I have to say this today.
Because it happens again and again and again.

Almost every week, I receive calls, WhatsApp, emails from taxpayers.

All start with the same magic sentence:

“I have asked called IRB office and ask them. IRB say can…”

At first, I keep calm.

I ask politely:
• When did you call?
• Who did you speak to?
• Do you have the name, email, letter?
• Any written confirmation?

Every time — no answer. Silence. Blur.

Some even say,

“I just call lah, no record lah. But IRB say can lah.”

Listen carefully, my friends:

The IRB front desk is NOT the law.

They are doing their best.
But they are NOT judges.
They are NOT lawmakers.
They are customer service officers trying to help with basic guidance.

Even IRB itself can lose in court but change the law after!

So why are you betting your tax money, your penalties, your business risk…
based on one casual phone call or social visit to help desk?

Let me share a true story.

A taxpayer once happily told me:

“IRB officer say this expense is tax allowed lah. I call already.”

I asked for black-and-white proof. None.

Two years later, audit letter come.
Penalty come.
Compound letter come.
Only then they realised — what the officer said verbally, cannot protect you.

And the officer?
Long gone.
No record.
No responsibility.

You are the one who kena.

Please, I beg you:

✅ Always get it in writing.
✅ Always ask for official email or formal reply.
✅ Always double-check with licensed tax agent (like us ).

Because at the end of the day, you — the taxpayer — bear all the consequences.

Not the front desk.
Not the help desk.
Not “the guy you called that day.”

You.

Final word

I’m not saying IRB is wrong.

I’m saying — good officers will advise you clearly.
Responsible taxpayers protect themselves clearly.

We work based on the law, public rulings, court cases, and black-and-white documents.

Not just “hearsay call.”

Next time before you say:

“I have asked called IRB office and ask them,”

Make sure you can prove it.
Otherwise, you are the one playing with fire.