How to Register with FBR for Tax Filing in Pakistan – Complete 2025 Guide

Hello, Shahzad here.

I’m a professional tax advisor with over 20 years of experience helping individuals, business owners, and freelancers across Pakistan navigate the tax system with confidence. And one of the first steps I guide every client through — whether they’re salaried, self-employed, or running a full-scale company — is FBR registration.

Here’s the good news: registering with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is not as complicated as people think.

But here’s the bad news: most people either don’t do it right — or don’t do it at all.

In this article, I’ll walk you through how to register with FBR for tax filing in Pakistan, the right way. Not the trial-and-error way. Not the “I watched a random YouTube video” way. But the method I’ve used personally with my clients to get them properly listed, confidently compliant, and added to the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) — often in less than a day.

Let’s get into it.

Why FBR Registration is Non-Negotiable in Pakistan

Let’s address the elephant in the room.

Why even bother registering with FBR if you’re just a salaried person? Or a freelancer working with international clients? Or a small business operating informally?

Here’s the deal. In 2025, FBR compliance isn’t optional anymore — it’s essential.

When you’re registered with the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue), you unlock immediate advantages:

• You become a filer — meaning lower withholding tax on almost everything: vehicle registration, property purchase, banking transactions, and even utility connections.
• You’re listed on the ATL, which boosts your financial credibility when applying for loans, business visas, or tenders.
• You reduce your risk of being flagged for non-compliance, audit notices, or penalties.

And that’s just the start.

As a tax advisor, I’ve seen first-hand how registering and becoming compliant transforms not just someone’s legal standing, but their financial opportunities. Clients who were once “invisible” to the system are now buying properties, getting approved for international travel, and accessing funding—all because they took the first step seriously.

Now, let me help you do the same.

Who Should Register with FBR? (Hint: Probably You)

There’s a widespread myth in Pakistan that only businesses need to register with FBR.

That’s flat-out wrong.

According to Section 114 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, you need to register and file taxes if:

• You earn a salary exceeding Rs. 600,000 per year
• You’re a freelancer or consultant earning income through foreign or local clients
• You run a business or shop, no matter the size
• You own property, a car, or a bank account
• You receive foreign remittances, rent, capital gains, or dividends
• You want to show up in the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) and legally save money

If you fall into any of the categories above — even partially — then yes, you need to register.

And if you don’t? You could be paying double the tax on transactions without realizing it.

Step 1: Gather the Essentials (Before You Even Open the Portal)

Here’s where the real preparation starts.

Before registering, make sure you have the following:

• Your CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
• A valid email address (make sure you can access it instantly)
• A mobile number registered in your name (this is non-negotiable)
• Access to your NADRA-verified details (FBR will match your CNIC record)

Why does this matter?

Because every piece of this data is verified against NADRA and PTA records. If your mobile number isn’t registered to your CNIC, or your email has a typo, the system will block your registration.

As someone who’s handled countless FBR accounts, I’ve seen people wait weeks just to fix a typo or incorrect mobile record.

Save yourself the headache — double-check now.

Step 2: Head to the FBR IRIS Portal (This is Where It All Happens)

Once you’ve got your details ready, go to the FBR IRIS portal. This is the official online system for registration, tax return filing, wealth statements, and more.

Don’t let the interface intimidate you. It’s not the prettiest, but it gets the job done.

On the login page, look for the link that says “Registration for Unregistered Person” — you’ll find it right below the login fields.

Click it.

You’ll be taken to the Basic Information form. This is where you enter:

• Your CNIC number (without dashes)
• Your name (as per CNIC)
• Mobile number (must match your CNIC record)
• Email address (you’ll get your verification here)

Once submitted, you’ll receive an SMS and email from FBR with a temporary password. This is your first login credential for the IRIS system.

Boom — you’re now in the FBR system.

Step 3: First-Time Login and Creating Your FBR Profile

Now it’s time to log into IRIS using your CNIC as the username and the temporary password you just received.

After logging in, the system will prompt you to change your password. Make it something secure (and memorable — you’ll need this again when filing returns).

Once inside, click on the Registration Form (181) under the “Drafts” tab. This is where you provide your full personal and, if applicable, business information.

Let me guide you through the critical fields that people often mess up:

• Residential Address: Use your permanent, traceable address. If you move frequently, choose a location you can verify.
• Business Address: Only fill this if you’re running a formal business or freelance practice.
• Bank Account Details: Enter at least one active account — this helps link your income sources and is crucial for refunds.
• Employment Status: Select correctly — Salaried, Business, or Both. Don’t guess here. If you’re unsure, ask someone experienced (like me) before submitting.

After completing the form, hit “Submit.”

The system will now process your registration — and if everything’s in order, you’ll receive your NTN confirmation shortly via email and on the dashboard.

Quick reminder: If you’re an individual filer, your NTN is the same as your CNIC. If you’re registering as a business, you’ll receive a separate 7-digit NTN.

At this point, you are now officially registered with FBR.

What Happens After Registration?

Now that you’re registered, you can:

• File your annual income tax return
• Submit your wealth statement
• Check your withholding tax deductions
• Track your ATL status via the ATL search tool

But that’s just the beginning.

Proper registration is the foundation. From here, your next step is to file your return, ideally before the annual deadline (usually Sept 30, unless extended). You’ll need to submit both your income details and wealth reconciliation, even if your tax has already been deducted at source.

As a registered filer, you’re now legally empowered to claim deductions, apply for tax refunds, and save literally tens of thousands of rupees in overpaid taxes.

How to File Your First Tax Return After Registration

Now that you’re officially registered, the next big step is to file your first tax return.

Here’s where many first-time filers freeze.

