compliant e-invoicing.