When issuing an e-Invoice, the Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a crucial piece of information. However, there are times when your customer may not be able to provide their TIN or may enter it incorrectly, such as mistakenly adding duplicate zeros (0) or providing an invalid number.
No worries! Let me share how to search for a TIN and ensure that your e-Invoice process runs smoothly.
Why Is TIN Important in E-Invoicing?
The TIN is a mandatory field when issuing an e-Invoice in Malaysia. If the number is missing or incorrect, the invoice may be rejected and your workflow could be delayed.
To avoid such issues, businesses must obtain accurate customer data. If your customer does not know their TIN, you can still retrieve it using their NRIC, BRN, or passport number through the MyTax TIN Search feature.
How to Obtain TIN?
1️⃣ Sole Proprietorship Business & Individual Customers
For sole proprietors and individual customers, you need their NRIC number to search for their TIN.
👉 Important: When collecting customer data, even if they cannot provide their TIN, their NRIC number is a must to ensure you can retrieve it later.
2️⃣ Sdn. Bhd., Partnership & LLP Businesses
For Sdn. Bhd., Partnership, and LLP customers, you can search for their TIN using their Business Registration Number (BRN).
👉 What if you only have the company name?
- If you do not have their BRN, you can first search for it on the SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia) website.
- Once you have their BRN, you can use it to find their TIN.
💡 Always try to obtain the most accurate and complete data from your customers to prevent any disputes or processing delays.
How to Search for a TIN via MyTax TIN Search
To retrieve a customer’s TIN, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download & Set Up MyDigital ID
🔹 Download and install “MyDigital ID” on your mobile phone.
🔹 Register a Digital ID. For a step-by-step guide, refer to:
📌 MyDigital ID Registration Guide
Step 3: Authenticate via MyDigital ID
🔹 You will be directed to a website with a QR code
🔹 Open the MyDigital ID app on your phone
🔹 Press “Imbas QR” and
scan the QR code displayed on your screen
🔹 Once scanned successfully, press “YA”
🔹 Enter your password set during MyDigital ID registration
🔹 Click “OK”
✅ Now you need to go back to the TIN search page.
Step 4: Select the Right Category
There are two categories to choose from:
✔ For Individual or Sole Proprietor Businesses → Choose “Individuals”
✔ For Sdn. Bhd., Partnership, and LLP → Choose “Other Than Individuals”
Step 5: Enter the Required Details
🔹 For Malaysians (Individuals & Sole Proprietors) → Enter their NRIC number
🔹 For Foreigners → Enter their Passport number
🔹 For Sdn. Bhd., Partnership & LLP → Enter their BRN number
💡 If the new BRN does not work, try the old BRN.
⚠️ Important Note: Misuse of TIN is a Criminal Offense
It is illegal to misuse or fraudulently obtain a TIN number. Criminal proceedings can be initiated under Section 66A of the Income Tax Act 1967, which states that:
❌ Misuse of TIN information is subject to:
🔸 A fine not exceeding RM4,000, or
🔸 Imprisonment for up to one year, or
🔸 Both penalties
Now You Know How to Search for a TIN!
Understanding how to search for a TIN will help you avoid delays and ensure smooth e-Invoice issuance. However, always remember to use the TIN search feature responsibly and avoid any misuse of information.
Stay tuned! In our next post, we will guide you through how to issue an e-Invoice correctly. 🚀