In March 2023, the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM) introduced mandatory e-invoicing in Malaysia, requiring all registered businesses to generate e-invoices for B2B, B2G, and B2C transactions.
The first phase began on 1 August 2024 for businesses with turnover exceeding RM 100 million, and phase 2 began on 1 January 2025 for companies exceeding RM 25 million. These businesses now submit e-invoices to the IRBM using the UBL 2.1 format (XML or JSON) through the MyInvois portalor via direct API integration.
Phase 3 of e-invoicing implementation in Malaysia will begin on 1 July 2025, covering businesses with an annual turnover between RM 500,000 and RM 25 million. Phase 4 will follow on 1 January 2026, expanding e-invoicing to all businesses, except exempted ones.
What is an e-Invoice?
An e-invoice is a digital record of a transactional exchange between a seller (supplier) and a purchaser (buyer), which goes through the government portal in real time for validation and recordkeeping.
e-Invoice Malaysiawould contain 55 fields with details of the transactions such as seller & buyer details, item description, quantity, price, tax, total amount, payment details, etc. Successfully validated and generated e-invoices would also have a Unique Identification Number (UIN) and QR Code, which is generated by the MyInvois Portal, enabling online validation of the invoice.
The steps to generate an e-invoice in Malaysia vary depending on the e-invoicing model (API or MyInvois Portal) and whether the transaction is B2B or B2C. However, the majority of the process remains consistent.
Here is a general overview:
e-Invoicing Process for B2B Transactions
Issuance: Supplier creates and sends e-Invoice to IRBM via MyInvois Portal or Business system integrated with MyInvois System via API.
Validation:IRBM validates the e-invoice in real-time. A Unique Identifier Number is issued.
Notification: IRBM notifies both supplier and buyer of the validated e-invoice.
Sharing: Supplier shares validated e-Invoice with buyer, including a QR code.
Rejection/Cancellation: Within 72 hours, the buyer can request rejection and the supplier can cancel. However, justification is required for any changes and rejection
Sharing Human Readable format: Suppliers can then share human readable (PDF, JPG) format of the e-invoice.
e-Invoicing Process for B2C Transactions
Suppliers must issue e-invoices for all B2C transactions. However, many buyers, particularly end consumers and specific businesses, do not need an e-invoice. Therefore, the generation of e-invoices for B2C transactions varies based on the buyer's requirements:
When the Buyer Requests an E-Invoice: Suppliers gather details from the buyer/consumer and generate e-invoices in real-time, similar to B2B e-invoices.
When the Buyer Does Not Require an E-Invoice: The IRBM allows suppliers to consolidate transactions with buyers who do not need an e-invoice into a monthly consolidated e-invoice.
The process is clearly explained in the chart below for Malaysia B2C e-Invoicing.
e-Invoicing Model in Malaysia
In Malaysia, companies can choose from the following transmission modes to report e-invoices known as e-invoicing models
MyInvois Portal
The MyInvois Portal allows users to generate e-invoices manually, either one at a time or in bulk by uploading a spreadsheet in a predetermined format. This portal is ideal for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) or companies with lower transaction volumes due to the need for manual data entry.
The portal was made live by the IRBM on June 28, 2024, offering both testing and production environments. It can be accessed at preprod-mytax.hasil.gov.my or mytax.hasil.gov.my.
Businesses can integrate their ERP, billing, or accounting systems with the MyInvois system through an API. This integration enables the automatic generation, sending, receiving, and correction of e-invoices directly through their systems, making it possible to handle large volumes of transactions in real-time.
Recognizing the complexity of this integration, the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) has introduced the e-invoice Malaysia Software Development Kit (SDK).
Type of e-Invoices in Malaysia
The below documents must be issued in electronic format under Malaysia e-Invoice:
Invoices: It is generally used to record transactions between supplier and buyer. Invoices also include a self-billed invoice issued for tracking expenses.
Credit notes: A credit note is a document issued by sellers to make corrections to an e-Invoice issued previously mainly to lower the original invoice's value without returning money to the Buyer. It is generally used to adjust errors, apply discounts, oraccount for returned items.
Debit notes: In contrast to credit notes, debit notes are issued to record additional costs related to a previously issued e-Invoice.
Refund notes: A refund e-Invoice is an official document issued by a Seller to record refund issued to the Buyer.
Who Needs to Comply with e-Invoicing in Malaysia?
LHDN has released guidelines outlining which entities, individuals, and businesses are required to adhere to e-invoicing rules, as well as those exempt from them.
Entities Required to Comply with e-Invoicing in Malaysia
Statutory bodies, authorities, and local authorities:For collection of fees, charges, or statutory levies and for transactions conducted before 1 July 2025
International organizations (for transactions before 1 July 2025)
Taxpayers with annual revenue below RM150,000
Benefits of e-Invoicing in Malaysia
The Malaysian government aims to boost the digital economy and improve tax administration with e-invoicing in Malaysia. Key benefits include:
Unified Invoicing: Streamlines creation and submission of invoices, automating data entry.
Integrated Tax Filing: Ensures efficient and accurate tax reporting.
Streamlined Operations: Increases efficiency and saves resources on tax compliance
Improved Cash Flow: Reduces billing errors, speeds up payment cycles, and minimizes disputes.
Digitized Reporting: Aligns financial reporting with digital standards.
Paperless Invoicing: Eliminates paper use and prevents tax leakage.
Ease of Trade: Simplifies operations for international trade businesses.
Challenges of e-Invoicing for Businesses in Malaysia
The shift to e-invoicing in Malaysia brings several challenges:
Compliance: Complying with the e-invoicing regulations for business through technological integrations is extremely challenging.
