Malaysia tax rates
Asia · headline statutory rates, 2025 · Moderate
In Malaysia, the top statutory personal income tax rate is 30% (ranked #54 of 96 countries), the headline corporate income tax rate is 24%, and the standard VAT/GST rate is 10%. Capital gains for individuals are treated as: Real property gains tax up to 30%; other gains generally exempt. Overall it reads as a moderate jurisdiction on headline rates — broadly mid-range headline rates. These are statutory top rates, not the effective tax most people pay, and not tax advice — verify with Malaysia's official tax authority.
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries. Data as of June 2026.
Malaysia tax rates at a glance
| Tax | Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Top personal income tax rate | 30% |
| Corporate income tax rate | 24% |
| Standard VAT / GST | 10% |
| Capital gains (individuals) | Real property gains tax up to 30%; other gains generally exempt |
| Employee social security | Employee EPF 11% |
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries. Data as of June 2026.
Headline statutory rates (2025), compiled from PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries and cross-checked against OECD / Tax Foundation data. Rates change — confirm with the official tax authority before relying on them. This is not tax advice.
What these Malaysia rates mean
The figures above are headline statutory rates: the top marginal personal income tax rate, the standard (not reduced) VAT/GST rate, and the main corporate rate. The top 30% income tax rate only bites on income above the highest bracket — the effective rate an average earner pays is lower. Consumption is taxed through VAT/GST at 10%, usually with reduced rates on essentials. Always layer in social security (Employee EPF 11%) and any local taxes for a full picture.
How Malaysia ranks
| Measure | Malaysia | Rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Top personal income tax | 30% | #54 of 96 |
| Corporate income tax | 24% | #36 of 96 |
| Standard VAT/GST | 10% | #71 of 87 |
Countries with a similar tax level to Malaysia
The five countries closest to Malaysia on overall headline tax level:
| Country | Top income tax | Corporate tax | VAT/GST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia (this country) | 30% | 24% | 10% |
| Egypt | 27.5% | 22.5% | 14% |
| Czech Republic | 23% | 21% | 21% |
| Taiwan | 40% | 20% | 5% |
| Vietnam | 35% | 20% | 10% |
| Nigeria | 25% | 30% | 7.5% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the income tax rate in Malaysia?
The top statutory personal income tax rate in Malaysia is 30%. This is the highest marginal rate, which only applies above the top income threshold — most taxpayers pay less. It ranks #54 of 96 countries in our dataset by top rate. Headline rate as of 2025; verify with the official tax authority.
What is the corporate tax rate in Malaysia?
Malaysia's headline corporate income tax rate is 24%, ranking #36 of 96 by headline corporate rate. Effective rates can differ with incentives, surcharges and local taxes. Verify with the official authority.
Does Malaysia have VAT or sales tax?
Yes — the standard VAT/GST rate in Malaysia is 10% (Sales & Service Tax (SST), not VAT). Reduced rates often apply to food, medicine and other essentials.
Is Malaysia a high-tax or low-tax country?
On headline statutory rates, Malaysia looks like a moderate jurisdiction — broadly mid-range headline rates. This is a rough signal from top rates only, not the effective tax an average person or company pays. Tax residency, deductions and treaties change the real picture. Not tax advice.
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Sources & accuracy
Headline rates for Malaysia from PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, cross-checked with the OECD and Tax Foundation. Data as of June 2026; reflects roughly the 2025 tax year. These are statutory headline rates, not effective rates, and this page is general information, not tax advice — verify with Malaysia's official tax authority and a qualified adviser before acting. See our methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-20