">The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is an important factor in Pakistan’s tax legislation, and being identified as a filer has major implications for your tax liability, the services available to you, and your eligibility for benefits. Everyone in Pakistan, whether they work for a salary, run a business, or are self-employed, should be familiar with the process of checking their filer status online with FBR.
However, how does one become a filer? So, a filer is someone whose name appears on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) maintained by FBR and whose income tax returns have been submitted. A greater withholding tax applies to financial transactions such as bank transactions, automobile registrations, property trades, and more if your name is not on that list; being a non-filer carries with it additional penalties. The good news is that FBR and its partners have made it easier than ever to execute a Filer Status Check with the introduction of online platforms, SMS services, and mobile apps.
This guide will show you, step by step, how to use your CNIC to check your FBR filer status. We will discuss all methods that suit your comfort level, whether you are tech savvy or prefer simple mobile solutions. The importance of your status, the benefits of filing, and how to register if you aren’t already a filer will also be covered.
Want a quick and reliable way to perform your Filer Status Check? Our experts at Tag Co. can guide you through every step — from verification to filing.
FBR and Active Taxpayer List
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is in charge of your filer status, so knowing that will help you know it better. Pakistan’s highest tax body, FBR, is in charge of revenue collection, law enforcement, and record keeping on a nationwide level. Maintaining the Active Taxpayer List (ATL), which formally identifies individuals and corporations as “filers,” is one of its primary tasks.
What is the ATL?
As a public record, the Active Taxpayer List is updated weekly by FBR. All persons and companies that have filed their yearly tax returns for the specified tax year are included there, together with their identifying information (such as CNIC numbers). If your name appears here, it’s because the state has verified that you are a paying taxpayer who fulfills their statutory requirements.
Financial institutions, government agencies in charge of vehicle registration and property registrars are among the many entities that use this list to ascertain your tax status. Although you may have paid taxes during the year, if your name isn’t on the list, you will be considered a non-filer when running a Filer Status Check.
How Often Is the ATL Updated?
The ATL is revised every week by FBR. If you want to be a part of it, though, you have to submit your income tax return by the year’s official deadline. Extra fees or removal from the list for that time period are common results of submissions that are late. For instance, there can be a surcharge for ATL 2025 if your 2024 return is filed after the due date.
Importance of ALT
Reasons why it’s important to be included on the ATL are as follows:
- Lower Tax Rates: Filers can take advantage of lower withholding tax rates on a variety of financial transactions, including buying a car, real estate, and more.
- Financial Credibility: Loans, credit cards, and visa applications all look favorably upon those who appear on the ATL.
- Business Opportunities: You must be an active taxpayer to be eligible for some government contracts or bids.
- Avoiding Penalties: Penalties and audits could happen if you are required to file but fail to do so.
Different Methods for FBR Filer Status Check
1. Checking Filer Status via FBR IRIS Portal
Accessing the Filer Status Check through the official IRIS portal of the FBR is a highly reliable method. You can verify your status as an Active Taxpayer and file your income tax returns through IRIS, an online platform. It’s a safe way for people, companies, and tax professionals to view their financial documents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Filer Status on IRIS
Using the IRIS system, you can check your status as follows:
Step 1| Visit the IRIS Portal: Visit the official website of FBR’s IRIS system at https://iris.fbr.gov.pk. Although it is mobile-friendly, it is most effective when used on a desktop browser.
Step 2 | Click on the “Active Taxpayer List (Income Tax)” Button: To access the “Active Taxpayer List (Income Tax)” part, just click on the corresponding link or section on the website. When you click this, a new search window will open up where you can see the current ATL status.
Step 3 | Choose CNIC or NTN: When you reach the ATL window, you’ll have to decide whether to use CNIC (for people) or NTN (for companies or other legal entities). If you are an individual, choose CNIC.
Note: Do not include dashes when entering your CNIC number. For example, type 3520174389201 and not 35201-7438920-1.
Step 4 | Enter the Tax Year: Select the right tax year for which you would like to view your status. Use the dropdown menu to choose 2025 as the year you want to check.
Step 5 | Complete the CAPTCHA: As a security measure, you will be asked to input a CAPTCHA code. Bots cannot abuse the system, so this step is important.
Step 6 | Click Verify or Submit: Click “Submit” or “Verify” (respectively, depending on the site version) after you’ve entered all the details. Verifying your name and CNIC on the Active Taxpayer List for the chosen year is a quick and easy process with our system.
What the Result Looks Like
- If you’re a filer, your name and CNIC will appear with a confirmation message.
- If you’re a non-filer, the system will show “No record found“ or a similar message.
Reasons for Its Reliability
- Most Accurate: Since this is FBR’s own technology, the data is continuously updated.
- Supports Multiple Years: Even for prior tax years, you have the option to view your status.
- Great for Record-Keeping: Take a screenshot or print out the confirmation to show it off when you apply for a loan, visa, or tender.
Tips for Smooth Experience
- Always use a stable internet connection.
- Make sure your browser is up to date.
- Avoid using autofill. Instead type your CNIC manually.
- If CAPTCHA doesn’t load, refresh the page.
IRIS Account vs. Public ATL Search
Some people mistakenly assume that to do a Filer Status Check, they must log into their IRIS account. Whereas, the ATL section allows you to view your status without logging in. On the other hand, complete tax filing details and previous returns can be accessed by logging in to your IRIS account.
