Malaysian taxpayers urged to check travel status before going abroad
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As at Dec 31, 2023, there were 12,846 cases of travel restrictions involving company directors and 179,719 cases involving individuals.
PHOTO: ST FILE
KUALA LUMPUR - The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) has advised taxpayers to check their travel restriction status before travelling abroad.
LHDN public relations officer Azaharuddin Mohd Ali said the move was important to avoid the last-minute stress of being stranded at airports due to unpaid taxes.
He said LHDN could take action through the Salary Deduction Order, in addition to imposing court action and travel restrictions on those with tax arrears.
“The travel restriction, however, would be the last step imposed to encourage compliant and responsible taxpayers, in addition to ensuring that there is no tax leakage and giving justice to other taxpayers,” he said during a Bernama Radio programme on Sept 3.
Travel restriction status checks can be made through the Immigration Department’s Immigration Travel Status Check portal at https://sspi.imi.gov.my/
Mr Azaharuddin said the travel restriction would be lifted immediately after taxpayers settle their arrears online at the MyTax portal at https://mytax.hasil.gov.my/
He said those who are unable to pay their arrears in full could discuss with LHDN to get permission to obtain temporary relief within an agreed period.
“We know that there may be taxpayers who need to leave the country for urgent reasons... it can be discussed... we are not so cruel to ask for full payment,” he said.
Mr Azaharuddin also advised taxpayers to always update their personal information in LHDN’s database at the MyTax portal to enable the agency to notify them of any tax arrears or travel restrictions imposed.
As at Dec 31, 2023, LHDN said there were 12,846 cases of travel restrictions involving company directors and 179,719 cases involving individuals. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
