PCB (Potongan Cukai Bulanan), also known as Monthly Tax Deduction (MTD), is the income tax deducted from an employee's salary each month and submitted to LHDN by the employer.

Knowing how PCB is calculated helps employers process payroll accurately while allowing employees to estimate their monthly take-home pay.

What Is PCB?

PCB is a monthly income tax deduction that acts as an advance payment of an employee's annual income tax.

The amount deducted depends on several factors, including:

  1. Monthly salary
  2. EPF contributions
  3. Tax reliefs
  4. Marital status
  5. Number of children or dependants

At the end of the year, employees still need to file their income tax return with LHDN to determine whether additional tax is payable or a refund is due.

Who Needs to Pay PCB?

PCB generally applies to employees whose income exceeds the taxable threshold.

As a general guide:


Employee

Monthly Salary (After EPF)

Single

From RM2,851

Married (Non-working spouse)

From RM3,851

Employees earning below the taxable threshold generally do not have PCB deducted.

How to Calculate PCB

PCB is calculated based on:

  1. Monthly salary
  2. EPF contribution
  3. Taxable income
  4. Personal tax reliefs
  5. LHDN's PCB formula and tax tables

Because Malaysia uses a progressive income tax system, there is no fixed PCB percentage for every employee.

Instead of calculating it manually, many employers use payroll software or an online PCB Calculator Malaysia to estimate monthly tax deductions accurately.

PCB Calculation Formula

The basic calculation is:

Annual Taxable Income = (Monthly Taxable Income × 12) − Tax Reliefs

Monthly PCB = Estimated Annual Tax ÷ 12

LHDN uses a more detailed calculation formula based on the employee's tax profile, so the final PCB amount may differ.

PCB Calculation Example

Assume an employee has:

  1. Monthly salary: RM5,000
  2. EPF deduction: RM550
  3. Taxable income after EPF: RM4,450

Item

Amount (RM)

Monthly Salary

5,000

EPF Deduction

(550)

Taxable Income

4,450

Estimated PCB

50

The employer deducts RM50 from the employee's salary and submits it to LHDN.

For a more accurate estimate based on the latest tax rules, use our PCB Calculator Malaysia.

What Income Is Subject to PCB?

The following payments are generally subject to PCB:

  1. Basic salary
  2. Allowances
  3. Overtime
  4. Commission
  5. Bonus
  6. Director's fees

The following are generally not subject to PCB:

  1. Zakat
  2. Benefits-in-kind (BIK)
  3. Value of Living Accommodation (VOLA)

Why Accurate PCB Calculations Matter

Accurate PCB calculations help:

  1. Ensure compliance with LHDN requirements.
  2. Reduce payroll errors.
  3. Avoid underpayment or overpayment of tax.
  4. Help employees estimate their take-home salary more accurately.

Tips for Employers

To ensure accurate PCB deductions:

  1. Use the latest LHDN tax rates and PCB calculation rules.
  2. Keep employee tax information up to date.
  3. Update payroll after salary increments or bonuses.
  4. Review PCB deductions before processing payroll.
  5. Use a PCB Calculator Malaysia or payroll software to reduce manual errors.

FAQs

What is PCB?

PCB (Potongan Cukai Bulanan) is the monthly income tax deducted from an employee's salary and paid to LHDN by the employer.

How is PCB calculated?

PCB is calculated based on monthly salary, EPF contributions, tax reliefs, marital status, and LHDN's tax calculation formula.

Is PCB a fixed percentage?

No. PCB follows Malaysia's progressive income tax system, so the amount varies based on an employee's taxable income and personal circumstances.

Does everyone need to pay PCB?

No. Employees whose income is below the taxable threshold generally do not have PCB deducted.