22/02/2026
The key highlights for tax treatment on Income of social media influencers that you should know:
1.There are 2 types of social media influencers:
Individual Influencers: Real people from various backgrounds, such as artists, students, or professionals.
Object-based Influencers: Created characters, animations, or logos that have followers and are managed by an individual or company.
2. Income for influencers can be cash or non-cash. Non-cash items include free products, vouchers, or even gifts on social media that have monetary values.
3. Income for influencers is generally classified as business income under Paragraph 4(a) of the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA) because it is derived from the exercise of a profession.
4. Income is taxable in Malaysia if the influencer's activities are performed in Malaysia, regardless of where the platform (like YouTube or Instagram) is based. If a Malaysian resident influencer performs activities overseas (e.g., filming a marketing video in Singapore), the income is still taxable in Malaysia as it relates to their profession as an influencer in Malaysia.
5. Influencers can reduce their taxable income by claiming business expenses that are "wholly and exclusively incurred" in producing income. Personal or private expenses are not allowed.
6. Influencers are also required to pay estimated tax instalment under the Notice of Instalment Payment (CP500) and to keep all income receipts and expense documents for seven (7) years for audit purposes.