Take a company disposing of unlisted shares for RM2,000,000 that it acquired for RM1,200,000, so the net gain is RM800,000. For shares acquired from 1 January 2024, the rate is 10 percent on that net gain, which is RM80,000 of Capital Gains Tax. If instead the shares had been held before 1 January 2024, the disposer could elect the transitional rule and pay 2 percent on the gross disposal value, which is 2 percent of RM2,000,000, or RM40,000. In this case the transitional basis would be cheaper, but that only applies to pre-2024 holdings, and the election is made on disposal. This tax falls on companies, limited liability partnerships, trust bodies, and co-operatives, not on resident individuals, who remain outside the charge on unlisted shares.
Basis
Tax (RM)
Net gain
800,000
10% on net gain (from 2024)
80,000
2% on gross (pre-2024 option)
40,000
How it is calculated
Malaysia has no general capital gains tax on shares for individuals, but from 2024 it taxes gains on unlisted shares disposed of by companies and other entities. For shares acquired on or after 1 January 2024, the charge is 10 percent of the net chargeable gain, which is the disposal value minus the acquisition cost. For shares held before that date, the disposer may elect a transitional basis of 2 percent on the gross disposal consideration instead, regardless of the actual gain, which can be cheaper on a large gain but more expensive on a thin one. The tool applies whichever basis you select and shows the net gain alongside the tax. Because the rules are entity-specific and were introduced recently, the figure is an estimate, and a tax adviser should confirm eligibility, the election, and any available exemptions before filing.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays Malaysian capital gains tax on unlisted shares?
Capital Gains Tax on the disposal of unlisted Malaysian shares applies to companies, limited liability partnerships, trust bodies, and co-operatives, not to resident individuals. For shares acquired from 1 January 2024, the rate is 10% on the net chargeable gain. For shares held before 1 January 2024, the disposer may instead elect to pay 2% on the gross disposal consideration under the transitional rule. The tax took effect for disposals from 2024.
What is the transitional rule and when does it apply?
The transitional rule allows a disposer to pay 2% on the gross disposal consideration instead of 10% on the net gain, but only for shares acquired before 1 January 2024. The election is made at the time of disposal and cannot be revised later. This basis may be cheaper when the gain is large relative to the disposal value, but it can be more expensive on a thin gain or where the cost base is close to the disposal price.
Does Malaysian CGT apply to listed shares or individual shareholders?
Malaysian CGT on shares covers only unlisted shares disposed of by companies, LLPs, trust bodies, and co-operatives. Shares listed on Bursa Malaysia are outside the charge entirely. Resident individuals are also excluded, regardless of whether the shares are listed or unlisted, so this tax targets entity-level disposals of private company stakes.
How is the net chargeable gain calculated for unlisted shares?
The net chargeable gain is the disposal consideration minus the allowable acquisition cost. Incidental costs of disposal and acquisition may also be deductible where they are directly attributable to the transaction, though the specific allowable deductions should be confirmed with LHDN guidance or a tax adviser. The calculator uses the figures you enter for disposal value and acquisition cost to produce a simplified estimate.