Going online: E-Ansuran has been accessible through the MyTax portal since March 5. — ART CHEN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Clear criteria and fair access to e-Ansuran would ensure those who need it most would benefit, say stakeholders.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations vice president Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham suggested that the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) carry out a comprehensive campaign.
ALSO READ: Making taxes a win-win
“This will ensure key groups, such as middle-income households, individuals with variable incomes, and taxpayers with unexpected liabilities, will be able to receive this assistance,” she said.
The online instalment application service for payment of tax balances or tax arrears via e-Ansuran has been accessible through the MyTax Portal since March 5.
Indrani said efforts should also be made to make sure those who enrolled are given reminders and flexible rescheduling options to avoid missed payments.
“By adopting these strategies, LHDN can enhance the practicality and impact of the e-Ansuran system, thereby supporting Malaysian taxpayers in fulfilling their obligations without burden,” she added.
Assistant manager Paul Tay, 29, from Petaling Jaya, said e-Ansuran acknowledges the financial realities of many Malaysians.
“Many struggled to pay large tax bills all at once, especially in the face of unexpected expenses, cash flow challenges, or economic downturns. Offering instalment plans makes it easier for people to make their payments,” he said.
While digital platforms might make services readily available, Tay said ensuring access across all groups was key to making this mechanism succeed.
“LHDN must make sure it’s inclusive, especially for elderly taxpayers or those who are less digitally literate,” he added.
Leadership consultant and coach Karen Shepherdson from Kuala Lumpur said that e-Ansuran had the potential to save time and energy for the average taxpayer.
“Digitalisation is a step in the right direction. Tech-enabled services tend to make people’s lives easier.
“In this case, it avoids the need for people to go all the way to a tax centre just to apply for an instalment plan,” she said.
Shepherdson also believes e-Ansuran would provide a less daunting application experience.
“There’s a sensitivity when it comes to dealing with financial matters, and a digital platform like this could offer a feeling of added privacy for taxpayers,” said Shepherdson.
Retiree Debra Ling, 65, from Subang Jaya, believes making this service accessible to the public was a necessary move.
“With the instalments, taxpayers are given flexibility to pay based on their cash flow ability.
“As a result, people with outstanding balances can avoid facing penalties and the subsequent legal action for their late payments.
“E-Ansuran could lead to an overall reduction in the taxes not collected by LHDN,” said Ling.
She also said that the service, which allowed users to receive automatic approvals, could help speed up application processing times – allowing people with overdue tax payments to receive the relief they require sooner.
