Single Tier Company Income Tax System

1. 0 Introduction Singapore already originate adopting a atomic number 53- storey corporate value in fall out scheme effect from 1 January 2003. In Malaysia, it is referred as the hotshot ground level placement. The g all everyplacenment allowed a six-year transitional gunpoint to encapable companies with unutilized dividend franking computer addresss to grant franked dividends. From 1 January 2008, all resident companies in Singapore give come atomic pile the stairs the one- point frame of rules. Meanwhile, other countries including Hong Kong, Ireland and as well as Malaysia atomic number 18 adopting the one- mark constitution effective from 1 January 2014.Generally, the Malaysian dividend body has beneathgone a pinpoint overhaul in 2008 with the objective of providing companies, shargonholders and the government with a impartial, transp bent, efficient and equitable system. With effect from Year Assessment (YA) 2008, a genius point dividend system replaces the measure imputation system on dividend requitals to sh beholders. All the changes from changing of dividend system suffer arisen as a result of legislative amendments introduced by Finance motion 2007 ( turn 683) gazette by the government on 28 declination 2007.The reinvigorated corporate levy system is called the single tier system be scram wage earned by companies are only tasked once and the profits distributed are no semipermanent imposeable on shareholders of the comp either. In this regard, the principal Income revenueation Act 1967 is amended by substituting sec 108 with the following 108. where a dividend is salaried or credited by a political party to any of its shareholders in the basis period for a year of assessment, the confederacy shall not be entitled to deduct evaluate from such dividend paid or credited. 1. Chart The individual storey Company Income assess System The party Company shareholders Income from the Income Profits caper operati ons from investments in the conjunction Tax on company profits The profits aft(prenominal) taxes Profits after tax Net dividend aid out as dividends 2. 0 Advantages of Single Tier Dividend System First, single tier dividend system allows complete destitute flow in the channeling of profits of the company to the shareholders as ease dividends. in that respect are two sources of profits that can be identified. It is including revenue gains (where income tax has been paid) or crown gains from the disposal of long-term investments like, shares, landed property, plant, machinery, and factory by the company. The company may now frank out these profits as dividends to shareholders without any restrictions.From YA 2008, companies are no eight-day subject to the restrictions of having to maintain a tax imputation chemical equilibrium on dividend wagesments. Besides that, the second advantage is shareholders who receiving the exc subroutine dividends are not requires to report the dividend income in their tax return. However, they are essential to keep records and documents on their free dividend income for 7 years to substantiate this income in the event of a tax audit. The third advantages is that the company are no longer have a ingredient 108 (6) charge issues. Single tier system simplifies tax residency.At the same time, it is enhancing efficiency of tax administrative system because no claim keep track of tax paid and also dividends amount distributed to shareholders. However, down the stairs the previous dividend imputation system, a company whose payment of dividends is in excess of its tax credit balance s 108 (6) balance leave end up pay s 108 (6) charge to the tax administration. It is indicates company has to involve excess expenditure. Similarly, any excess in the dividend payment for capital gains over the tax credit balance allow cause the company to observe the s 108 charge.This is no tax efficient to the company and increase the co st of dividend payment. While, the quarter advantage is shareholders whose marginal tax rate is at 27% willing not be paying additional tax on dividend. As a comparison to previous imputation system, the income tax payment by company is imputed as tax credit to individual shareholders upon dividend payments, which is YA 2009, 25% of the dividend income. However, the individual shareholders with the marginal tax rate of 27% will end up paying an additional 2% of tax dividend income received.With effective from YA 2009, an individual is assessed on 27% tax rate if is chargeable income exceeded RM100, 000. Fifth, it simplifies the job of tax authorities. Now, tax authorities does not need to process tax refunds to the shareholders. Thus, the tax authorities are freed up to guidance their time and effort in particular the areas, such as tax audit to ensure complete tax conformance by taxpayers in a self-assessment system. The sixth advantage is single tier dividend system is busines s friendly, economical and tax efficient as companies are no longer requires to maintain tax credit balance for dividend payment.A arrogate of tax administration duties is now abolished so that human assets may focus on tax efficient work. Besides that, the seventh advantage is from a macro point of view. Nowadays, the single tier approach has provided a simple and convenient tax system to the country, companies and shareholders. Human capital assets may be deployed to the productive sectors to ensure that everyone is placed on a competitive sharpness to take on global challenges. 2. 1 Diagram of Dividends Payment to Shareholders under Imputation System Shareholder Company Dividend income ( piggish)Individual75% x gross dividend Pay terminate dividend (a)Received net dividend of 75% of gross dividend(b)Assessed as s 4(c) on gross dividend income(c)Tax credit on dividend income (25% of gross dividend) is available as s cx set on income tax payable Income tax payable RMFirst RM 10 0,000 14,emailprotected% __xx__ __xxx_-S cx set off (x) (25% x dividend income) _____Net income tax payable xx_ Debit 25% od dividend income to s 108 mark Tax credit ondividend payments xx residual b/f xxYA 2009Income tax emailprotected% / 25% postcodexx S 108 account 3. 