Quick answer: After incorporation, a new Sdn. Bhd. must organise its company-secretarial records, tax profile, accounting system and business licences before deadlines begin to accumulate. When employees are hired, employer, payroll and contribution duties also apply. e-Invoice readiness should be assessed against the latest HASiL timeline and exemption conditions.
New Sdn. Bhd. compliance checklist
| Area | Initial action | Key timing |
|---|---|---|
| Company secretary | Appoint a qualified secretary and establish statutory records | Within 30 days after incorporation |
| Tax identification | Confirm the company TIN and MyTax access | Promptly after incorporation |
| Tax estimate | Assess and submit e-CP204 where required | Generally within 3 months from commencement for a new operation with a first basis period of at least 6 months |
| Accounting | Set chart of accounts, invoicing, expense and bank-reconciliation processes | From the first transaction |
| Payroll | Register and operate EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB when employees are hired | Before or immediately after first payroll, subject to each authority’s rules |
| e-Invoice | Determine implementation or exemption position and prepare the system | According to the current HASiL rules |
| SSM annual return | Update company particulars and lodge the return | Within 30 days from the incorporation anniversary |
| Financial statements | Prepare, circulate and lodge compliant financial statements | Private-company filing is generally within 30 days after circulation to members |
1. Appoint the company secretary and establish statutory records
SSM requires a company to appoint at least one qualified company secretary within 30 days after incorporation. The secretary should establish the registers and records, record the first corporate decisions and help the directors understand which changes require resolutions or filings.
The company should also identify and maintain its beneficial-ownership information. Changes to directors, secretaries, registered office, shareholders or shares should not be left until the annual return.
2. Confirm the registered office and business address
The registered office is the official address for statutory communications and company records. It may differ from the operating address. The business should also confirm whether its premises, signboard or activity requires local-authority or sector-specific approval before trading.
3. Confirm the company tax profile
HASiL states that the TIN for a newly incorporated local company registered online through SSM MyCoID is generally registered automatically. The company should still confirm the TIN, MyTax role access, correspondence address, business commencement date, financial year end and tax-agent appointment.
For a new operation whose first basis period is at least six months, e-CP204 is generally due within three months from the date operations commence. The company should distinguish the incorporation date from the actual business-commencement date and keep evidence supporting the position.
4. Build the accounting system from day one
Directors are responsible for proper accounting records. The company should separate business and personal funds, open its own bank account, issue controlled invoices, retain purchase and expense documents, reconcile the bank monthly and record directors’ advances, capital and related-party transactions correctly.
- Choose accounting software and a consistent chart of accounts
- Define approval limits and payment controls
- Reconcile sales, purchases, payroll, bank and cash
- Maintain fixed-asset and inventory records where relevant
- Store contracts and supporting documents for tax and audit purposes
5. Assess e-Invoice from the start
As at this update, HASiL’s implementation timeline states that taxpayers with annual turnover or revenue below RM3 million are exempt, subject to the current rules and conditions. A new company should not assume exemption merely because it has no first-year history; ownership links, related entities and the specific new-business rules must be reviewed.
Even where exempt, the company needs orderly invoice data, customer and supplier identifiers and an accounting process that can support future implementation. Read HTL’s e-Invoice services and current e-Invoice insights for detailed eligibility guidance.
6. Register employer and payroll obligations
When the company hires its first employee, payroll compliance begins. EPF states that an employer must register within seven days from the date it becomes liable to contribute. PERKESO states that an employer with one or more employees is responsible for registration and contributions under the applicable SOCSO and EIS legislation.
For tax, employers must operate PCB where applicable, remit it by the prescribed monthly deadline, notify qualifying new employees and prepare annual employer and remuneration forms. HTL’s payroll services can coordinate the monthly process.
7. Track SSM annual deadlines
A local company’s annual return is generally due within 30 days after the anniversary of incorporation. A private company’s financial statements and reports are generally lodged within 30 days after circulation to members. Financial statements remain required even where an eligible private company elects audit exemption.
Directors should schedule preparation early enough for accounting close, tax computation, audit or exemption assessment, approval, circulation and filing.
8. Prepare the annual corporate-tax cycle
Form C is generally due within seven months after the accounting period closes. The balance of tax is also generally payable by the last day of that seven-month period. Tax instalments, revisions and other submissions may fall earlier, so the company should maintain a tax calendar rather than wait for year end.
Common first-year compliance mistakes
- Appointing the company secretary late
- Using personal bank accounts for company transactions
- Starting operations without checking licences
- Missing e-CP204 because the commencement date was not recorded
- Waiting until year end to organise accounting documents
- Hiring employees before employer registrations and payroll controls are ready
- Assuming a small company automatically qualifies for audit or e-Invoice exemption
- Failing to document director, shareholder and related-party transactions
How HTL can support the first year
HTL can coordinate company-secretarial compliance, accounting, corporate tax, payroll, e-Invoice and audit-preparation work under one calendar. This gives the directors one clear list of responsibilities rather than separate, unconnected deadlines.
See our company incorporation service or contact HTL for a first-year compliance plan.
Frequently asked questions
Does a newly incorporated company need to file tax if it is dormant?
HASiL states that companies that are dormant or have not commenced business still have return-filing responsibilities. The exact forms and estimate position should be checked based on the company’s status.
Does audit exemption remove the need for financial statements?
No. An eligible company that elects audit exemption must still prepare, circulate and lodge compliant unaudited financial statements within the applicable rules.
When should accounting records start?
From the first transaction, including incorporation expenses, capital introduced, bank charges and pre-opening expenditure. Reconstructing records later is slower and increases error risk.
This checklist is general information. Deadlines and exemptions depend on the company’s facts and current rules.
Last updated: 4 September 2026
Official references: SSM — Incorporation Particulars · SSM — Annual Submission · HASiL — Company Tax Registration · HASiL — Tax Estimates · HASiL — e-Invoice Timeline
