Best GST Tracking Platforms for Malaysian Businesses (2025)

While GST (Goods and Services Tax) is currently at 0% in Malaysia and SST (Sales and Service Tax) is in place, many businesses are preparing for potential GST reintroduction. Having the right tracking platform now means you'll be ready for any tax system changes.

This guide compares the best tax tracking platforms for Malaysian businesses that can handle current SST requirements and be GST-ready for the future.

Understanding Malaysia's Current Tax Landscape

Current system (2025):

• SST (Sales and Service Tax) at 5-10% depending on category
• Service tax at 6%
• No GST (was 6% in 2015-2018, then zero-rated)

Why prepare for GST now:

• Government may reintroduce GST in future budgets
• Proper tracking systems take time to implement
• SST compliance still requires robust tracking
• Good tax management improves business efficiency

What to Look for in Tax Tracking Software

Essential features:

• Multi-tax rate handling (SST, service tax, potential GST)
• Automated tax calculations
• Invoice generation with correct tax codes
• Purchase tracking and input tax claims
• Detailed tax reports for filing
• Audit trail for compliance

Malaysian-specific needs:

• Ringgit (RM) currency support
• SST compliance templates
• Integration with local banks
• Support for Malaysian business structures (Sdn Bhd, sole proprietor)
• Local customer support

Top Tax Tracking Platforms for Malaysian Businesses

1. SQL Account (Malaysian Favorite)

Widely used accounting software in Malaysia with strong tax features.

Tax Features:

• SST calculation and tracking
• GST-ready (can be activated when needed)
• Invoice templates with tax codes
• Purchase and sales tracking
• Tax reports for filing

Pros:

• Popular in Malaysia (many accountants know it)
• One-time purchase option (no subscription)
• Local support and training
• Works offline
• Comprehensive accounting beyond just tax

Cons:

• Windows only
• Steeper learning curve
• Higher upfront cost
• Desktop-based (not cloud)

Pricing: From RM900 (one-time) or RM45/month

Best for: Established SMEs with dedicated accounting staff

2. Xero (Cloud-Based International)

Popular cloud accounting platform with strong Malaysian presence.

Tax Features:

• Customizable tax rates (SST, service tax)
• Automated tax calculations on invoices
• Tax reports and summaries
• Multi-currency support
• GST-ready templates

Pros:

• Cloud-based (access anywhere)
• Beautiful, intuitive interface
• Strong mobile app
• Integrates with many Malaysian banks
• Regular updates and improvements

Cons:

• Monthly subscription required
• Less Malaysian-specific features
• Requires internet connection
• Can be overkill for very small businesses

Pricing: From RM55/month (Starter), RM85/month (Standard)

Best for: Modern businesses wanting cloud flexibility and mobile access

3. MYOB (Mind Your Own Business)

Another popular option in Malaysia with good tax tracking.

Tax Features:

• SST and service tax management
• Invoice templates with tax codes
• Purchase tax tracking
• Customizable tax reports
• GST-ready functionality

Pros:

• Established in Malaysian market
• Local support available
• Both cloud and desktop versions
• Good for service businesses

Cons:

• Interface feels dated compared to newer options
• Pricing can be complex
• Some features require add-ons

Pricing: From RM99/month

Best for: Service businesses and professional practices

4. AutoCount (Malaysian Software)

Locally developed accounting software popular with SMEs.

Tax Features:

• Full SST support
• GST module available
• Tax invoice generation
• Stock management with tax tracking
• Detailed tax reports

Pros:

• Made for Malaysian businesses
• Understands local tax requirements
• Strong inventory management
• Local technical support
• Affordable for SMEs

Cons:

• Less modern interface
• Primarily Windows-based
• Smaller ecosystem of integrations

Pricing: From RM688 (one-time) to RM1,288 depending on modules

Best for: Retail and trading businesses with inventory

5. QuickBooks (International with Malaysian Support)

Globally popular, with Malaysian localization.

Tax Features:

• Customizable tax rates
• Automated tax calculations
• Tax reports and forms
• Multi-tax handling
• Invoice templates

Pros:

• Very user-friendly
• Cloud-based
• Good mobile apps
• Strong bank integrations
• Large user community

Cons:

• Less Malaysian-specific than local options
• Subscription required
• Customer support can be slow for local issues

Pricing: From RM80/month (Simple Start), RM120/month (Essentials)

Best for: Small businesses and freelancers wanting simplicity

6. CukaiMax (For Individual Tax + Business Expenses)

While not full business accounting software, CukaiMax helps sole proprietors and freelancers track business expenses for tax purposes.