0 Single Tier Dividend System VS Imputation System The time line of implementing imputation system and single tier system is totally different. According to Choong (2009), he verbalize that a single tier dividend system replaces the tax imputation system on dividend payments to shareholders on 1 January 2008 and on YA 2008 onwards.Meanwhile, transitional rules applies for six-year period to 31 celestial latitude 2013, during which the two systems will co-exist. From 1 January 2014, all resident companies will come under single tier system. However, imputation system implemented foregoing to YA 2008 until 31 December 2007 only. There are another comparison perspectives is in hurt of income tax paid by the com pany. Under single tier system, dividend is concluding tax and the divided paid out to shareholders would be an exempted tax in the hands of shareholders.From here, the mechanism of single tier dividend system is treated as a separate tax entity without any integration with the shareholders. However, under imputation tax system, any excess in the dividend payment for capital gain over the tax credit balance will cause the company to incur the s108 charge. Thus, lead not concluding tax to the company while will increase the cost of dividend payment. Here, imputation system will allow integration mingled with company and shareholders whereby a company in its pith does not pay tax.The actual tax is calculated on the shareholders upon receiving dividend income The next comparison is in the perspective of maintaining tax credit account (s 108 account). Maintaining tax credit account (s 108 account) require single tier dividend with no more than tax credit balance of companies to moni tor because the company no longer has s108 charge issues and shareholders with authorities. However, it requires imputation tax system to maintain an imputation account to record income tax paid yearly in credit side of the s108 account.A differences also occurs in payment of dividends to shareholders. For payment of dividends to shareholders under single tier divided for tax authorities, there is no more tax credit balance (s108 account) of companies to monitor. Hence, it also no prerequisite for them to process tax refunds to the shareholders and also no restriction for dividends payment. However, imputation tax system leading 108 account are to be debited the tax portion in s108 account. Continuing is the comparison perspective payment of capital gains as dividends to shareholders.Under single tier system, the company frank out profits such as dividends to shareholders without any restrictions in order to maintaining a tax imputation balance on dividend payments. However, imput ation system stated any excess in the dividend payment for capital gain over the tax credit balance will cause the company to incur the s108 charge. Another comparison perspective is dividend income to shareholders. Frequently, shareholders receive the exempt dividend in single tier dividend which is not required to report the dividend income in their tax return.However, they have to keep all the record and documents on this exempt dividend income for 7 years to substantiate this income in the event of a tax audit. In contrast, under imputation system, shareholders receiving net dividend would be assessed on gross dividend income under s4(c) while the tax deducted on dividend income would be given a subtraction (s 110set off) against their income tax payable in that YA. Next is the comparison of interest write down incurred to acquire shares. Now, the interest expense incurred to acquire shares is disregarded in the single tier dividend system as the dividend income is now tax exe mpt.In contrast, under imputation system, the dividend income is assesses under s4c of the Act which allowed interest expense to be deducted against gross dividend to arrive at statutory income. Thus, this will result in cash refund as the tax credit on dividend income exceeds tax payable on statutory income of dividend. Lastly is the differences of implementation. The existent company with s 108 credit balances has to apply transitional period from 1 January 2008 until 31 December 2013 according to ss 38-57 of the Finance Act 2007(Act 683/2007).During transitional period, existing companies are slowly phase out from imputation system. Shareholders will not suffer immediately because many listed companies will continue to use imputation system to frank out dividends until 31 December 2013. After a transitional period, a single tier system will full take place on 1 January 2104. Hence, the imputation system no longer using anymore. At the same time, any unutilized credit balance at s 108 account balance is deemed goose egg at 31 December. 3. 1 A Summary Table of Comparison between Single Tier Dividend and Imputation Tax System Single tier dividend Imputation tax system (1. 1. 2008 on YA 2008 onwards) (Prior to YA 2008 till 31. 12. 2007) (a) Income tax paid by the company Final tax Not final tax. The amount is allowed to be credited to s108 account to pay dividend to shareholders. (b) Integration to shareholders No. company and shareholders regarded as separate and individual entities part with integration between company and shareholders whereby a company in its essence does not pay tax. The actual tax is calculated on the shareholders upon receiving dividend income. (c) Maintaining tax credit account (s 108 account) (d) Payment of dividends to shareholders (e) Payment of capital gains as dividends to shareholders (f) Dividend income to shareholders (g) by-line expense incurred on loan to acquire shares (h) implementation NoNo restrictionNo restrictionExem pt dividendInterest expense is disregarded. durable lossFully in place on 1. 1. 2014 YesSubject to the availability credit in s 108 accountHas to incurred additional cash as s 108(6) chargeTaxable dividend with tax credit on dividend income. s 110 set off . It will be use to set of the income tax payable for the YADeductible. The excess of interest expense over dividend income is not allowedExisting s 108 a/c balance may be used to pay dividend for YA 2018 till 31. 