The government paid an extra RM7.5 billion in tax refunds in December 2025, bringing the year’s total to a five-year high of RM22.45 billion.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government completed an additional RM7.5 billion in tax refunds in December 2025, exceeding its previously announced allocation. This brought the total refunds for the year to RM22.45 billion, the highest level in five years.
The payments involved 3.6 million taxpayers, according to a written parliamentary reply from the Ministry of Finance. The reply was in response to a question from Chong Chieng Jen (PH-Stampin) regarding overpaid tax arrears.
For the current year, the Inland Revenue Board’s priority is to complete company tax refunds for the 2023 assessment year by the first quarter of 2026. Refunds for the 2024 assessment year are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
“Meanwhile, refunds of excess tax regardless of the case’s ageing will be made to all taxpayers other than companies,” the ministry stated. The reply was published on the Parliament website.
