Before the IRB Knocks on Your Door - Learn How Tax Audits and Investigations Really Work

12 May, 2026, Remote Online Training - Public

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Ms. YONG MEI SIM has over 35 years in Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (“IRB”) and last held the position as Principal Assistant Director of Penang. She had served with the Payroll Taxes Unit, Field Audit and Desk Audit Unit and actively assisted IRBM’s Federal Councils in handling tax litigation cases.

 

Ms. Yong holds a Master’s Degree in Taxation from the Golden Gate University, U.S.A.

 

Ms. Yong speaks extensively nationwide, sharing her valuable experience and expertise on income tax, service tax and stamp duty updates and other relevant taxation matters.

Venue Details

Remote Online Training - Public



Contact us

Juliany,
03 2283 6109
juliany@ipa.com.my

Phoebe,
03 2283 6100
phoebe@ipa.com.my 

FOR CUSTOMISED IN-HOUSE TRAINING
Jane,
03 2283 6101
Jane@ipa.com.my

ADDRESS 
A-28-5, 28th Floor, Menara UOA Bangsar, 
No.5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1, 
59000 Kuala Lumpur
www.ipa.com.my

FOCUSING ON
  • Introduction to Tax Audit and Investigation
  • Triggers and Risk Indicators
  • Audit and Investigation Process
  • Key Areas of Focus by Tax Authorities
  • Managing a Tax Audit or Investigation
  • Mitigating Exposure and Resolving Issues

Key Reasons to Attend
1. Understanding How IRB Selects Taxpayers for Audit
2. Identifying the Common Red Flags That Trigger Investigations
3. Learning How to Handle Tax Audits and IRB Queries
4. Minimizing Penalties through Proper Tax Strategies
5. Strengthening Compliance to Avoid Costly Tax Disputes

KEY OBJECTIVES
  1. Understanding How Tax Audits and Investigations Are Conducted.
    Gaining insight into IRB’s latest enforcement
    approach, including how taxpayers are selected for audits and investigations.
  2. Identifying the Key Risk Areas That Trigger IRB Scrutiny.
    Learning the common red flags such as under- reported income, inflated expenses, and
    lifestyle mismatches that may attract IRB attention.
  3. Learning Practical Strategies to Manage and Reduce Tax Risks.
    Understanding how to prepare for audits, responding to IRB queries, and minimizing penalties through
    proper compliance and documentation.
AFTER ATTENDING THIS COURSE YOU WILL RETURN TO YOUR JOB…
  1. Gaining a clear understanding of the Tax Audit and
    Tax Investigation framework and their practical implications.
  2. Recognising the key differences between a Tax
    Audit and a Tax Investigation.
  3. Understanding how IRB selects taxpayers for audit.
  4. Identifying high-risk areas, transactions, and behaviours that may trigger audits or investigations.
  5. Understanding the procedures, powers, and expectations of the tax authorities during audits and investigations.
  6. Learning how to prepare, manage, and respond effectively to audit and investigation queries.
  7. Reducing exposure to additional Tax, penalties, and prolonged disputes through proper planning
    and documentation.
  8. Strengthening compliance to avoid costly Tax Disputes
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Chief Financial Officers, Financial Controllers, Finance Managers, Accountants, Heads of Departments, Tax Consultants, Company Secretaries, Tax Practitioners/Advisors, Senior Accounts Executives, Supervisors and all Professionals.
METHODOLOGY
A highly interactive learning session with trainer/ speaker-led facilitation, live Q&As, quick polls/surveys, self-assessment quizzes and participant’s feedback on learning outcome achievement.
COURSE CONTENT
9:00

INTRODUCTION TO TAX AUDIT AND INVESTIGATION

  • Objectives and legal basis
  • Key differences between audit and investigation

 

TRIGGERS AND RISK INDICATORS

  • Common audit selection criteria
  • Red flags and high-risk transactions
10.45

AUDIT AND INVESTIGATION PROCESS

  • Stages from commencement to conclusion
  • Rights and obligations of taxpayers
12.00

KEY AREAS OF FOCUS BY TAX AUTHORITIES

  • Income recognition and deductibility of expenses
  • Incentives, exemptions, and related-party transactions
  • Record keeping and substantiation issues
1:00 Lunch
2:00

MANAGING A TAX AUDIT OR INVESTIGATION

  • Practical dos and don’ts
  • Effective communication and document handling
3:45

MITIGATING EXPOSURE AND RESOLVING ISSUES

  • Penalties and offences
  • Voluntary disclosure and dispute resolution strategies
5:00 End of Course