Hey guys,

I just got my EP approved by Sg authorities.

Based on what I know after EP approved I have to tender resignation and perform tax clearance then only can go abroad.

My question is, is it necessary to perform tax clearance before I move over or I can do it anytime after I settle down in sg?

Is there anything I should take note of before moving over?

Thanks guys! Appreciate every input.

Malaysian tax clearance? I never do such thing when I move there.

Btw, congrats!

Depends on your current employer, if they withhold your last salary pending your tax clearance then you should otherwise your last month salary is withheld.

But not necessary have to clear it immediately, though it's advisable when you still in Malaysia and have the time.

If you do it anyways, you will need to bring all your previous tax declaration and the current years tax deductions. Cause closing your tax file means you are also effectively submitting your income tax for this year.

Isn't this only applicable to foreigners leaving Malaysia? Well, I don't know if TS is a foreigner or not... so you got a point there.

Ya I'm also not sure whether need to do or not.. anyway thanks!!

Oh man that sounds like there's gonna be alot of fuss...I don't have time for it at the moment. Is there any requirement like I need to have clearance letter then only can work in SG?

I'm Malaysian. Based on the ss, looks like everyone has to do it if any or us fall into the mentioned criteria. Ofcourse I do not wish to do it, but if its a requirement then no choice.

It's actually closing your tax file. But people call it tax clearance. But your current employer will need to give you a specific borang (can't remember already, I did this many years back)

I know what to do because I did this before. Your employer is supposed to do this because that is requirement from lhdn. But most employers if small company don't care about this step.

Closing your tax file means you don't have to submit income tax any longer for employment income but if you have side income still subject to income tax.

This post has been edited by y3ivan: Oct 30 2021, 07:06 PM

Well, I'm a Malaysian now working in SG. I did not do a tax clearance nor close the tax account but I still submit my income tax return yearly (with zero income la).

My uncle left Malaysia, did not close his income tax account nor did he continue his filing. Years later when he return to KL for a visit, he was stopped by Kastam saying his passport is blacklisted. Apparently, LHDN assumes he is still working in Malaysia, and slap him with a RM20K tax bill. Pay or else he is not leaving Malaysia. Appeal will take months. He suck thumb and pay.

Quick question, if i still have rental income, should i still go for tax clearance?


Nice sounds like i can skip the tax clearance and still able to go SG as long as i do the income tax return promptly. Initially I was worried that I'll be blocked by the Kastam when leaving for SG without tax clearance letter.

thanks for the input guys!!! appreciate it.

So, it’s better to declare to LHDN that you’re not working in Malaysia, right?

Then, if you ever decided to come back and work in MY (very unlikely), you will need to open another file with LHDN.

Did LHDN ever ask why is there a zero income suddenly or cause any problem?

Nope. I think they just assume I'm jobless.

Awesome!! thanks for the response bro!!! Now I can focus on more important stuff like handovers and relocating my family.

Noted with thanks!

Posting in lowyat forum is the best move that i think i did to get info. Thanks to all that responded, truly appreciate it. If everything goes well, i will be starting work in mid December.

This post has been edited by clazziquaii: Nov 14 2021, 11:55 AM

You only need to file for the first year. Usually company will assign a tax agent to assist with the filing for first year. After that, you just need to update your record. Company will handle your income submission. Just sit back and wait for the bill - can even apply for Giro/interest-free 10 months payment.

I went to LHDN today to do tax clearance. Was told the same to continue doing eFiling every year with zero income, since my ex-employer did not inform LHDN through SPC. So no tax clearance is required in my case, as there is no outstanding tax and previous employer did not submit SPC.

When asked about being audit in the future or risk in getting penalty, the officer said just show the proof of overseas payslips that you are working overseas will do.
Just sharing here for everyone's benefit.

That’s only if company is on auto inclusion scheme, but most companies in Singapore are.

Tumpang thread

Do I need to declare zero income every year if I never worked in Malaysia before?

Context: went overseas for studies, subsequently stayed for work

No. I've never worked in Malaysia, I've never paid any taxes, but then again, I've not enjoyed any benefits either. No subsidies. I've never been stopped at the airport or land checkpoint.