Soi Lek: Income Tax Act amendments unfair to taxpayer

KUALA LUMPUR - MCA objects to proposed changes to the Income Tax Act that would give the Director-General of Income Revenue (DGIR) sole discretion over late or incorrect submissions.

Changes to Section 81 of the Act would give the DGIR power to allow or reject late submissions, with no avenue for recourse, when previously taxpayers could bring their appeals to the court or a special commissioner.

The newly proposed Section 107D would also allow the DGIR to compel taxpayers who submitted incorrect returns to make advanced payments, even if no assessments are issued.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek (picture) said the party did not agree with the changes as it placed too much power in the hands of one person without room for appeal, contrary to efforts to make the government more business-friendly and transparent.

“While we need to collect taxes, there must also be fairness to the taxpayer in terms of avenues of appeal,” Dr Chua told reporters at MCA headquarters today.

He said this was especially true of large corporations, which sometimes needed more time to locate documents needed for submission.

Dr Chua added that he would raise the issue with the Economic Council, which meets every Monday, while other MCA lawmakers would do the same in Parliament.

- Malaysian Insider