Step-by-Step Guide: Register for LHDN e-Filing in Malaysia

Registering for LHDN e-Filing is your gateway to convenient online tax filing in Malaysia. Whether you're filing taxes for the first time or you've been putting it off, this step-by-step guide walks you through the entire registration process - from start to finish.

No technical jargon, no confusion - just clear instructions to get you registered and ready to file in under 10 minutes.

Who Needs to Register for e-Filing?

You must register if:

• You're a Malaysian citizen or resident taxpayer
• You have taxable income (employment, business, rental, investment)
• You're 18 years or older
• You need to file a tax return with LHDN

E-Filing is mandatory for:

• All individuals with employment income (Form BE)
• Self-employed individuals and businesses (Form B)
• Anyone with internet access

Exemptions (can file manually):

• Seniors 60+ without internet access
• Special circumstances approved by LHDN

What You Need Before Starting

Gather these items before you begin:

1. Income Tax Number

Also called Income Tax Reference Number or Nombor Cukai Pendapatan.

Where to find it:

• Previous year's tax return (if you filed before)
• Form CP21/CP21A (tax assessment notice from LHDN)
• Form EA from your employer (sometimes included)
• LHDN correspondence letters

Don't have one? You'll need to get an Income Tax Number first (we'll cover this below).

2. MyKad Number

Your Malaysian IC number. Have your MyKad ready for verification.

3. Email Address

A valid email you check regularly - LHDN will send your PIN and important notices here.

Pro tip: Use a permanent email (Gmail, Outlook) that you'll have access to for years, not a work email that might be deactivated if you change jobs.

4. Mobile Phone Number

For SMS verification and two-factor authentication.

Step-by-Step: Get Your Income Tax Number (First-Time Filers)

If you don't have an Income Tax Number yet, get one first.

Online Method (Fastest)

Step 1: Visit https://mytax.hasil.gov.my

Step 2: Click "Permohonan Nombor Cukai Pendapatan" (Income Tax Number Application)

Step 3: Fill in the form:

• MyKad number
• Full name (as per IC)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Address
• Email and phone

Step 4: Submit and note your reference number

Step 5: Receive your Income Tax Number via email (usually within 1-2 working days)

Walk-In Method (LHDN Branch)

Visit your nearest LHDN branch with:

• MyKad original
• Form CP600 (available at branch)

You'll receive your Income Tax Number immediately.

Step-by-Step: Register for e-Filing

Once you have your Income Tax Number, registration takes about 5-10 minutes.

Step 1: Visit the e-Filing Portal

Go to: https://mytax.hasil.gov.my

Make sure you see "hasil.gov.my" in the URL - this confirms you're on the official government website.

Warning: Beware of phishing sites. Always verify the URL before entering personal information.

Step 2: Click "Daftar Pengguna Baharu" (Register New User)

Located on the main login page under the e-Filing section.

Language options:

• Bahasa Malaysia
• English

Select your preferred language in the top right corner.

Step 3: Select User Type

Choose "Pembayar Cukai" (Taxpayer)

Other options are for tax agents and employers - not for individual taxpayers.

Step 4: Enter Your Income Tax Number

Type your Income Tax Number carefully (no spaces or dashes).

Format example: SG1234567890

Troubleshooting:

• "Invalid Income Tax Number" → Double-check for typos
• "Number already registered" → You (or someone else) may have registered before; use "Forgot PIN" instead

Step 5: Enter Your MyKad Details

• MyKad Number (12 digits, no dashes)
• Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY format)
• Gender

Important: Details must match exactly what LHDN has on record. If your name changed (marriage, deed poll), update with LHDN first.

Step 6: Create Your Security Details

Choose 3 security questions: Select from dropdown menus and provide answers you'll remember. You'll need these if you forget your PIN.

Examples:

• Mother's maiden name
• First school attended
• Favorite teacher's name

Pro tip: Write down your security answers somewhere safe - you'll need them later if locked out.

Step 7: Enter Contact Information

• Mobile phone number (for SMS verification)
• Email address (for PIN delivery)
• Correspondence address

Double-check your email - your PIN will be sent here.

Step 8: Review and Confirm

Verify all information is correct:

• Income Tax Number
• MyKad details
• Contact information

Click "Hantar" (Submit).

Step 9: Receive Your e-Filing PIN

Within a few minutes (up to 24 hours), you'll receive an email with:

• Your e-Filing PIN (6-8 digits)
• Login instructions
• Username (your Income Tax Number)

Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

Step 10: First Login

Return to https://mytax.hasil.gov.my

Login with:

• Username: Your Income Tax Number
• Password/PIN: The PIN from your email

First login requires:

• Changing your PIN (optional but recommended)
• Verifying contact details
• Accepting terms and conditions

Congratulations - You're Registered!

You can now:

• File your tax return online (Form BE or B)
• View previous years' returns
• Check tax refund status
• Update personal information
• Submit supporting documents

Post-Registration: What to Do Next

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Dashboard

Explore the e-Filing portal:

• "e-Filing" → File new tax return
• "Requested Form" → View past submissions
• "Update" → Change address or contact info
• "Borang/CP" → Access tax forms and notices

2. Gather Your Tax Documents

For filing, you'll need:

• Form EA (from employer)
• Receipts for relief claims (lifestyle, medical, etc.)
• Bank statements (for interest income)
• Rental income details (if applicable)

Pro tip: CukaiMax can automatically organize all these documents for you and auto-populate your e-Filing forms, saving hours of manual data entry.