2. Checking Filer Status via SMS
Sending an SMS is the easiest and fastest way to check filer status if you don’t have access to a computer or aren’t comfortable using web portals. A cell phone and your CNIC number are all that’s needed; there’s no requirement for the internet.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Filer Status via SMS
Step 1 | Open Your Messaging App: You may access your messaging app or send and receive text messages on any type of mobile phone.
Step 2 | Type Your CNIC Number: Provide your complete 13-digit CNIC number in the body of the message, without dashes. For example: 3520174389201
Step 3 | Send to 9966: Send the message to the official FBR shortcode 9966.
Step 4 | Wait for the Response: You are likely to hear back from FBR regarding your present tax status in just a few seconds. Among these options is what the message will say:
- You are an Active Taxpayer.
- You are not an Active Taxpayer.
Benefits of Using SMS
- No Internet Needed: Perfect for those who don’t have access to Wi-Fi or smartphones.
- Fast & Convenient: Only takes a few seconds.
- Works Anywhere in Pakistan: Given the presence of a mobile signal.
Important Tips
- Use the SIM registered against your CNIC for more reliable results.
- Double-check the number you typed before sending.
- This service is free on most networks, but standard SMS rates may apply in some cases.
Those in less-populated areas or without much technical knowledge will find this SMS capability very useful.
3. Checking Filer Status with the Tax Asaan Mobile App
An excellent choice for individuals looking for an easy-to-use way to monitor their filer status on the go is the Tax Asaan app. This free smartphone app was created in partnership with FBR and provides a simple method to manage many tax-related duties, including checking your filer status.
How to Download and Install Tax Asaan
- Visit Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your smartphone.
- Search for “Tax Asaan”.
- Download and install the official app published by FBR or authorized developers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Filer Status Using Tax Asaan
Step 1 | Open the App: Get the Tax Asaan app launched on your mobile device.
Step 2 | Sign Up or Log In: When you first sign up, you’ll need to provide some basic information such as your CNIC. Signing in is easy for returning users.
Step 3 | Navigate to the Filer Status Section: Find “Filer Status Check” or a similar term in the app’s main menu.
Step 4 | Enter Your CNIC: Type your 13-digit CNIC number without dashes.
Step 5 | Submit and Wait for Result: Press “Check Status” and then be patient. This software will show you your current filer status by connecting to FBR’s database..
Benefits of Using Tax Asaan App
- Intuitive Interface: Even first-time users will find it simple to use.
- Multiple Features: Filing tax returns, calculating taxes, and receiving alerts are additional features available to you.
- Secure & Official: Data is encrypted and directly linked to FBR servers.
- Offline Features: After downloading, you won’t need internet access to use some features.
Tips for Using Tax Asaan
- Keep your app updated to access the latest features.
- Use a reliable internet connection for a smooth verification process.
- Keep your CNIC and other personal details on hand for quick registration.
- Allow notifications to get tax reminders.
You can easily keep track of all of your tax obligations with the help of the Tax Asaan app, which includes a filer status checker.
4. Check Filer Status Using the ATL Excel List
Additionally, the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) is published weekly as an Excel file on the official website of FBR. Every taxpayer for a specific tax year is listed here along with their name, CNIC, and NTN number. An ATL Excel file download is an easy alternative for those who would rather do a manual search or who would like to keep a duplicate for documentation purposes.
How to Use the ATL Excel List to Check Your Filer Status
Step 1 | Download the ATL File: To access the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) in Excel format for the specific tax year, go to the official FBR website or IRIS portal and look for the link.
Step 2 | Open the Excel File: Launch Excel, Google Sheets, or your preferred spreadsheet program to open the file you downloaded.
Step 3 | Use the Search Function: To find your 13-digit CNIC number, use the search function (Ctrl + F or Command + F) and enter it without dashes.
Step 4 | Check the Result
- If your CNIC appears in the list, you are an active taxpayer (filer) for that year.
- If it does not appear, you are a non-filer.
Benefits of Using ATL Excel File
- Able to verify many company NTNs or CNICs together.
- Save filer data offline for later use.
- Beneficial for consultants, firms, and accountants who handle a number of clients.
When it comes to performing bulk checks or record-keeping, the ATL Excel file method is great. However, for single-person queries, most people prefer online options like IRIS or the Tax Asaan app.
Simplify Your Taxes with Tag Co. Tax Consultants
Tag Co. Tax Consultants makes tax management simple, even though Pakistan’s tax structure is typically complicated. From helping you submit your income taxes to checking that your filer status is up to date, their professional staff is there to help.
Tag Co. simplifies everything, guarantees compliance, and helps individuals and businesses optimize their tax benefits. Tag Co. minimizes the burden of complying with FBR laws and online procedures, allowing you to confidently focus on developing your finances.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining compliance with Pakistan’s tax rules requires checking your filer status with FBR. Regularly verifying your status helps avoid penalties and maintains your financial dealings transparent and smooth, whether you prefer to use the IRIS online, SMS service, Tax Asaan app, or other means.
Need professional assistance to simplify your tax matters? Tag Co. Tax Consultants are here to help! Contact Tag Co. today to get expert guidance on filer status checks, tax filings, and overall tax planning.
