Quick answer: After the financial year end, a private company prepares its financial statements, circulates them to members within 6 months, and lodges them with SSM within 30 days after circulation. It also lodges the annual return within 30 days after the anniversary of incorporation, and files its income tax return with LHDN within 7 months after the accounting period closes. For a 31 December year end, that means circulation by 30 June and the tax return by 31 July.
- Circulate financial statements to members within 6 months of year end.
- Lodge them with SSM within 30 days after circulation.
- Lodge the annual return within 30 days after the incorporation anniversary.
- File the LHDN tax return within 7 months of the year end.
- Directors' report is signed by two directors, or by a sole director alone.
Deadlines for a Private Company
| Obligation | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Circulate financial statements | Within 6 months of the financial year end (s258(1)) | SSM |
| Lodge financial statements | Within 30 days after circulation (s259(1)) | SSM |
| Annual return | Within 30 days after the incorporation anniversary (s68(1)) | SSM |
| Income tax return | Within 7 months after the close of the accounting period | LHDN |
Example: 31 December Year End
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Circulate financial statements | By 30 June |
| Income tax return | By 31 July |
| Lodge financial statements with SSM | Within 30 days after circulation |
| Annual return | Within 30 days after the incorporation anniversary |
Year-End Checklist
Close the books
Complete the accounting records that explain the company's transactions and financial position (s245).
Prepare the financial statements
Profit and loss account, balance sheet, directors' report, auditors' report where required, and notes, following approved accounting standards.
Directors approve and sign
The directors' report is signed by at least two directors. A sole director of a private company signs alone.
Circulate to members
Within 6 months of the year end.
Lodge with SSM
Through a licensed company secretary or company's agent.
File the tax return
Within 7 months, and settle any balance of tax.
Maximum Penalties
| Failure | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|
| Not preparing financial statements as required (s248(1)) | RM500,000 |
| Not lodging financial statements (s259(1)) | RM50,000 |
| Not lodging the annual return (s68(1)) | RM50,000 |
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What Is Not Covered Here
SSM's booklet describes audited financial statements. Whether your company is exempt from audit depends on criteria in the Companies Act 2016, which the sources reviewed do not set out, so confirm your position before deciding. The first set of financial statements is due within 18 months of incorporation.
Mistakes
Waiting for the tax return before circulating
The 6-month circulation deadline is separate from the 7-month tax deadline.
Forgetting the annual return
It runs from the incorporation anniversary, not the year end.
Treating the first year like later years
The first set is due within 18 months of incorporation.
How We Help
What we handle for you
Accounts and filings
- Keep your accounting records and prepare year-end financial statements.
- Help with the tax and statutory filings that follow from your accounts.
Payroll
- Run payroll and prepare the monthly and yearly payroll filings.
Why companies choose us
Accounting, payroll and company set-up under one roof
- We also handle company incorporation and expatriate pass applications, so your accounts, payroll and structure stay aligned.
A Kuala Lumpur firm
- Neutral Consulting PLT is led by a Managing Partner who is a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers.
What must a Sdn Bhd do after its financial year end?
Prepare financial statements, circulate them, lodge them with SSM, lodge the annual return and file its tax return.
When must financial statements be circulated?
Within 6 months of the financial year end for a private company.
When must they be lodged with SSM?
Within 30 days after circulation to members.
When is the annual return due?
Within 30 days after the anniversary of incorporation.
Is an annual return needed in the year of incorporation?
SSM's booklet says no return is required for the calendar year of incorporation.
When is the tax return due?
Within 7 months after the close of the accounting period.
Who signs the directors' report?
At least two directors, or a sole director of a private company alone.
When is the first set of financial statements due?
Within 18 months of incorporation.
What is the maximum penalty for late lodgement?
RM50,000 under section 259(1) for financial statements.
Who lodges with SSM?
Only a licensed company secretary or company's agent.
Does my company need an audit?
That depends on audit exemption criteria, which the sources reviewed do not set out. Check the Companies Act 2016.
Can you close our year end?
Yes. We prepare the accounts and arrange the filings.
Sources
Official sources
- SSM, Company Directors' Responsibilities booklet
- SSM, Annual submission (annual return and financial statements)
- LHDN (HASiL), Taxpayer responsibilities for companies
This page is general information, not legal advice. Agencies change their requirements, so confirm the current rules with LHDN, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and SSM, or with us, before you act. Checked November 2026.
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