More people use IRB’s e-Filing system

PETALING JAYA: More people are opting to file their taxes via online this year instead of over the counter with the Inland Revenue Board’s (IRB) e-Filing system.

IRB communications division director Syarein Abu Samah said as of yesterday, a day before the May 15 e-filing deadline, about 2.77 million BE Forms (for residents with non-business income) were submitted through e-Filing.

“It has recorded a steady increase of 9.15% compared to the same period last year.

“This is a good sign as it has shown that the public is beginning to put their trust in the credibility of the tax system in Malaysia, especially in IRB’s online services,” he said in a statement to The Star.Syarein said the e-Filing service, which started in 2005 for the category of individual taxpayers, has now become IRB’s prime mover that can help offer more online services to the public.

“The e-Filing service is developed to assist taxpayers to submit their ITRF (income tax return form) online, regardless of where they are.

“e-Filing can save taxpayers’ precious time and cost as well as minimise human error during filling and submission,” he said.

On plans to upgrade the e-Filing system, Syarein said that continuous measures to upgrade and strengthen the e-Filing system would be included in the IRB’s strategic plan as one of its efforts to improve service delivery.

“We will never be satisfied and will always strive to improve the system depending on current needs.

“IRB has also enhanced the e-Filing system by introducing the m-Filing application using a mobile phone in 2012,” he said, adding that it received the Prime Minister’s Innovation Award in 2009 for continuous enhancement and improvement of the e-Filing system.

On how to ensure taxpayers receive their tax returns promptly, Syarein said an efficient tax refund process depended on many factors.

“This includes the accuracy of the information provided by the taxpayers in the ITRF and also that the submission through online does not trigger further scrutiny by audit and investigation,” he said.

For those who opted for e-Filing, their tax refund will be processed within 30 working days while for those who choose to file their ITRF manually, the refund will be processed within 90 days.

“Since our clients are our priority, the IRB also offers various online services to help the taxpayers. To date, we have more than 20 online services, such as e-Daftar, e-Kemaskini, e-Lejar, e-Data PCB and STAMPS.

“Utilisation of social media is also equally important as the medium of interaction with the taxpayers.

“Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and the official website have helped us to serve the taxpayers better,” said Syarein.