Sharing this from my experience as a licensed tax agent.

Every year, I see the same thing — Malaysians filing their personal tax returns with good intentions, but making avoidable mistakes.

Sometimes it’s due to confusion. Sometimes it’s because we trust someone else to do it for us… without reviewing the final form.

Here’s the reality : even if you engage a tax agent or accountant, you are still legally responsible for your tax return.

So it pays to understand the basics — no need to be a tax expert, just be alert.

Let me break down 10 common personal tax mistakes I often see — in plain English.

1. Using the Wrong EA Form or Not Updating Your Details
   Yes, even small things matter. Some people use the wrong year’s EA form. Others forget to update their:

• Bank account
• Marital status
• Employer info
• Assessment type (individual/joint)
  These can delay refunds or trigger LHDN queries.

1. Ignoring or Misusing Tax Reliefs
   There are over 20 reliefs available, but many people:
   Don’t claim what they’re entitled to (like EPF, SOCSO, insurance)
   Claim what they shouldn’t (duplicate claims with spouse, for example)
   The result? Either you overpay — or risk penalties for overclaiming.
2. Not Keeping Receipts or Documents
   LHDN requires you to keep records for 7 years. If you’re selected for audit and can’t provide proof, you can be fined — or worse.

Keep receipts for:

• Donations
• Medical bills
• Insurance
• Lifestyle reliefs

1. Forgetting to Submit After Filling In
   Yes, it happens. You fill in MyTax… but forget to click “Submit”.
   No submission = no filing = automatic late penalty.
   Always check for your acknowledgement receipt.
2. Not Paying Tax Balance on Time
   Even if you file early, you’ll still be penalised if you don’t pay by the deadline.
3. Assuming Employer-Paid Tax is Not Your Problem
   If your boss covers part of your tax, that amount is still your taxable income.
   Also, your company cannot claim this as a business expense.

If not reported properly, it creates compliance issues — for both employer and employee.

7. Copying Last Year’s Figures Without Checking
   Tax laws change. Your situation may change too.
   Copy-pasting from last year’s form without checking is risky.
8. Leaving Everything to the Last Minute
   Last-minute filing increases chances of :

• Mistakes
• System errors (MyTax always jammed in final days)
• Missing forms from employer

7. Trusting Someone Else Without Reviewing
   If someone helps file your tax — great. But don’t blindly sign off.
   Check their work. Make sure they’re qualified.
   Because if something goes wrong, LHDN will still come after you.
8. Missing Out Income
   This is a big one.

Some taxpayers leave out:

• Rental income (even small units)
• Dividends (local/foreign)
• Royalties or freelance income

Remember, LHDN has access to bank info, property transactions, EPF, etc.
Under-declaring may trigger audits and penalties.