Let’s be honest — filing your income tax probably isn’t the highlight of your year. But what if we told you, it’s also a golden opportunity to save money — legally and smartly — just by knowing what you can claim?

If you’ve ever looked at your tax form and wondered, “What can I deduct to lower my tax bill?” — you’re not alone. In Malaysia, the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) offers a wide range of tax reliefs designed to ease your financial burden. From education to health, gadgets to gym gear, there’s a surprising number of things that can help shrink your tax bill.

Here’s a breakdown of the items you can (and should) claim to get more value out of your annual tax filing.

Start with the basics: Individual and family reliefs

The good news? Just by being a Malaysian taxpayer, you automatically qualify for RM9,000 in personal relief. No receipts, no extra effort — it’s yours.

If you're married and your spouse doesn't earn an income, you can knock off another RM4,000. And if your partner is a person with disabilities, that’s an additional RM5,000.

Got kids? You could claim:

• ‍RM2,000 per child under 18,‍
• RM8,000 for each unmarried child above 18 in full-time university or college,
• and up to RM14,000 if your child is disabled and pursuing higher education.

That adds up quickly — especially for parents!

Give your lifestyle a financial boost

Here’s where things get interesting. The lifestyle relief lets you claim up to RM2,500 for purchase of everyday items you’re probably already spending on:

• Laptops, tablets, smartphones
• Books, newspapers, magazines (yes, digital ones count too!)
• Monthly internet bills
• Sports equipment and gym memberships

And if you’ve been particularly active or bought sports-related items, you can claim an extra RM1,000 under the expanded lifestyle category.

So yes — your yoga mat and home Wi-Fi might just help lower your tax.

Prioritising your health pays off

Health expenses can take a toll — but they can also ease your taxes. You can claim:

• ‍Up to RM10,000 for medical treatments for serious conditions (cancer, fertility treatments, even COVID-19)‍
• RM1,000 for health screenings (including mental health consultations)‍
• RM1,000 for vaccinations‍
• RM8,000 if you’re supporting parents with medical conditions, provided they meet certain criteria

Feeling the pinch from insurance premiums? You can claim up to:

• ‍RM7,000 combined for EPF and life insurance‍
• RM3,000 for education or medical insurance‍
• RM3,000 for private retirement scheme (PRS) contributions

Supporting persons with disabilities? Here’s where you can claim

For starters, if you are a registered person with disabilities, you’re entitled to an additional RM6,000 in personal tax relief — on top of the standard RM9,000. That’s RM15,000 off your chargeable income right away.

If you’re supporting a disabled spouse, you can claim RM5,000 instead of the usual RM4,000 for a non-working spouse. And if you have a disabled child, you can claim RM6,000 per child, regardless of age. If the child is in full-time education (diploma level or above, in Malaysia or overseas), you can add another RM8,000 — totalling up to RM14,000 per child.

For ageing parents with medical conditions, you can claim up to RM8,000 for medical expenses, special needs, or a caretaker — if you have proper medical certification and receipts.

Just make sure any disability-related claims are backed by a valid certification from the Department of Social Welfare (JKM).

Invest inyour mind — and your future

Thinking about picking up a self-improvement or upskilling course? The government rewards self-improvement with a RM2,000 tax relief for any fees you pay for your course.

Even your reading habit pays off — RM2,500 can be claimed for books, e-books, and similar learning materials.

Going green? There’s a relief for that too

Driving an EV? Installing a charging station at home? You may claim up to RM2,500 under the electric vehicle relief — valid until 2027. It’s one of several green-focused incentives that reward eco-conscious choices.

How to make the most of your tax reliefs

A few pro tips before you hit “submit” :

• Keep all receipts and supporting documents for at least 7 years (just in case LHDN comes knocking)
• Use e-Filing via MyTax to speed up your submission and reduce errors
• Check the official LHDN website every year — relief amounts and conditions can change!