If your monthly PCB salary deductions add up to more than your actual tax bill, LHDN owes you money. Here's how to make sure you actually get it.
This guide is part of Sorted — free Malaysian life admin guides.
TL;DR
- Refund is automatic — you don't apply separately, just file your tax return correctly
- e-Filing (MyTax): refund within 30 working days of submission
- Manual filing: up to 90 working days
- Most refunds arrive 3–6 weeks after filing
- Check status at: MyTax → Services → Refund Status
- Update bank account via e-Kemaskini before you file (biggest cause of delays)
- If LHDN is late: you're legally entitled to 2% compensation under Section 111D
How the Refund Works
When you file your income tax return (Form BE for salaried employees), LHDN calculates your actual tax liability for the year. If the PCB (Monthly Tax Deduction) your employer already deducted from your salary is more than that liability, you get the difference back.
No extra application. No form. Just file your return — and make sure your bank account is up to date.
The Refund Timeline
Step 1: Submit e-Filing on MyTax (mytax.hasil.gov.my)
- Go to e-Filing → Form BE → Fill in income, reliefs, deductions → Submit
- Your refund amount is calculated automatically
Step 2: LHDN processes your return
- e-Filing: up to 30 working days (~6 calendar weeks)
- Manual forms: up to 90 working days
Step 3: Refund paid via EFT or DuitNow
- Goes to the bank account registered on MyTax
- No valid bank account on file → LHDN sends a cheque by post (slower)
Step 4: Money arrives
- Most people see it in 3–6 weeks after filing
- If 30 working days have passed with nothing: check MyTax, then call Hasil Care Line
How to Check Your Refund Status
- Log in to mytax.hasil.gov.my
- Go to Services → Refund Status
- If refund has been issued, you'll see the date, amount, and payment method
- For full payment history, check e-Lejar — your complete tax account statement
If you've waited 30+ working days and see nothing, call Hasil Care Line: 03-8911 1000 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm). Have your IC number and Year of Assessment ready.
Update Your Bank Account BEFORE You File
This is the #1 cause of refund delays. Do it now, before you submit:
- Log in to MyTax
- Go to e-Kemaskini (Personal Details Update)
- Update bank account details (name must match your IC exactly)
- Save
Rules:
- Must be a sole account in your own name
- Joint accounts not accepted
- All major Malaysian banks supported (Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, Hong Leong, etc.)
Why Refunds Get Delayed
| Reason | Fix |
|---|---|
| Wrong/outdated bank account | Update via e-Kemaskini |
| Outstanding tax arrears from previous years | Check e-Lejar; arrears are deducted first |
| Return under audit | Wait; you'll be notified if documents are needed |
| Filed after 30 April deadline | 30-day clock starts later; file early |
| Cheque sent to old address | Update address on MyTax |
| EA Form mismatch | Cross-check your payslips with EA Form |
2026 Filing Deadlines (Year of Assessment 2025)
| Form | Who | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Form BE | Salaried employees (employment income only) | 30 April 2026 (extended to 15 May) |
| Form B | Individuals with business income | 15 July 2026 |
| Form M | Non-residents | 30 June 2026 |
File in March, not April. Your 30-day clock starts at submission. Early filing = refund in April instead of June.
Pro Tips to Get Your Refund Faster
1. File early (March, not April)
The refund clock starts when you submit. Earlier submission = earlier refund.
2. Update your bank account first
Do this before you even open the e-Filing form.
3. Claim ALL your reliefs
Commonly missed reliefs that increase your refund:
- EPF contributions (up to RM4,000)
- Life insurance premiums (up to RM3,000)
- Medical insurance
- SSPN-i savings
- Broadband subscription
- Sports equipment (up to RM500)
- Books and self-development
4. Cross-check your EA Form
Your employer must give you the EA Form by 28 February. The PCB total should match your monthly payslips. Discrepancies trigger LHDN reviews.
5. Keep receipts for 7 years
LHDN can audit you for up to 7 years. Digital copies are accepted.
6. You can amend within 6 months
Forgot a relief? Submit an e-Filing amendment within 6 months of the deadline. The additional refund will be recalculated.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to apply separately for a refund?
No. It's automatic when you file. Just make sure your bank account is updated.
Q: Can I get my refund via DuitNow?
Yes — if you have DuitNow registered to your IC number, LHDN may use it. Often faster than standard EFT.
Q: LHDN deducted from my refund. Why?
Outstanding arrears from previous years are offset first. Check e-Lejar for your full account balance.
Q: Is the tax refund itself taxable?
No. It's a return of your own money. Not income.
Q: I've been waiting 30+ working days. What now?
- Check MyTax → Services → Refund Status
- If issued but not received: check your bank (may be under an unfamiliar reference)
- If not issued: call Hasil Care Line (03-8911 1000)
- If late: you're entitled to 2% compensation automatically under Section 111D
Related Guides on Sorted
This guide is part of Sorted — free, no-signup guides for Malaysian life admin. Verify details with official LHDN sources (hasil.gov.my).
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