Your First-Year Compliance Checklist
Incorporating a Sdn Bhd is just the beginning. The first year sets your company's compliance track record. Late or missed filings can result in compound penalties, director liability, and even company striking-off.
Within 30 Days of Incorporation
- Open a corporate bank account
- Register with LHDN for income tax (even if no revenue yet)
- Appoint a company secretary (mandatory)
- Set up proper bookkeeping from day one
Within 3 Months
- Submit CP204 (tax estimate) to LHDN — new companies must file within 3 months of incorporation
- Register for EPF, SOCSO, and EIS if you have employees
- Ensure SSM records are complete and accurate
Within 6 Months
- Hold your first board meeting and document minutes
- File Beneficial Ownership (BO) declaration with SSM
- Begin monthly bookkeeping and bank reconciliation
Within 12-18 Months
- File your first Annual Return with SSM (within 30 days of anniversary)
- Prepare and circulate financial statements (within 6 months of FYE)
- Submit first Form C to LHDN (within 8 months of FYE)
- Hold your first AGM (within 6 months of FYE)
Common First-Year Mistakes
- Thinking "no income = no filing" — LHDN still expects submissions
- Missing the CP204 deadline
- No proper bookkeeping from the start
- Relying solely on accountants without director oversight
At Valuacc × Hiew & Co, we handle the entire compliance lifecycle — from bookkeeping and tax advisory to company secretary and annual filings. One team, one contact, everything sorted.