Bosses! Doing business in Malaysia is definitely not an easy feat. Did you know? There was a total of 436 announcements in 2024 alone! As a business owner handling different aspects of your own business, these updates must feel overwhelming and may cost you the most in 2026 because Stamp Duty will move to self-assessment. And YOU will be fully responsible for getting it right.

While you’re being “suffocated” by the sea of updates, do you know there is ONE thing that’s slowly making waves among SMEs? 

It’s the self-assessment of stamp duty starting 1^st January 2026! 

Yes, you read that right. Since the IRB has issued the Stamp Duty Audit Framework effective 1^st January 2025, it was a stepping stone towards self-assessment in 2026. 

How will this impact your business? 

Most bosses think Stamp Duty is “just extra admin work,” but they fail to see the important details that could cost them a lot, and it’s not just money! 

Let’s break it down:

1. The Responsibility transfers to YOU!

All this while, all the duties were “officer-assessed”, but starting 1^st January 2026, the responsibility is on YOU to handle the process all the way to payment! 

2. Still done through online but via MyTax Portal!

The self-assessment is still done through online but via MyTax Portal, you must submit, compute, and pay within such period as may be allowed by the IRB! 

3. “Small” oversight, BIG penalties! 

Worst of all, if you miss out on anything at all, be prepared to get hit by a hefty penalty! They can go upwards to RM50,000 per offence! 

A lot of bosses tend to put these new updates aside until it starts to affect them, but by that time, it’s already too late. The audit notice has come knocking on your door already. 

How should you prepare?

The key to understanding stamp duty matters lies in knowing the crucial insights that can make or break your business operations! 

To help businesses like yours get a headstart entering 2026, YYC will be hosting a FREE online sharing session – “Stamp Duty 101” by Zen Chow! As the Executive Director and Country Tax Leader of YYC, Zen will share with you the latest updates of stamp duty to save you from trouble! 

E-Invoicing had already caused a havoc in the SME circle, but now you know better. So don’t let Stamp Duty do the same thing to you again!