OVERVIEW
In Malaysia IRBM’s stamp duties are imposed on instruments and not transactions. An instrument is defined as any written document. In general, stamp duty is levied on legal, commercial and financial instruments. The person liable to pay stamp duty is set out in the Third Schedule of Stamp Act 1949.
Under Sistem Taksir Sendiri Duti Setem (SDSAS), taxpayers or appointed agents must submit a stamp duty return together with the executed instruments/agreements and required information electronically, self-assess the applicable stamp duty and make payments within a specified timeframe.
Moving forward, the stamp duty self-assessment will come into effect in phases, commencing 1 January 2026. The phased implementation are as follows:
Phased implementation:
Phase 1 (2026) : Rentals, leases, general stamping and securities
Phase 2 (2027) : Property ownership transfers
Phase 3 (2028) : Other instruments and agreement
With the phased implementation, taxpayers will be required to independently calculate and pay stamp duty based on the type of instruments or agreements. Failure to comply or make a correct return will be liable to fines and penalties, following the amended Stamp Act.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
On completion of the programme, participants will be able to: –
- Develop a deeper understanding of requirements of self- assessment stamp duty latest based on amended Stamps Act 1949
- Navigate and understand how to register company or individual profile under STAMPS website based on user manual, apply for relevant stamp duties and also payment.
- Learn the consequences of non-compliance penalties which is late declaration and payment of stamp duties.
- Apply knowledge on the required types of company’s instruments which requires self-assessed stamp duties.
- Foster an organisation culture of compliance relating to self-assessment stamp duties
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Chief Executive Officers / Managing Directors / General Managers / Directors / Chief Operating Officers / Chief Financial Officers / Tax Directors / Accountants / Finance / Administrative Managers/ Accounts Managers & Executives and staff with delegated responsibilities to ensure proper stamping is made on company’s instruments.
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
Where appropriate, training learning activites will include the following:
- Interactive Lectures & Videos
- Faciliated Group Discussions & Quiz
- Practical exercises and case studies on application of self assessment stamping scenarios
- Workshops and Group Activities.
COURSE OUTLINE
The Essentials of Malaysian Stamp Duty:
What you must know before applying self-assessment effective from 1 June 2025.
Key principles, chargeability, and scope including instruments.
Latest update employment contracts instruments signed on before 1 January 2025, period of 1 Jan 2025 to 31 December 2025 on whether stamp duties applies.
2) Fixed vs Ad Valorem: Not Just Numbers
Decode the distinction.
Common pitfalls in determining the correct duty
3) Stamp Duty Exemptions: The Hidden Gems
Little-known reliefs that save thousands
Recent exemption updates and how to qualify
4) Property Transfers & Exchanges: What’s Different Now?
Property dealings under the spotlight.
Exchange transactions and valuation traps
Share Transaction Duty: When Is It Reduced?
5) When Things Go Wrong – The Real Cost of Non-Compliance
Fines, penalties & late stamping charges.
Common causes of audit exposure.
Payment Procedures & Common Pitfalls
6) The Big Shift: How Stamp Duty Self-Assessment Works
Stamp Duty Audit Framework – Be Audit-Ready
How to Appeal an Unfair Assessment
7) Recent Tax Cases: What We Can Learn
Practical insights from real court decisions.
Patterns of error & how to respond
