PUTRAJAYA: The entire additional allocation for tax refunds amounting to RM4bil has been processed and credited between Dec 9 and 24, involving 110,074 cases, says the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
This is in line with the announcement by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Dec 7 that the government has increased the allocation for tax refunds from RM2bil to RM4bil to expedite refunds.
In a statement on Tuesday (Dec 30), LHDN announced that it processed tax refunds amounting to RM19bil involving 3,632,003 cases from Jan 1 to Dec 24.
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"From Jan 1 to Dec 8, a total of RM15bil was processed with more than three million cases recorded, and RM1bil each for the periods Dec 9 to 15, Dec 16 to 18, Dec 19 to 22, and Dec 23 and 24.
"The first additional RM1bil in allocated funds has successfully resolved refund arrears that are more than three years old," the statement read.
The next RM3bil in allocations was processed and credited to taxpayers with refund amounts that are two to three years old, with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), it added.
LHDN also advised taxpayers to update their bank account information in its records for a smooth refund process.
It said some refunds could not be processed because of incorrect account information, while some instances involved court cases, or taxpayer arrears in other years of assessment.
In addition, some companies eligible to receive payments have been wound up or dissolved, it said.
"LHDN will continue to ensure that refunds are settled in an orderly and phased manner according to the priority of the refund amount.
"Priority is also given to outstanding amounts involving SMEs," it added. – Bernama
