TIN number (Tax Identification Number) in Malaysia [2026]: A guide

Detailing TIN requirements and its registration process for Malaysian income earners and clarifying how a World Account supports businesses with cross-border transactional needs

Key takeaways

• A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is automatically assigned to businesses, companies, and LLPs registered with HASiL (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri)
• TIN is necessary for tax administration, fulfilling applicable e-Invoicing requirements, and opening a business bank account
• A TIN identifies the taxpayer, an SSM number identifies a registered business, an NRIC number identifies Malaysian citizens, and an SST number identifies businesses registered for Sales and Service Tax
• WorldFirst’s World Account is a multi-currency business account that lets Malaysian businesses hold, receive, send, and convert multiple currencies

TIN at a glance

A TIN provides a permanent tax reference, essential for anyone setting up a business in Malaysia. It is used to file returns, submit e-Invoices, apply for licences, and open a business account.

This guide explains everything about TIN: who needs it, the different TIN formats, the registration and verification process, and the difference between various Malaysian identification numbers. The guide also introduces the World Account for businesses that manage frequent international transactions.

What is a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Malaysia?

A Tax Identification Number (TIN), or Nombor Pengenalan Cukai, is a unique reference number assigned to individuals and entities registered with the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM), officially known as Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN). It serves as a permanent tax reference used to identify taxpayers and maintain their tax records.

TIN is a combination of a TIN code (prefix specific to taxpayer type) and a set of numbers unique to each taxpayer.

Who needs a TIN in Malaysia

• Freelancers and sole proprietors reporting professional/ business income
• Companies (Sdn Bhd and Bhd), partnerships, and LLPs registered with the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM)
• Employees earning salaries subject to Monthly Tax Deduction (Potongan Cukai Berjadual/ PCB)
• Employers managing payroll and submitting tax deductions to LHDN
• Individuals registered under a foreign or temporary resident category earning Malaysian-sourced income

Having a TIN does not automatically mean you are required to pay income tax. Tax liability only arises when an individual’s income exceeds the taxable threshold value.

TIN format and prefixes in Malaysia

Individual TINs carry an 11-digit number after the IG prefix. To maintain consistent format across entity types, LHDN added a trailing zero to non-individual TINs from 2nd Jan 2023.⁴

TIN vs NRIC vs SSM vs SST: What’s the difference?

Both SSM and TIN numbers are essential to open a business account in Malaysia. SST registration becomes necessary if your business activities exceed turnover limits specified by the customs portal.

How to get a TIN in Malaysia

e-Daftar is LHDN’s online registration system to get an Income Tax Reference Number.

Who needs to register through e-Daftar

Registration via e-Daftar is mandatory for the following taxpayers after HASiL launched its e-Services in September 2023.

• Foreign individuals earning Malaysian-sourced income
• Individuals whose TIN wasn’t generated automatically
• Companies not registered with HASiL
• Business owners incorporating a partnership or LLP
• Employers managing employee PCB deductions

How to register via e-Daftar

• Go to the MyTax Portal and select e-Daftar
• Select the taxpayer category, i.e., Individual, Company, Partnership, Employer
• Enter identity details to verify: NRIC or passport number for individuals, SSM registration number for companies
• Verify using a registered email address and phone number
• Upload the required documents and submit the application

Documents required for e-Daftar

• Individuals (not running a business): NRIC, army ID, police ID or Passport
• Non-residents running a business: Copy of a valid passport, UNHCR card, or IMM13, business registration certificate
• Local company (Sdn Bhd / Bhd company): Company registration number (MyCoID)/ certificate of incorporation, Notice of Change in the Register of Directors, Managers and Secretaries (if applicable)
• Foreign company: Registration of foreign company
• Partnership: Partnership registration certificate and list of partners
• LLP: LLP registration certificate, conversion notice (if applicable), partner list

How to verify your TIN number in Malaysia

LHDN launched the MyTax TIN Search Service on 1st January 2025, letting taxpayers instantly search and verify a TIN through the MyTax portal.

