What's in for tax in the Government's Economic Recovery Plan?

So, the Economic Recovery Plan that we were all looking forward to is out. Let's take a look at some of the incentives announced under Penjana.

For Business: 

• For the period from 1st July 2020 up to 30th September 2020, a 50% remission of penalty will be given for late payment of sales and service tax due and payable.
• An extension of special deduction equivalent to 30% of rental reduction for SMEs up to 30th September 2020.
• A special deduction for renovation and refurbishment business premises is extended until 31st December 2021.
• An extension of accelerated capital allowance on eligible capital expenses including ICT equipment up to 31st December 2021.
• For the period between 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2021, an income tax rebate up to RM20,000 per year for 3 years of assessment will be given to newly established SME.
• Extension of period of deferment of tax installment payment for tourism industry is extended to 31 December 2020.
• Extension of service tax exemption for hotels up to 30th June 2021
• Extension of tourism tax exemption from 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021
• For the period between 1st July 2020 to 30th June 2021, stamp duty exemption will be given to SMEs on any instruments executed for Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As)

For personal:

• Income tax exemption of up to RM 5,000 can be claimed by employees who receive a handphone, notebook and tablet from their employer for working from home
• Increase of income tax relief for parents from RM 2,000 to RM 3,000 on childcare service expenses
• eVouchers of RM 800 will be given per household for subsidy of childcare expenses for mobile childcare services
• Special individual income tax relief of up to RM 2,500 on the purchase of handphone, notebook and tablet
• Income tax relief for domestic travel of up to RM 1,000
• Stamp duty exemption for name transfer letters and financing agreements for properties under  Home Ownership Campaign (HOC)
• RPGT exemption on disposal of residential homes from 1st June 2020 to 31st December 2021.
• 100% sales tax exemption on locally assemble cars and 50% on imported cars. 

Lochana Nanthacumar

Content Management Analyst

Wolters Kluwer Malaysia