Being single does not mean you cannot optimise your tax relief.
A Malaysian woman recently asked online how she could fully maximise her tax relief as a single individual.
As a single person, how do I maximise tax relief? Insurance already maxed out. Please share.”
Her question quickly gained traction, with many netizens sharing practical ways singles can legally reduce their chargeable income.
Start with the major relief categories first
Many advised focusing on the bigger relief categories before moving on to smaller claims.
Here are some commonly recommended ones:
• Voluntary EPF contribution up to RM3,000
• Compulsory and voluntary EPF contribution up to RM4,000
• Private Retirement Scheme PRS up to RM3,000
• Life insurance or Takaful up to RM3,000
• Medical insurance up to RM3,000
• SOCSO contribution up to RM350
Maxing out these categories alone can already significantly lower taxable income.
Still have budget? Move on to these
If there is still room to spend, many suggested considering other claimable expenses such as:
• Dental treatment up to RM1,000
• Medical check up up to RM1,000
• Vaccination, mental health consultation, or medical equipment up to RM1,000
• Lifestyle relief up to RM2,500
Under lifestyle relief, items such as mobile phones, laptops, books, internet subscriptions like Unifi, and sports equipment are claimable.
Other smart ways to optimise tax relief
Some users reminded that tax planning is not about spending unnecessarily, but spending strategically.
Other suggestions shared include:
• Zakat contributions
• Enrolling in professional courses, Masters or PhD programmes
• Claiming exam fees
• Buying books or attending short online courses
• Gym memberships
• Medical check ups for yourself and your parents
• Purchasing medication for parents under your name
• Buying an EV car and EV charger
• Donating to tax exempt charities such as MAKNA, WWF, and UNICEF
However, one user admitted that even with all these options, they still did not fully utilise their tax relief for 2025.
At the end of the day, maximising tax relief is not about overspending just to claim, but understanding what you genuinely need and planning your expenses wisely.
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Are you fully utilising your tax relief this year?