Verify your TIN via MyTax

1. Go to the MyTax portal and click on TIN Search
2. Select your taxpayer type: individual, company, partnership, or LLP
3. Enter the required identifier: NRIC or passport number for individual taxpayers, or the SSM Business Registration Number for companies, partnerships and LLPs
4. Click Search, and your TIN will appear on the screen

What to do if MyTax doesn’t show your TIN

Here are a few ways to verify your TIN if the TIN Search portal doesn’t show results:

• Contact the HASiL helpline number at 03-89111000 or 603-89111100 (Overseas)
• Visit a nearby HASiL branch with your identity verification and business registration documents
• Submit an online query through the Borang Maklum Balas Pelanggan portal
• Check your tax returns and EA documents to find your TIN

Why your TIN matters for business

For tax compliance:

• Corporate tax filings (Form C for Sdn Bhd, Form P for partnerships, Form PT for LLPs)
• Monthly Tax Deduction (PCB) submissions by employers
• Instalment payments (CP204 for Sdn Bhd)
• Withholding tax submissions

For e-Invoicing (MyInvois):

• TIN is a required field on every e-Invoice submitted to MyInvois
• Buyer’s tax identification details may also be required depending on the transaction
• Missing or incorrect TIN causes e-Invoice validation failures

For business bank account opening:

• Malaysian banks typically require TIN alongside SSM registration for business account opening
• Digital banks (GX Bank Business, etc.) require TIN for eKYC
• Multi-currency account providers require TIN for business verification

For employer compliance:

• Employers need a TIN with the E prefix to manage PCB (Monthly Tax Deduction) for employees
• EPF (Employees Provident Fund) and SOCSO (Social Security Organisation) registrations typically require the business TIN

WorldFirst for Malaysian businesses

Registering and getting a TIN is one of the many steps in setting up a Malaysian business. Next, the TIN and SSM number are used to open a business bank account, generally a legal and regulatory requirement. For businesses that handle frequent international payments, a multi-currency account operates alongside the domestic MYR business bank account, helping you manage the cross-border side of transactions.

WorldFirst is a payments provider offering the World Account, a multi-currency account for Malaysian businesses managing cross-border operations.

Here’s how World Account supports global businesses:

• USD and MYR receiving accounts let businesses hold and receive USD payouts in the original currency
• Send payments in USD, MYR and CNH to settle international supplier invoices and contractor payments
• Collect payments from 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, including Amazon, Stripe, Etsy, and Shopify
• Convert between USD, MYR and CNH at competitive rates
• Pay 1688 suppliers directly with World Pay, the authorised international payment provider for 1688.com
• Firm Orders available for USD, MYR and CNH transactions
• Fully online setup without needing to visit a branch, with verification typically completed within a few business days.

FAQs

1. How can I find my Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

You can find your TIN using TIN Search on the MyTax Portal or check your EA form and Tax returns. You can also visit a HASiL branch, contact its careline, or submit an online query to find your TIN.

2. Do I need a TIN if I am already registered with the LHDN?

If you are already registered with LHDN, your existing tax file may already have a TIN. Search MyTax or ask HASiL to confirm your record before applying again.

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

No. SSM registration number identifies your company as a legal entity, while the TIN identifies the tax record of an individual or entity. SSM is issued by SSM, and LHDN issues TIN.

4. Can non-residents get a TIN in Malaysia?

Yes, Non-residents and temporary residents earning Malaysian-sourced income can apply for a TIN via e-Daftar using their MyKAS or passport. They must submit their SSM registration if carrying out a business activity.

5. How long does it take to get a TIN in Malaysia?

LHDN issues a TIN within three days of completing an online application.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional advice. This article should not be regarded as constituting an offer or a solicitation to buy or sell any regulated or financial products or services. WorldFirst makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content, and readers are encouraged to consult with legal professionals or other professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation. WorldFirst does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this article and expressly disclaims any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance on this article.