12. 2013. character 108 a/c is deemed nonentity at 31. 12. 2013 4. 0 Examples 4. 1 New Company If there are any bare-ass companies that are planning to commence their businesses in YA 2008 or subsequent YAs, they will automatically start implementing single tier dividend system. The final tax will be monthly income tax paid by company.From here, there is a non-existing of sub dent 108 account after commencement of new company start from YA 2008. Hence, new company doesnt have a necessity to maintain section 108 accou nt. Meanwhile, a change has been made on dividend payment by company to shareholders. Now, it is not required to deduct tax from dividend paid or credited to shareholders. However, the company still has to follow one regulation at the same time. It will provide a narrative on dividends paid to the tax authorities. The period must be dividend paid during the YA within 7 months after closing the accounts.If a failure to do so by company is an offence, liable and conviction to either a) a fine of between RM200 and RM2000 b) imprisonment of not more than 6 months c) or both. The dividends received by shareholders are not entitled to tax tally or tax return forms. It is also tax exempted on dividends received. However, shareholders need to keep their documentations and records. The main purpose is for future tax audit inspections. 4. 2 Existing Company Any existing company in YA 2007 is proceed to maintain section 108 account until the cut off and nippy at 31 December 2007.The existi ng company has the following circumstances a) piece 108 balance aught as at 31. 12. 2007. b) Section 108 balance is nil as at any date from 1. 1. 2008 to 31. 12. 2013. c) Section 108 balance is nil due to tax discharge, remittance or refund for tax assessments preceding to YA 2008. d) Company exercised an irrevocable option during 1. 1. 2008 to 31. 12. 2013 to self zerolise section 108 balance to nil. The existing company will continue credit the last installment that is December 2007 monthly installment to section 108 account. In YA 2008, section 108 is not applicable anymore.While on 31 December 2007, the credit balance in section 108 is frozen. From this date onwards, credit balance will keep decreasing earlier than increasing. It is used to pay cash dividend on popular shares until nil balance at 31 December 2013 or earlier than that. On 1 Jan 2014, all companies including existing companies are moved into a single tier dividend system. Companies with different year end hav e different treatment. A company with 31 December year end will have January 2008 monthly installment, and it is actually payable for December 2007 credited to section 108 account.In contrast, a company with non 31 December year end is allowed to have monthly income tax paid for the YA 2008 until 31 December 2007. On 31 December 2007, section 108 account is frozen and cut off. This account is keep continuing decline by tax discharge, remittance or refund for tax assessments prior to YA 2008. Meanwhile, the composite assessment arising through tax investigation which is issued after 31 December 2007 shall not added to section 108 account balance. Below is the table show companies ending with different year end Table 4. 0 Section 108 account credit balanceCompanies Year End 31 December Non 31 December YA 2007 (31. 12. 2007) Last installment in Jan 2008 N/A YA 2008 N/A Monthly installment till 31. 12. 2007 31. 12. 2007 Credit balance frozen Credit balance frozen 1. 1. 2008 to 31. 12. 2013 To pay cash dividend on unexceptional shares till nil balance To pay cash dividend on ordinary shares till nil balance 1. 1. 2014 Utilised s 108 balance Deemed nil Deemed nil 5. 0 Conclusion In a overview, single tier dividend system means that the dividend from the companies is an tax exempt dividend to shareholders.Company will no longer have section 108 (6) change issues and also shareholders will not hardiness any additional taxes, even though their marginal tax mountain range 28%. Even tax authorization on the other end, no longer needs to monitor the tax credit balance section (108 account) of the company and also processing of the tax refunds to the shareholders. They are now able to intensify on tax audits to ensure complete tax compliance with the self assessment system. The single tier dividend system is deemed to be business friendly, economically and tax efficiency for the business environment.It is because it is no longer are a requirement to maintain tax credi t balance for dividend payment. A portion of tax administration duties is now abolished so that human assets would be able to focus on tax efficiency duties. The change in the tax structure from imputation to the single tier system are the near significant changes as deemed in Malaysian tax laws. It is clearly a progressive measure, one that accords with international trends. In an international setting, the single-tier system or exemption system is seen by commentators as being more sluggish than imputation .It achieves simplicity, resulting in efficiency savings for both businesses and tax authorities. It plugs tax leakages since no tax refunds are made under any circumstances. While imputation system discriminates against the non-resident shareholder (who is not granted a tax credit) in privilege of the resident shareholder (who is granted a credit), however the single tier system eliminates this, thereby removing a discrimination against regional and multinational companies quest a holding company locations in Malaysia.The government realized that the imputation system is not very sustainable anymore in we see it in the long run. So, if the tax rates were to be reduced further down in the future, the government needs a perfect system that will allow companys tax to be deemed as a final tax. In this case, the government have certainly had taken a bold trample to move in the right direction. References 1. Choong. K.. F. (2009). Malaysian Taxation Principles and Practice. (15th ed. ) Malaysia InfoWorld. 2. Kasipillai. J. (2009). A schoolwide Guide to Malaysian Taxation. (4th ed. ) MalaysiaMcGraw-Hill.