Mandatory Electronic Invoicing in Malaysia
Learn how to get your company ready to exchange documents in accordance with regulations in Malaysia with the support of Comarch
Learn how to get your company ready to exchange documents in accordance with regulations in Malaysia with the support of Comarch
In Malaysia, e-invoicing is not currently mandatory, but has been possible since 2015. However, written consent or authorization is required to receive electronic invoices. The e-invoicing initiative is supported by the use of TIN (Tax Identification Number), which was introduced in Malaysia in 2022.
As a next step, Malaysia decided in March 2023 to implement mandatory e-invoicing to improve service quality and reduce compliance costs for taxpayers while increasing the efficiency of business operations. The Malaysian Tax Office (IRB) has presented a plan for the phased implementation of electronic invoicing, which will be initiated by the launch of a pilot program in 2024 for selected companies. The mandatory exchange of electronic invoices will cover B2G, B2B, and B2C transactions, both domestic and domestic and cross-border, and the model planned by the Malaysian government will be based on CTC connected to the Peppol network.
After the changes made in October 2023, it was finally agreed that the gradual implementation of the obligation would start in August 2024.
The 2024 Finance Bill includes provisions modifying the timeline for introducing the e-invoicing mandate in Malaysia. It assumes the postponement of the initial stage of the e-invoicing obligation by two months. After the changes, the schedule for introducing the e-invoicing is as follows:
Issuers of invoices will be required to deliver them to government entities for verification and approval before sending them to recipients. Each invoice at this stage will be provided with a certificate with its serial number, which will be proof for both the issuer and the recipient that it has been issued correctly. An additional invoice verification method will require a QR code. Invoices will be exchanged mainly through the PEPPOL channel. The myTax portal will also be made available, which will enable manual issuing and receiving of e-invoices.
The required storage period is 7 years. Storage abroad is allowed if the Director General of the Royal Malaysian Custom issues permission.
In Malaysia, integrity and authenticity will be guaranteed thanks to invoice certificate with its serial number and QR codes.
Comarch is currently monitoring the development connected to the planned e-invoicing mandate, as four-corner PEPPOL will be introduced.