Technological Transition: Moving from manual to automated invoicing systems requires adaptation to new technologies, deep tech integrations and staff training.
Resistance to Change: Employees accustomed to traditional methods may resist adopting e-invoicing in Malaysia.
Feasibility: Smaller businesses with limited IT infrastructure and lower resources would struggle with the technological demands.
Data Accuracy and Integration: Integrating e-invoicing with existing systems and ensuring accurate data exchange is challenging.
How can ClearTax help your business with e-Invoicing in Malaysia?
ClearTaxis an MDEC-accredited e-invoicing solution provider in Malaysia. It integrates your business systems with the IRBM e-invoicing system to automate and ensure 100% compliance in e-invoice generation.
Enterprise Solutions: ClearTax delivers robust solutions for enterprises, integrating seamlessly with any ERP or business system to ensure accurate and efficient e-invoicing.
Integration of Multiple Sales Channels: ClearTax integrates various sales channels—both online and physical—ensuring 100% accuracy in e-invoicing by consolidating all sales into a single, compliant e-invoice.
Buyer Portal: ClearTax provides a web portal and app for buyers to generate e-invoices independently, speeding up billing, reducing queue times, and improving the customer experience.
IRBM Industry Specific FAQ’s
The Malaysian government acknowledges that some industries have more complex business practices and billing systems, making e-invoicing more challenging. To address these complexities, the IRBM has published industry-specific FAQs.
The following FAQs have been released by the IRBM to date:
Click here to read more FAQs on Malaysia e-invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best e-invoicing solution for Malaysia?
ClearTax stands out as one of the best e-invoicing solution provider in Malaysia. It facilitates seamless integration of your business system with the MyInvois Portal through API for efficient e-invoicing.
What will be the e-Invoice model in Malaysia?
In order to ease the transition to e-Invoicing for taxpayers, the IRBM has created two distinct methods for e-Invoice transmission:
MyInvois Portal, hosted by the IRBM.
Application Programming Interface (API).
How do I get started with e-Invoicing in Malaysia?
To get started with e-Invoicing in Malaysia, it's essential to evaluate your company's readiness for e-Invoicing. First, determine if e-Invoicing applies to your company or if you wish to opt for it voluntarily. Assess your current ERP system's compatibility with e-Invoicing software and whether it can be seamlessly integrated. Ensure your employees are trained to handle e-Invoicing processes effectively. Lastly, communicate the requirements to all stakeholders and confirm their support for a smooth implementation.
Is e-Invoicing in Malaysia mandatory for all industries?
e-Invoicing is mandatory for businesses across all sizes and industries. However, to facilitate a smoother transition, it's being rolled out gradually in phases, based upon the turnover of each business.
What are the requirements for e-Invoicing in Malaysia?
Digital Certificate is a mandatory requirement for e-Invoicing in Malaysia. A digital certificate will be used for signing. A digital certificate will be issued by IRBM based on the taxpayer's TIN and additional information. It guarantees the e-Invoice's non-repudiation, integrity, and authenticity. It will be valid for three years.
Is e-invoice applicable only to domestic transactions in Malaysia?
No, e-invoice applies to both domestic and international transactions.
What are the security measures for e-Invoicing in Malaysia?
Every e-invoice will feature a digital signature along with a timestamp to ensure its integrity. Upon submission for verification, the IRBM will assign a Unique Identification Number and QR code, enabling online validation of the invoice. Additionally, the IRBM has established a secure and encrypted channel for the transmission and storage of e-invoices.
Has IRBM provided any technical guidance on system integration?
The IRBM has provided general guidelines for e-invoicing, along with specific guidelines and Software Development Kit (SDK) for e-invoicing API integration. These resources are accessible on the IRBM's official website.
Shall I issue an e-invoice for disbursements and reimbursements?
IRBM has yet to decide whether to generate e-invoices for disbursements and reimbursements. The authority may issue guidance in this regard in due course.
Can I cancel the invoice submitted to IRBM?
Yes, the seller can cancel the e-invoice within 72 hours from generation time.
Are all businesses required to issue e-invoices in Malaysia?
Every business registered in Malaysia will need to issue e-Invoices as per a phased mandatory implementation timeline. This timeline is determined by the business's annual turnover or revenue threshold.
What are the consequences for failure to issue e-Invoice?
Not issuing e-Invoices would be considered an offense under Section 120(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act 1967. This offence would carry a fine ranging from RM200 to RM20,000, or imprisonment for up to 6 months, or both, for each instance of non-compliance.
Is e-Invoice issuance mandatory for MSMEs operating in Malaysia?
Yes, all businesses must implement e-Invoice according to the timeline specified in the e-Invoice Guideline.
What is the e-Invoice Malaysia helpline number?
You can contact the e-Invoice HASiL Help Desk at 03-8682 8000. The help desk operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Are MSMEs in Malaysia required to implement e-invoice?
MSMEs with annual turnover below RM150,000 are exempt from implementing e-Invoices. However, those above this threshold must follow their assigned implementation timeline.
Can MSMEs regain exemption if their revenue falls below RM150,000 after mandatory implementation?
No, once MSMEs are required to implement e-invoices, they must continue issuing them, even if their revenue falls below RM150,000 in subsequent years.
What is the latest Malaysia e-invoicing update?
On February 21, 2025, the IRBM released updated e-invoicing guidelines, extending the implementation deadline for micro-sized businesses with a turnover below RM 500,000 to January 1, 2026. Previously, all companies with a turnover below RM 25 million were required to start generating e-invoices from July 1, 2025.