They assume that registration was the “main thing” and that they’ll deal with filing later. Unfortunately, that’s exactly how people miss deadlines, end up paying penalties, or worse — get dropped from the Active Taxpayer List (ATL).

Once registered, your responsibility as a taxpayer begins immediately. Even if you didn’t earn much that year — or at all — you still need to file a zero return and submit your wealth statement.

Let me guide you through the essentials.

Log in to your IRIS dashboard, and under the “Declaration” section, click on “Income Tax Return.”

Select the relevant tax year (for example, 2025) and begin filling in:

• Personal details (most of these will be auto-filled from registration)
• Income details – Salaried? Business? Freelance? Enter accurately
• Tax deductions already made at source (like salary or bank transactions)
• Assets and liabilities (this forms your wealth statement)

And yes, even if your income is under the taxable limit, you still need to file — that’s how you stay in ATL and enjoy lower tax rates on transactions.

Once done, review everything thoroughly. Then hit “Submit” on both the income tax return and the wealth statement.

Congratulations — you’ve now filed your first return!

Common Mistakes First-Time Filers Must Avoid

If I had a rupee for every time someone said, “But I didn’t know I had to do that,” I could buy a fleet of Honda Civics with the non-filer tax rate.

The most common mistakes I’ve seen — and fixed — over the years include:

1. Ignoring the wealth statement
   This is a legal requirement, even if you only have one bank account and no assets. Leaving it blank or skipping it completely can get your return marked as incomplete, which means you don’t get ATL benefits.
2. Incorrect income reporting
   Freelancers often forget to declare earnings from platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Payoneer. Remember: even foreign income must be declared, especially if it’s remitted through official banking channels.
3. Mismatched bank records
   The FBR system often cross-verifies your declared income with your bank transactions. If your declared income shows Rs. 1,200,000 and your bank credits are Rs. 3,000,000 — red flags go up.
4. Late filing
   Filing after the deadline doesn’t just make you a non-filer — it can also lead to penalties and notices. I always recommend filing at least a week before the due date.

Don’t let these mistakes mess with your peace of mind. Getting it right the first time is always worth it.

How to Check Your ATL Status After Filing

The best part about FBR registration? Seeing your name pop up on the Active Taxpayer List.

Once you’ve filed your return and wealth statement successfully, head over to the ATL search tool and enter your CNIC (without dashes). If everything’s good, your name will appear as a registered, active filer.

Pro tip: The ATL updates every Sunday, so don’t panic if your name doesn’t show up immediately. It usually takes 7–14 days post-filing.

Being on ATL means you’ll now pay:

• Lower vehicle registration tax
• Reduced property transaction tax
• Minimal banking transaction charges
• Access to government tenders and financial products that require tax compliance

And most importantly, it tells the world — you mean business.

What FBR Registration Means for Salaried Individuals

If you’re a salaried person, your employer likely deducts tax from your monthly paycheck already.

So, should you still register and file?

Absolutely.

Here’s why:

• Your employer’s deduction doesn’t automatically mean your tax return is filed.
• You may be overpaying tax — especially if you’re eligible for deductions like Zakat, education expenses, or insurance premiums.
• Filing your own return ensures you’re listed in ATL, which means lower WHT rates on everything from banking to travel.

I helped a schoolteacher last year recover over Rs. 85,000 in excess tax paid — simply by filing the return herself for the first time.

That’s not pocket change.

Freelancers: You’re Not Invisible to FBR Anymore

Freelancers are among my fastest-growing clientele — and for good reason.

As platforms like Fiverr, Toptal, and Upwork grow in Pakistan, the FBR is becoming more aware of this income stream. So if you think you’re flying under the radar because you get paid in USD — think again.

The FBR now tracks foreign remittances through banks, Payoneer, and even some e-wallet services.

As a freelancer, registering and filing your taxes does three things for you:

1. It protects your foreign income from suspicion or misclassification.
2. It gives you a legitimate way to claim deductions on business expenses (like laptops, internet bills, subscriptions).
3. It makes you eligible for tax rebates and business benefits under sole proprietor status.

I recently helped a freelance graphic designer get her tax refund processed for Payoneer earnings — she had been paying 1% WHT on withdrawals for over two years. After registration and return filing, she recovered thousands.

Trust me — if you’re serious about freelancing, get serious about registration.

Small Business Owners: FBR Registration is Your Legitimacy

I’ve worked with dozens of small business owners — shopkeepers, consultants, online store owners — who delayed registering because “business isn’t that big yet.”

Big mistake.

By registering with FBR, you:

• Make your business legitimate and bankable
• Avoid penalties for non-filing
• Get access to loans, partnerships, and vendor contracts that require ATL presence
• Protect your business from abrupt FBR inquiries or penalty notices

Even if you’re earning modestly today, building your tax history will position you to grow with confidence.

And yes, I’ve personally helped multiple small businesses go from unregistered to fully compliant — and then scale.

Final Thoughts: Why This Isn’t Just About Taxes, It’s About Your Future

Look, I know dealing with the FBR, IRIS, and tax forms doesn’t exactly sound thrilling. But here’s the reality: FBR registration is your first step toward financial empowerment in Pakistan.

It’s not about paying tax for the sake of it.

It’s about:

• Paying what’s fair, not more
• Being visible and credible in the eyes of banks, institutions, and regulators
• Accessing financial tools, travel privileges, and investment opportunities
• Staying out of legal trouble while staying ahead of the game

I’ve helped people from every walk of life take this first step. And I’m telling you, once you do it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

So take a deep breath. Visit the FBR portal. And start your registration today.

Your tax journey starts now — and I promise, it gets easier from here.