TIN Number Malaysia: A Guide for Businesses (How to Check, Format & Examples)

When starting or running a business in Malaysia, you will encounter several essential registration numbers. While your SSM (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia) number identifies your business entity, the Tax Identification Number (TIN) is your unique ID for all matters related to the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN), or Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia.

Understanding your TIN is not just for tax season; it is a fundamental requirement for legal business operations, including opening a corporate bank account, applying for licenses, and ensuring long-term compliance.

This guide will provide a clear breakdown of what a TIN is, the different formats for individuals and businesses, and a step-by-step guide on how to check for your TIN using LHDN’s official portals.

Key Takeaways

• What It Is: A TIN (Tax Identification Number), or “Nombor Pengenalan Cukai,” is a unique number issued by LHDN to all taxpayers (individuals and businesses).
• Automatic Registration: As of 2023, LHDN automatically assigns a TIN to all Malaysian citizens and residents upon reaching the age of 18.
• How to Check Your TIN: The easiest way for an individual to check their TIN is by using the MyTax portal (mytax.hasil.gov.my) and searching with their MyKad (NRIC) number.
• Business TIN is Different: A company’s TIN (a C-Number) is separate from your personal TIN. Businesses must register for their own TIN with LHDN after completing SSM registration.
• Essential for Business: A TIN is mandatory for filing tax returns, opening corporate bank accounts, and in many dealings with government agencies.

What is a TIN Number in Malaysia?

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is your “Nombor Pengenalan Cukai” It is a unique reference number used by LHDN to identify and manage the tax records of every taxpayer in Malaysia.

It is crucial to understand that there are different types of TINs:

1. Individual TIN: Issued to individuals (e.g., sole proprietors, employees, directors).
2. Company/Corporate TIN: Issued to registered business entities like Sendirian Berhad (Sdn. Bhd.) or Berhad (Bhd.).
3. Other TINs: Issued to partnerships (LLPs), associations, etc.

Why is a TIN Number Essential for Your Business?

Your TIN is a vital piece of your business’s legal and financial identity. You will need it for:

• Tax Filings (LHDN): This is its primary purpose. All corporate tax returns (Form C), employer returns (Form E), and installment plans (CP204) are filed using your company’s TIN.
• Opening a Corporate Bank Account: All banks in Malaysia require a company’s LHDN tax registration (TIN) as part of their Know Your Customer (KYC) process before they will open a corporate account.
• SSM Registration & Compliance: While you get your SSM number first, a TIN is the next immediate step for tax compliance.
• Applying for Government Licenses & Grants: Many government agencies and local councils (PBT) may require your company’s TIN when you apply for business licenses or incentives.

TIN Number Format & Examples for Malaysian Businesses

Your personal TIN is different from your company’s TIN. Here are the common formats:

Taxpayer Category	Prefix	Format (Example)	Description
Individual (Resident)	IG	IG 12345678910	(11 digits) Issued to individuals with a MyKad.
Individual (Non-Resident)	OG	OG 10987654321	(11 digits) Issued to non-residents (e.g., expatriates).
Company (Sdn Bhd/Bhd)	C	C 1234567890	(10 digits) This is your company’s official tax number.
Partnership	D	D 1234567890	(10 digits) For conventional partnerships.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)	PT	PT 1234567890	(10 digits) For LLPs registered under SSM.

How to Check Your TIN Number in Malaysia (Step-by-Step)

Thanks to LHDN’s new initiative, most individuals already have a TIN. Here’s how to check it.

For Individuals (Directors, Sole Proprietors):

1. Visit the MyTax Portal: Go to the official LHDN MyTax website: mytax.hasil.gov.my
2. Find the “e-Daftar” Service: On the main page, look for the services menu.
3. Use the “Semakan Nombor Cukai” (Tax Number Check) Feature: You may need to click “e-Daftar” first to find this option.
4. Enter Your Identification: Select “No. Kad Pengenalan” (MyKad NRIC) and enter your 12-digit NRIC number.
5. View Your TIN: The portal will search the database and display your TIN (e.g., IG 12345678910) if one is registered to your NRIC.

For Companies (Sdn Bhd, LLP, etc.):

A company TIN is not automatically created. You must register for it after your business is incorporated with SSM.

1. Register via e-Daftar: The company director must log in to the MyTax portal (mytax.hasil.gov.my) and use the “e-Daftar” service to register the company as a new taxpayer.
2. Provide SSM Number: You will need your company’s SSM registration number to complete this process.
3. Receive Your ‘C’ Number: Once the application is processed, LHDN will issue your company’s unique 10-digit TIN, which will start with the prefix ‘C’.

Did You Know?

As of 2023, LHDN has automatically registered all Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above with a Tax Identification Number (TIN). This was a major policy shift to expand the tax base and ensure that all individuals who may become economically active are already in the system, simplifying future tax compliance.

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Conclusion: A Vital Number for Your Business

Your Tax Identification Number is a fundamental part of your business’s identity in Malaysia. It is as important as your SSM registration number for legal and financial operations. By knowing your individual TIN and registering your company for its own TIN, you ensure you can open bank accounts, file taxes, and run your business smoothly and in full compliance with LHDN’s requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Malaysian Businesses

Is my NRIC (MyKad) number my TIN number?

No. Your NRIC number is your national identity number. Your TIN is a separate 11-digit number (starting with ‘IG’) issued by LHDN. However, your NRIC is used to identify you and check for your TIN on the MyTax portal.

Is my SSM registration number the same as my company’s TIN?

No. Your SSM registration number is issued by the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Your company’s TIN (a ‘C’ Number) is issued by LHDN. You must use your SSM number to apply for your TIN from LHDN.

I am a student and not working. Do I still have a TIN?

Yes. If you are a Malaysian citizen aged 18 or older, LHDN has likely assigned you a TIN automatically. You can check this on the MyTax portal. Having a TIN does not mean you have to pay tax; you are only required to pay tax if your annual income exceeds the minimum threshold.

What is the difference between an ‘IG’ and ‘OG’ number?

Both are individual TINs. ‘IG’ is the prefix for individuals who are Penduduk (Resident) of Malaysia. ‘OG’ is the prefix for individuals who are Bukan Pemastautin (Non-Resident), such as expatriates, who earn income in Malaysia.