Dealing with IRB / LHDN

By counting the calendar, all my pals are mostly become the "White Colar" colonies for 1 year time. I think they're sooner or later will have to "report" to IRB or in B.M. (sekejap Bahasa Melayu, sekejap tukar Bahasa Malaysia) -- Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN).

I heard that their company make the auto-deduction income tax payment from their monthly pay-slips. Would they "overpay" to IRB??? I think you guys better find it out with HR-Financial department respectively, its better than nothing.

I hereby forward 2 articles which published in Letter column, The Star as follows:

Article 1: Income Tax: Don’t make us beg for a refund

written by ONG WAI LEONG (Penang), dated 28 March 2007

MUCH has been said of the delivery system of the Employees Provident Fund as well as the Immigration Department’s high-tech machines to speed up passport renewal, but sad to note the Inland Revenue Board is still not in line with progress.

I retired in 2000 and was subsequently informed there was a tax refund due to me.

Till today, I have yet to be reimbursed despite the fact that I have made no less than 10 trips to the department to resolve this matter.

Each time, I am asked to fill in a form supposedly to facilitate the refund. I cannot help but feel short-changed on this matter, largely because it makes me feel like I am begging for something which is mine.

This is too long for anyone to wait because the taxpayer may not be around for much longer and the reasons given are indeed not acceptable.

My worst experience was before Chinese New Year this year, where I expressed my plight to an officer.

I told him that the money would indeed come in handy as I am a retiree.

The reply was cold without even a word of concern.

IRB must show empathy in this pressing issue and do us a favour. Don’t make retired folks beg for our tax refund.

Article 2: Long wait for the cheque

written by CECILIA KOK (Petaling Jaya), dated 30 March 2007

I WOULD agree with any taxpayer who says that dealings with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) is troublesome.

We are fined for delays in remitting tax payments and yet they are reluctant to process refunds owed to us.

I am a victim, too, as I have over RM4,000 owed to me since 2000. I wrote many letters from November last year and made several visits to the IRB for the refund.

Up till today, I am still calling them and they are always saying that they will check with the officer in charge.

I wonder whether the IRB stands by its client charter and its slogan "Mesra, Membantu, Memuaskan" (Cheerful, Helpful, Satisfying).

P/S: Think wisely, and again, is the salary increment for gov. servants improves their so call "Quality" services to the public??? or they gonna introduce another 3M or 5M strategy?