PUTRAJAYA: The decision on whether the next-of-kin will be required to pay tax arrears of deceased persons is expected to be announced in September, according to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. This matter will be deliberated by the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) following a difference of opinion between two muftis, Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor and Pahang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman. The Panel of Syariah Experts at the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) will also convene tomorrow to discuss this issue, Dr Mohd Na’im said during a media event held by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ MAIWP) on Monday (July 10).
Recently, LHDN’s chief executive officer, Datuk Dr Mohd Nizom Sairi, stated that the next-of-kin of deceased taxpayers bear full responsibility for managing their commitments, which includes income tax matters. Section 74 of the Income Tax Act 1967 states that any outstanding income tax cannot be automatically written off, even in the event of the taxpayer’s death. This prompted Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor and Pahang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman to provide differing opinions on whether the tax arrears should be borne by the next-of-kin.
The mufti of Penang, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor, believes that the next-of-kin should settle the tax arrears, while the mufti of Pahang, Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Rahman Osman, holds the view that the next-of-kin are not obligated to do so. In light of this conflicting stance, the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) will engage in discussions to reach a consensus. Additionally, the Panel of Syariah Experts at the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) will play a crucial role in addressing this matter. The outcome of these discussions will be disclosed in September, providing clarity on whether the next-of-kin must pay the tax arrears of deceased individuals.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
