I know it’s still a bit too early to talk about taxes, but blink once and December will be here.

For YA2025, the tax reliefs have been expanded to include:

• Dental treatment

• Sports relief for parents

• Additional relief for first time homebuyers.

I compiled a list of the notable reliefs that you shouldn’t miss and the most common questions asked. Feel free to share it among your friends and family!

1) Medical Checkups*: RM1,000

2) Vaccination*: RM1,000

3) Dental Checkups & Treatment*: RM1,000

*Applicable to self, spouse, child, or parents.

4) Lifestyle: RM2,500

• Any reading material (physical or electronic) as long as it’s not banned.

• Personal computer, smartphone, or tablet (only applies to these 3 gadgets)

• Upskilling fees or self-enhancement courses

• Internet subscription (under your own name)

5) Sports (self, spouse, child, or parents): RM1,000

• Sports equipment* (shuttlecocks, golf balls, etc.)

• Registration fees for competition

• Entry/rental fees for sports facilities

• Gym membership fees

• Sports training fees

*Sports shoes and sports clothing are sports attire. They CANNOT be claimed. ⚠️

6) EPF Contributions: RM7,000

• First RM4,000: Voluntary or mandatory contributions

• Remaining RM3,000: Life insurance premiums and/or voluntary contributions

You will hit the RM4k mandatory contribution limit if your salary exceeds RM3,030. 👌

7) First time homebuyers: Up to RM7,000

• House price RM500,000 and below: RM7,000

• House price RM500,000-RM750,0000: RM5,000

Only applies to sale and purchase agreements between 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2027.

8) PRS: RM3,000

9) Medical Insurance: RM3,000 RM4,000*

*Medical insurance has been increased from RM3,000 to RM4,000 for YA2025.

10) SSPN: RM8,000

11) Education: RM7,000

12) SOCSO: RM350

13) Per unmarried child: RM2,000-RM8,000

View the full list of tax reliefs here.

How to store receipts? Do I need to submit them when I file for tax?

You don’t need to submit them when you file taxes next year, but you must store them as proof for up to 7 years.

If you don’t have them, you could get fined RM300 to RM10,000, imprisoned or both.

Store them carefully by printing a physical copy or scanning them into your computer.

Should I buy things just for the tax relief?

No, because you’ll still be spending majority of your own money (ie. tax 10%, spend 90%). ⚠️

That said, PRS, EPF, SOCSO, and SSPN are exceptions, because they are your future money.

If I bought something out of Malaysia that falls in the tax relief bracket, can I claim it?

Yes, you can claim, but you need to convert the amount to MYR.

You can get the exchange rate from BNM's website.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/claim-lifestyle-relief-purchase-laptop-in-overseas-for-child.html

Is there a specific requirement for dental claims?

Dental claims only apply to treatment and checkup (ie. scaling, tooth extraction, etc.).

Cosmetic purposes (ie. teeth restoration, replacement, crowning, root canal) are not eligible for relief.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/expense-for-parents-dental-x-ray.html

If I already claimed medical expenses from the insurance company, can I still claim tax relief?

No. You cannot claim anymore because you did not pay the expenses on your own.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/if-medical-expenses-claimed-from-insurance-still-can-claim-tax-relief.html

SSPN RM8,000 is per household, not per person, correct?

Yes. Starting YA 2025, only one parent can claim the tax relief for SSPN, up to RM8,000, even if both parents deposit into their accounts.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/SSPN-account-for-children.html

Are Pilates and ClassPass eligible for sports relief?

For Pilates, no, because it is not listed in the Sports Development Act 1997: https://www.yycadvisors.com/pilates-class-monthly-package.html

But for ClassPasses, it depends.

Hannah Yeoh said that the payment for sports training and classes are eligible for tax relief up to RM1,000, but it must be conducted by a coach, club, or company registered with the sports commissioner.

So, as long as your sport is listed in the Sports Development Act 1997 and the training is conducted by a registered individual, you can claim them.

For swimming, can I claim goggles for tax relief?

Yes, but only goggles are eligible for claiming lifestyle relief under sports equipment.

Swimming suit and swimming cap are not eligible.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/lifestyle-relief-for-swimming-suit-cap-goggles.html

Can I claim Udemy courses for upskilling?

According to PWC's tax relief list, yes, you can claim udemy courses under lifestyle (up to RM2,500), because it applies to "fees for any other upskilling or self-enhancement courses".

What is the difference between tax relief and tax rebate?

Tax Relief = Lowers your taxable income (you get taxed on a smaller amount).

Tax Rebate = Direct deduction from your tax bill (you pay less, or even get a refund).

To claim tax relief for computer, do I have to purchase a whole set (ie. CPU, monitor, mouse & keyboard)?

Yes, you have to purchase the whole set to be considered as purchasing a computer, then only it can qualify for lifestyle relief.

Purchasing a keyboard on its own is not eligible for relief.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/claim-lifestyle-relief-for-computer-accessories.html

If I registered for running sports like marathon, can I claim under sports relief?

If the organiser is approved and licensed by the Commissioner of Sports under the Sports Development Act 1997, then the registration fee will be eligible for lifestyle tax relief.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/lifestyle-relief-for-marathon-registration-fee.html

Does postpaid plan fall under internet subscription?

If the telco plan subscription only includes mobile data service, then yes, it is eligible for lifestyle relief.

But if it includes mobile data service and talk time, then it is not eligible for lifestyle relief because it is not purely an internet subscription anymore.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/telco-plan-lifestyle-relief.html#:~:text=A%3A%20If%20the%20telco%20plan,purely%20an%20internet%20subscription%20anymore.

I went to a psychiatrist for mental health examination. Can I claim tax relief on the expenses incurred?

Yes, you are eligible to claim tax relief of up to RM1,000 for mental health examinations or consultations provided by a psychiatrist, registered clinical psychologist, or registered counsellor.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/tax-relief-for-mental-health-examination.html

Can I claim tax relief for purchasing a dental floss or an electric toothbrush?

No, you are not eligible to claim tax relief for the above purchases.

However, you are eligible to claim tax relief for expenses incurred for dental examinations and treatments from dental practitioners registered with the Malaysian Dental Council.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/dental-water-flosser-and-electric-toothbrush.html

If I have paid gym entrance fee for each visit instead of a monthly fee, is the entrance fee eligible to claim tax relief?

Yes, you may claim it under the additional lifestyle tax relief up to RM1,000 as this is a payment of entrance fees to sports facility.

Source: https://www.yycadvisors.com/gym-entrance-fee-lifestyle-tax-relief-malaysia.html

Click here for the full list of QNAs (use CTRL + F to find your questions): https://www.yycadvisors.com/tax-knowledge-english.html

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this newsletter is for general reference only. While I strive to provide accurate and updated details, there may be errors or changes in official policies. Please double-check with official government sources or consult a qualified tax professional before making any decisions.

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