Short answer. Form C is the annual income tax return a Malaysian company files with LHDN after its financial year-end. The deadline is counted from the year-end under rules set by LHDN. Most problems come from late or incomplete accounts, mismatched numbers, missing schedules and wrong classification of income and expenses.
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In this article
What Form C is
Form C is the return of income for companies. It reports the company’s income, deductions, capital allowances and tax payable for a basis period, normally the financial year. It is filed electronically through LHDN’s e-Filing system.
Deadline logic
LHDN sets the Form C deadline by a period counted from the company’s financial year-end. That means the date differs between companies. A company with a 31 December year-end will have a different date from one with a 30 June year-end. Look up the rule on the LHDN site and apply it to your year-end.
Documents and schedules to prepare
Need this done for you? Axecta’s tax compliance and filing team can handle this for your company. See the tax compliance and filing service.
- Financial statements for the year, finalised and approved.
- Tax computation with adjustments.
- Capital allowance schedule and fixed asset register.
- Schedules for income from different sources, if any.
- Supporting documents for deductions, kept ready if LHDN asks.
- Records of CP204 instalments paid.
- Details of related-party transactions and transfer pricing documentation where required.
Common mistakes
- Late accounts. The return cannot be right if the accounts are unfinished. Start the year-end close early.
- Mismatch between accounts and return. The profit in the return should reconcile to the financial statements.
- Missing or wrong schedules. For example capital allowance schedules or income schedules.
- Non-deductible items claimed. Private expenses, fines or entertainment that does not qualify. See tax-deductible expenses.
- Incorrect income classification. Treating revenue as capital or the reverse.
- Forgetting instalments. CP204 payments not credited correctly.
- No supporting documents. Deductions that cannot be evidenced on request.
- Late filing. Leads to penalties and, if repeated, closer attention from LHDN.
Extension requests
LHDN may allow an extension in defined circumstances, usually if requested before the deadline with reasons. Do not assume one will be granted. Plan to file on time and treat an extension as a fallback.
After filing
LHDN may issue an assessment, request more information or conduct an audit or review. Keep a complete file and a copy of the filing acknowledgement. Check that the assessment matches your return, and if the tax is higher than your instalments, pay the balance by the date stated.
Let Axecta file it
Axecta’s tax team prepares the tax computation, reconciles it to the accounts, files Form C and manages any follow-up from LHDN. Clients on monthly bookkeeping usually have shorter filing times because the numbers are ready.
What LHDN states about the deadline
LHDN’s company page states that a company has to send the duly filled income tax return form within 7 months after the close of the accounting period, and that supporting documents need not be attached except dividend vouchers in repayment cases. LHDN also publishes a yearly Return Form Filing Programme in PDF, which lists dates by company; check the current year’s file.
Examples with placeholder year-ends
| Accounting period ends | Form C due within 7 months after |
|---|---|
| 31 December | 31 July the next year |
| 30 June | 31 January the next year |
| 31 March | 31 October the same year |
Always confirm against the filing programme and any announcement for the year, since public holidays and LHDN notices can move dates.
A pre-filing review (30 minutes)
- Does profit before tax in the return equal the audited or approved accounts?
- Are CP204 instalments paid and recorded correctly?
- Are capital allowances computed from the fixed asset register?
- Are related-party balances and director loans explained?
- Are non-deductible items added back? See tax-deductible business expenses.
- Is the rate table applied correctly? See corporate tax rates.
What to keep after filing
Keep the filed return, the computation, the schedules and the support for key judgements. LHDN does not ask for documents with the form, but it can ask for them later, and good records answer an audit quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Form C deadline?
LHDN sets it by reference to your financial year-end. Check the current rule on the LHDN website and apply it to your year-end date.
Can I get an extension?
LHDN may allow an extension on request in some cases. Apply before the deadline and do not rely on approval.
What happens if I file late?
Penalties may apply under the Income Tax Act 1967. Check current provisions or ask Axecta.
Do dormant companies file Form C?
Yes, a dormant company still files a return, even with nil income. Confirm requirements with LHDN.
How long after year-end is Form C due?
Within 7 months after the close of the accounting period, according to LHDN’s company page.
Do I attach documents to Form C?
LHDN says supporting documents need not be enclosed, except dividend vouchers in repayment cases. Keep them for review.
Where is the yearly filing programme?
On LHDN’s Return Form Filing Programme page.
Want your Form C filed correctly and on time?
Axecta Management Services is a full-suite accounting, company secretarial and consulting firm in Kuala Lumpur, serving companies from SMEs to MNCs.
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Keep reading
- What Business Expenses Are Tax-Deductible in Malaysia?
- Accounting Mistakes That Create Tax Problems
- Annual Return vs Financial Statements: What’s the Difference?
- Malaysian Company Compliance Calendar for 2027
- What Happens When a Company Misses a Filing Deadline?
- Malaysia Tax Filing Guide for Business Owners
- Tax Record-Keeping Requirements in Malaysia
- When Is Corporate Tax Payable in Malaysia?
- Corporate Income Tax: the full guide
Official sources to check
- LHDN (hasil.gov.my) and e-Filing guidance
- Income Tax Act 1967
This article is general information and not legal, tax or accounting advice for your company. Rates, thresholds, deadlines and procedures change, so confirm current requirements with the sources above or with Axecta.