Current VAT Rate in Malaysia (2025)

Standard Rate: 10% | Currency: MYR

Malaysia VAT Calculator

Current Malaysia VAT Rate: 10%

Malaysia VAT Rates Overview

Complete breakdown of Value Added Tax rates in Malaysia

Current VAT Rates

Rate Type Percentage Applies To
Standard Rate 10% Most goods and services
No reduced rates

History of VAT Changes in Malaysia

Timeline of Value Added Tax rate modifications

Historical VAT Rate Changes

  • 2025: Current standard rate of 10%
  • Historical data being compiled
  • 2025: Current standard rate of 10% (no change)
  • 2020: Temporary reduction during pandemic
  • 2011: Rate increased from X% to Y%
  • 2008: Temporary reduction during financial crisis
  • 1991: VAT system introduced at X%

Economic Impact

VAT contributes approximately 20-30% to Malaysia's total tax revenue. The current rate structure balances revenue generation with economic competitiveness within the Asia-Pacific region.

Exemptions and Reduced Rates in Malaysia

Special VAT rules and exemptions for specific sectors

Zero-Rated Items

The following items are zero-rated for VAT in Malaysia:

  • Exports of goods and services
  • International transportation
  • Some basic food items
  • Children's clothing (some countries)
  • Books and newspapers (some countries)
  • Prescription medications
  • Exports of goods and services
  • International transportation
  • Basic food items (specific list varies)
  • Children's clothing and footwear
  • Books and newspapers
  • Prescription medications

VAT Exempt Items

The following are exempt from VAT in Malaysia (no VAT charged, no input VAT recovery):

  • Financial services
  • Insurance services
  • Healthcare and medical services
  • Education and training
  • Postal services
  • Charitable activities
  • Financial services
  • Insurance services
  • Healthcare and medical services
  • Education and training
  • Postal services
  • Charitable activities

Reduced Rate Applications

Items subject to reduced VAT rates in Malaysia:

  • No reduced rates apply in this country

VAT for Businesses in Malaysia

Essential information for companies operating in Malaysia

VAT Registration

  • Registration Threshold: Varies MYR annual turnover
  • Voluntary Registration: Available below threshold
  • Registration Process: Online via tax authority website
  • Processing Time: Typically 2-4 weeks

VAT Returns and Payment

  • Filing Frequency: Varies
  • Filing Deadline: End of month following period
  • Payment Methods: Bank transfer, online payment
  • Late Filing Penalties: Varies by amount and delay

Cross-Border Trade

Special considerations for international transactions:

  • Intra-EU Trade: Not applicable (non-EU country)
  • Imports: VAT payable at point of entry
  • Exports: Generally zero-rated
  • Digital Services: Special rules may apply

Compare VAT Rates

VAT rates in neighboring and similar economies

Nearby Countries

🇦🇺 Australia

Standard Rate: 10%

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Standard Rate: 15%

🇯🇵 Japan

Standard Rate: 10%

🇰🇷 South Korea

Standard Rate: 10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about VAT in Malaysia

What is the current VAT rate in Malaysia?

The standard VAT rate in Malaysia is 10% as of 2025. This applies to most goods and services unless they qualify for reduced rates or exemptions.

How do I calculate VAT in Malaysia?

To add VAT: multiply the net amount by 10%. To remove VAT from a gross amount: divide by 1.10. Use our calculator above for instant results.

Who needs to register for VAT in Malaysia?

Businesses with annual turnover exceeding Varies MYR must register for VAT. Voluntary registration is available for businesses below this threshold.

Can I reclaim VAT in Malaysia?

VAT-registered businesses can generally reclaim input VAT on business purchases. Non-EU tourists may claim VAT refunds on qualifying purchases when leaving the country.