Malaysia and Japan have had a longstanding Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) in place since 1968, which has been updated periodically to keep up with changing economic and taxation environments. The agreement provides certainty and clarity for individuals and companies that operate between the two countries, addressing the possibility of being taxed twice on the same income.

The basic principle of a DTA is to avoid double taxation on the same income by allocating the taxing rights between the countries involved. In the case of Malaysia and Japan, the agreement covers various types of income, including income from dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains.

Under the DTA, the country where the income arises has the primary right to tax it. However, if the income is also taxable in the other country due to residence or other factors, the country of residence can reduce or eliminate the applicable tax in accordance with the provisions of the agreement.

For example, a Japanese national working in Malaysia may be subject to tax in both countries on their income from employment. Under the DTA, the individual will only be taxed by one country, depending on their residency status and the length of their stay in each country. The DTA provides a formula to determine the amount of tax payable in each country to avoid double taxation.

In addition to reducing the tax burden, the DTA between Malaysia and Japan also promotes trade and investment between the two countries by providing a level playing field for businesses. The agreement provides greater certainty and predictability for companies operating in both countries, reducing the risks associated with cross-border transactions.

The DTA also includes provisions for the exchange of information between the tax authorities of Malaysia and Japan, which helps to prevent tax evasion and avoidance. This cooperation between the two countries helps to ensure that taxpayers are paying the appropriate amount of tax in each country, further strengthening the integrity of the tax system.

In conclusion, the Double Taxation Agreement between Malaysia and Japan has been an essential component of the economic relationship between the two countries for over five decades. The agreement provides certainty, predictability and encourages investment and trade by eliminating double taxation. It is an example of how cooperation between countries can bring benefits to both individuals and businesses.