e Daftar Malaysia Explained: Who Needs It and How Employers Should Use It

Malaysia’s tax administration has moved firmly into the digital era. Today, individuals and businesses are required to register for tax matters online, without visiting a tax office. This is handled through e-Daftar, LHDN’s official online tax registration system used to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

For employers and HR teams, understanding e-Daftar is no longer optional. It plays a critical role in employee onboarding, payroll processing, statutory reporting, and overall tax compliance.

What Is e-Daftar?

e-Daftar is an online tax registration system developed by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN / IRBM). It allows individuals and entities to register for income tax and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) entirely online.

The registration process is conducted through the MyTax portal, and no physical visit to an LHDN office is required. Once approved, the issued TIN becomes the official reference for all income tax matters in Malaysia.

Registration through e-Daftar is mandatory for anyone who earns taxable income or is required to manage tax obligations under Malaysian law.

How e-Daftar Works

The e-Daftar process is designed to be fully digital and traceable.

Applicants register through the MyTax portal, complete the required forms, and upload supporting documents online. After submission, a reference number is generated, allowing applicants to track the status of their application.

Once approved by LHDN, a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued. This TIN is then used for all future tax filings, payments, and employer-related submissions.

Who Should Register for e-Daftar

e-Daftar applies broadly to individuals and organisations involved in taxable activities.

This includes:

Individuals earning taxable income
First-time taxpayers
Salaried employees without an existing tax number
Freelancers and gig workers
Self-employed individuals
Sole proprietors and business owners
Companies and Sdn Bhd entities
Employers hiring employees
Partnerships
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

In short, anyone who needs a tax file with LHDN must register through e-Daftar.

Why e-Daftar Is Important for Employers & HR Teams

e-Daftar is a foundation for payroll and statutory compliance. Employers are required to register a company tax file with LHDN before:

Hiring employees
Submitting Monthly Tax Deductions (PCB / MTD)

Need a quick way to check PCB amount? Use our PCB calculator to calculate it easily.

Issuing EA Forms to employees
Filing CP21, CP22, and CP22A forms
Supporting employee income tax filing

e-Daftar is also essential for audit readiness and is a key prerequisite for Malaysia’s e-Invoicing implementation. Without a valid TIN, employers cannot legally fulfil several mandatory tax reporting obligations.

How Employers Commonly Use e-Daftar

In practice, employers and HR teams use e-Daftar to:

Register employer tax numbers
Register new companies or business branches
Support employee onboarding
Guide new hires to obtain their TIN
Verify employee tax registration status
Manage payroll tax reporting and compliance
Prepare for audits and statutory submissions

How to Apply e-Daftar Online

Applying for e-Daftar is straightforward and done via MyTax. The general steps include:

Visit the MyTax portal
Select the e-Daftar registration option
Choose the appropriate taxpayer category
Complete the online registration form
Upload the required documents
Submit the application
Track the application using the reference number
Receive the Tax Identification Number (TIN) once approved

Approval timelines may vary, but applications are typically processed within a few working days.

Documents Needed for e-Daftar Registration

The documents required depend on the applicant category.

Individuals

Identification document (MyKad, MyPR, MyKAS, passport, or birth certificate)

Business / Sole Proprietor

Business registration certificate
List of business partners (if applicable)

Company

Certificate of incorporation
Relevant company registration forms and details

Employer

Company registration documents
Employer details required for payroll registration

Partnership

Partnership registration certificate
List of partners

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

LLP registration documents
Partner details

LHDN may request additional supporting documents depending on the nature of the registration.

After e-Daftar Approval

Once e-Daftar is approved:

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued by LHDN
The applicant can activate access through ezHASiL
First-time users must obtain a 16-digit PIN from LHDN to complete account activation

After activation, users gain access to:

e-Filing
Tax payment services
Tax records and history
Employer submissions and reporting tools

Benefits of Using e-Daftar

Using e-Daftar offers clear advantages:

Fully online registration
Faster processing time
No registration or processing fees
Reduced paperwork
Easy application tracking
Supports modern tax compliance
Essential for e-Invoicing readiness

FAQs

What is e-Daftar in Malaysia?

e-Daftar is LHDN’s official online system for tax registration and TIN issuance.

Is e-Daftar mandatory for employers?

Yes. Employers must register through e-Daftar to manage payroll, PCB submissions, and employee tax reporting.

How long does e-Daftar approval take?

Applications are usually processed within a few working days, depending on completeness.

Can employees register e-Daftar by themselves?

Yes. Individuals can apply independently through the MyTax portal.

Is e-Daftar required for e-Invoicing?

Yes. A valid TIN obtained through e-Daftar is required for e-Invoicing compliance.

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