Tax Features:

• Business expense tracking for Form B filing
• Receipt organization and categorization
• Tax impact calculations
• e-Filing integration for sole proprietors
• SST receipt tracking

Pros:

• Extremely affordable (RM8/month)
• Simple, focused on tax optimization
• Perfect for solopreneurs
• Automatic LHDN compliance
• No accounting knowledge needed

Cons:

• Not for companies (Sdn Bhd)
• Doesn't replace full accounting system
• Individual taxpayers and sole proprietors only

Pricing: RM8/month (RM96/year)

Best for: Freelancers, sole proprietors, and individuals with side businesses

Feature Comparison

Preparing for Potential GST Reintroduction

Even though GST is currently at 0%, businesses should prepare for potential reintroduction:

What GST Will Require

If GST returns:

• Registration (businesses with turnover above threshold)
• Tax invoices for all sales
• Input tax tracking (GST paid on purchases)
• Output tax calculation (GST charged to customers)
• Monthly or quarterly GST returns
• Proper record-keeping (6 years)

How to Prepare Now

1. Choose GST-ready software All platforms listed above can handle GST when activated.

2. Clean up your records

• Proper invoice numbering
• Accurate customer and supplier records
• Clear product/service categorization

3. Understand your tax obligations

• Will your business need to register?
• What are your input tax credits?
• How will pricing change?

4. Train your team Even if GST isn't here yet, understanding the concepts helps.

Current SST Compliance Requirements

While waiting for potential GST, businesses must handle SST properly:

Who Needs to Charge SST?

Sales Tax (5% or 10%):

• Manufacturers with turnover > RM500,000/year
• Importers of taxable goods

Service Tax (6%):

• Service providers with turnover > RM500,000/year
• Specific industries (F&B, professional services, etc.)

Good Tax Tracking Practices

For all businesses:

1. Accurate invoicing

   • Show tax separately on invoices
   • Use correct tax codes
   • Maintain proper numbering

2. Expense tracking

   • Keep all receipts
   • Track tax paid on purchases
   • Organize by tax category

3. Regular reconciliation

   • Monthly tax summary
   • Match invoices to bank deposits
   • Verify calculations

4. Report preparation

   • Ready when filing is due
   • All supporting documents available
   • Audit trail clear

Pro tip: Even if you're a sole proprietor not charging SST, proper expense tracking (via CukaiMax) ensures you claim all allowable deductions on your Form B.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business

For Sole Proprietors & Freelancers

Recommendation: CukaiMax

• Affordable (RM8/month)
• Tracks business expenses
• Integrates with LHDN e-Filing
• No accounting complexity

For Small SMEs (Under RM500k turnover)

Recommendation: Xero or QuickBooks

• Modern cloud platforms
• Good value for money
• User-friendly
• Scalable as you grow

For Established SMEs (RM500k - RM5M turnover)

Recommendation: SQL Account or AutoCount

• Proven in Malaysian market
• Handles complexity
• Strong reporting
• Local support

For Service Businesses

Recommendation: MYOB or Xero

• Service-focused features
• Time tracking integration
• Project management add-ons

For Retail/Trading Businesses

Recommendation: AutoCount or SQL Account

• Strong inventory management
• Multi-location support
• Barcode scanning
• Stock control

Making the Switch

Transition Steps

Month 1: Research and Choose

• Trial 2-3 platforms
• Check which accountant prefers
• Verify Malaysian compliance features

Month 2: Set Up

• Configure tax rates (SST, service tax)
• Import customer/supplier data
• Set up chart of accounts
• Create invoice templates

Month 3: Parallel Running

• Use new system alongside old one
• Compare outputs
• Train staff
• Fix any issues

Month 4: Full Migration

• Switch completely to new system
• Archive old system data
• Monitor for first month

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Choosing based on price alone Cheapest isn't always best. Consider time saved and compliance value.

❌ Not checking GST-readiness If GST returns, you don't want to switch systems again.

❌ Ignoring user-friendliness Complex software that staff won't use properly defeats the purpose.

❌ Forgetting mobile access Modern businesses need on-the-go access.

❌ Not verifying Malaysian compliance International software may not understand local SST/GST requirements.

The Bottom Line

Best overall for SMEs: Xero

• Cloud-based, modern, scalable
• RM55-85/month

Best for established businesses: SQL Account

• Proven, comprehensive, local support
• RM45/month or RM900 one-time

Best for sole proprietors: CukaiMax

• Simple, affordable, tax-focused
• RM8/month

Best for retail: AutoCount

• Strong inventory, local development
• RM58/month

Choose based on your business size, complexity, and growth plans. All options listed are GST-ready, so you'll be prepared whenever tax policy changes.

Don't wait for GST to return before getting proper tax tracking in place. Start now, save time, and ensure compliance.

This article is accurate as of January 2025. Tax policies and software features may change. Consult your accountant when choosing business accounting software.