3. Consider Using Tax Software

While e-Filing handles submission, tracking reliefs throughout the year is tedious. CukaiMax integrates with e-Filing to:

• Track expenses automatically
• Maximize relief claims
• Pre-fill forms
• Ensure compliance

4. Mark Important Dates

February 28: Deadline for employers to issue Form EA

March 15: Good target for filing (early filers get refunds faster)

April 30: Filing deadline for individuals with employment income

June 30: Filing deadline for business income (Form B)

Common Registration Problems & Solutions

Problem: "Income Tax Number Not Found"

Causes:

• Typo in number entry
• Number not yet activated in system
• Using old/expired number

Solutions:

1. Double-check the number carefully
2. If newly issued, wait 24-48 hours
3. Visit LHDN branch to verify

Problem: "MyKad Details Don't Match"

Causes:

• Name changed (marriage, deed poll)
• LHDN records outdated
• Typo in date of birth

Solutions:

1. Verify DOB format (DD/MM/YYYY)
2. Use exact name on tax records
3. Update details at LHDN branch first

Problem: "Number Already Registered"

Causes:

• You registered before and forgot
• Duplicate registration attempt

Solutions:

1. Use "Lupa Kata Laluan" (Forgot Password) instead
2. Answer security questions to reset PIN
3. Contact LHDN if truly can't access

Problem: "PIN Email Not Received"

Solutions:

1. Check spam/junk folder
2. Wait up to 24 hours
3. Verify email address was entered correctly
4. Request PIN resend via portal
5. Contact HASiL Care Line: 03-8911 1000

Problem: "Security Questions Forgotten"

Solutions:

1. Try common answers you typically use
2. Contact LHDN via phone: 03-8911 1000
3. Visit nearest LHDN branch with MyKad

Problem: "System Error" or "Portal Down"

Solutions:

1. Try different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
2. Clear cache and cookies
3. Try during off-peak hours (avoid lunch time, 5-6pm)
4. Check LHDN's Twitter (@HASiLMalaysia) for system maintenance announcements

Security Best Practices

Protect your e-Filing account:

1. Strong PIN

After registration, change your PIN to something secure:

• At least 8 characters
• Mix of numbers and letters
• Not your IC number or birthday
• Different from other accounts

2. Never Share Your PIN

LHDN will NEVER call or email asking for your PIN.

Scam warning: Fraudsters may claim to be from LHDN. Never provide your PIN to anyone.

3. Log Out After Filing

Especially on shared or public computers.

4. Regular PIN Changes

Change your PIN annually for security.

5. Enable Notifications

Set up SMS or email alerts for account activity.

Alternative Registration Methods

Method 2: MyTax Mobile App

Download the official HASiL MyTax app:

• Available on Google Play and App Store
• Same registration process as website
• Convenient for mobile-first users

Steps same as website:

1. Get Income Tax Number
2. Register with MyKad details
3. Receive PIN via email
4. Login and start filing

Method 3: LHDN Branch (In-Person)

Visit your nearest LHDN office:

Bring:

• MyKad original
• Income Tax Number (or apply on-site)
• Email address

Staff will help with:

• Registration
• Getting your PIN
• First-time filing guidance

Pros: Personal assistance, immediate problem-solving

Cons: Long queues (especially March-April), requires travel

Make Tax Filing Even Easier

Once registered for e-Filing, consider:

Use Tax Software Integration

CukaiMax connects directly to your e-Filing account:

• Tracks reliefs automatically all year
• Pre-fills your tax forms
• Submits to LHDN with one click
• Stores receipts for 7 years (LHDN audit compliance)

Typical timeline:

• Manual e-Filing: 2-3 hours per year
• With CukaiMax: 10-15 minutes per year

Set Up Direct Debit (If You Owe Tax)

If you typically owe tax, set up automatic payment:

• No missed deadlines
• No penalty interest
• Convenient monthly installments

Enable e-Services

In your e-Filing profile, activate:

• Email notifications for deadlines
• SMS alerts for refund status
• Electronic correspondence from LHDN

Action Plan: Get Registered This Week

✅ Day 1: Gather documents (Income Tax Number, MyKad, email)

✅ Day 2: If no Tax Number, apply online (gets approved in 1-2 days)

✅ Day 3: Register for e-Filing once Tax Number received

✅ Day 4: Receive PIN via email and complete first login

✅ Day 5: Explore e-Filing dashboard and familiarize yourself

✅ Day 6: Set up CukaiMax to integrate with e-Filing

✅ Day 7: Start tracking expenses for next year's filing

The Bottom Line

Registering for LHDN e-Filing is straightforward:

1. Get your Income Tax Number (if you don't have one)
2. Register at mytax.hasil.gov.my
3. Receive your PIN via email
4. Login and you're ready to file

The entire process takes 10-15 minutes once you have your Income Tax Number.

Don't wait until April when the system is overloaded and you're rushed. Register now, explore the system, and you'll be ready when tax season arrives.

Even better, set up CukaiMax to handle expense tracking throughout the year, so when filing time comes, everything auto-populates and you're done in minutes.

This guide is accurate as of January 2025. LHDN procedures may change. Visit mytax.hasil.gov.my for the most current registration process.