Continuous Transaction Control (CTC) Model in Malaysia

As Malaysia advances in its journey towards digitization, the implementation of the Continuous Transaction Control (CTC) model for e-invoicing represents a significant step forward. To streamline business operations and enhance tax compliance, the Malaysian government has adopted this model to verify sales invoices in real time. This blog explores the CTC model, its benefits, and its role in Malaysia’s e-invoicing landscape.

What is the Continuous Transaction Control (CTC) Model?

The Continuous Transaction Control (CTC) model is a system that enables real-time tracking and verification of financial transactions by tax authorities through electronic invoicing. In Malaysia, this model will be used to ensure that all sales invoices are compliant with tax regulations by processing them via the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia’s (IRBM) API.

The CTC model facilitates a seamless exchange of invoice data between businesses and the tax authority, ensuring that compliance checks are conducted as transactions occur, rather than retroactively.

How the CTC Model Works in Malaysia

The CTC model operates through key steps to ensure real-time validation and recording of e-invoices:

1. Issuance of E-Invoice: Upon a sale, the seller generates an e-invoice using a standardized template, which includes all necessary transaction data for submission to the IRBM.
2. Validation: The e-invoice is sent to the IRBM for real-time validation. The IRBM checks for accuracy and compliance with Malaysian tax laws. If validated, the invoice receives a Unique Identifier Number (UIN), serving as a traceable reference.
3. Notifications: Once validated, both the seller and buyer are notified of the successful validation, confirming compliance.
4. Sharing: The seller sends the validated e-invoice, along with the UIN and a QR code, to the buyer for easy verification of authenticity.
5. Rejection or Cancellation: The buyer can request rejection of the e-invoice within a specified timeframe for discrepancies, while the seller can cancel it if needed.
6. MyInvois Portal: All e-invoice transactions are stored in the MyInvois portal for easy access, record-keeping, and audits.

Key Benefits of the CTC Model

• Real-Time Data Access: Tax authorities access transaction data in real time, ensuring transparency and traceability.
• Increased Compliance and Reduced Fraud: Automatic reporting minimizes tax evasion opportunities, ensuring close monitoring of financial activities.
• Improved Efficiency: Automation reduces administrative burdens, streamlining invoicing and compliance processes.
• Enhanced Data Quality and Accuracy: Real-time validation ensures accurate and up-to-date financial data, crucial for reporting and audits.
• Faster Audits and Tax Assessments: Real-time access allows for more efficient audits and accurate tax assessments.
• Better Business Intelligence: Collected data provides insights into market trends and performance for informed decision-making.
• Increased Transparency: All transactions are recorded and easily traceable, fostering trust between businesses and tax authorities.
• Cost Savings: Reduced manual interventions lead to significant cost savings for businesses and tax authorities while minimizing the risk of errors.

Role of Hybrid CTC in Malaysia’s E-Invoicing System

While the CTC model offers numerous benefits, it also has certain limitations, particularly in terms of scalability and flexibility. This is where the Hybrid Continuous Transaction Control (Hybrid CTC) model comes into play.

The Hybrid CTC model combines the centralized processing of transactions with the flexibility of decentralized systems, allowing businesses to maintain their transaction records while still benefiting from centralized oversight.

How Does the Hybrid CTC Model Work?

The Hybrid CTC model in Malaysia integrates the Peppol network—a global standard for e-invoicing—into the centralized CTC system. This integration allows for the centralized validation of e-invoices while providing businesses with the flexibility to customize their invoicing processes to suit their individual needs. Here’s how it functions.

1. E-Invoice Issuance: The supplier generates an e-invoice and submits it to the IRBM for validation.
2. Validation: The IRBM validates the e-invoice in real time and generates a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) for document traceability.
3. Transmission to Buyers: The validated e-invoice is sent to the buyer, who can verify its authenticity using a QR code provided by the IRBM.
4. Peppol Network Integration: The Peppol network facilitates the exchange of e-invoices across different platforms, ensuring that businesses can operate smoothly even if they use different systems.

How Does the Hybrid CTC Model Work?

The Hybrid CTC model in Malaysia integrates the Peppol network—a global standard for e-invoicing—into the centralized CTC system. This integration allows for the centralized validation of e-invoices while providing businesses with the flexibility to customize their invoicing processes to suit their individual needs. Here’s how it functions.

1. E-Invoice Issuance: The supplier generates an e-invoice and submits it to the IRBM for validation.
2. Validation: The IRBM validates the e-invoice in real time and generates a Unique Identifier Number (UIN) for document traceability.
3. Transmission to Buyers: The validated e-invoice is sent to the buyer, who can verify its authenticity using a QR code provided by the IRBM.
4. Peppol Network Integration: The Peppol network facilitates the exchange of e-invoices across different platforms, ensuring that businesses can operate smoothly even if they use different systems.