Hey, Shahzad here 👋
Over the past 20+ years as a legal tax advisor and business coach, I’ve seen one thing slow down Pakistani taxpayers more than anything else: manual tax filing. The errors, the confusion, the late-night Google searches trying to decode FBR’s IRIS portal — you’ve been there, right?
But here’s the good news…
Tax preparation software in Pakistan has finally caught up. No more confusing spreadsheets. No more guesswork. No more waiting on an accountant who disappears a week before the deadline.
Today, I’ll walk you through the top tax filing software in Pakistan for 2025 that I personally recommend to clients — salaried professionals, freelancers, and small business owners alike.
And yes, I’ve tested each of these myself, so this guide comes from real-world experience, not just random opinions from the internet.
Let’s get you set up for smarter, faster, and error-free tax filing.
Why You Should Use Tax Software in Pakistan
Let’s be honest: tax filing in Pakistan isn’t exactly beginner-friendly.
Even the IRIS portal — which is the official FBR platform — feels like it was designed by a team of bureaucrats who’ve never filed a return in their lives. 🙈
That’s where tax preparation software comes in.
Whether you’re looking to get your NTN registration, file your income tax return, or just want a smooth, step-by-step interface — the right tool can save you from penalties, errors, and most importantly, wasted time.
Here’s why I recommend software to almost every client:
- Automation: Calculations are done for you — no math mistakes.
- Compliance: Tools stay updated with FBR rules and tax deadlines.
- Recordkeeping: Store your tax history, receipts, wealth statements — all in one place.
- Support: Most tools offer built-in help, chat support, or advisory add-ons.
Now let’s look at the best options available to you right now.
1. Befiler – Best Overall for Individuals and SMEs
If I had to recommend one tool that works for 90% of people in Pakistan, it would be Befiler.
This platform has gained a ton of traction in the past few years — and for good reason.
It’s easy to use, beginner-friendly, and built specifically for the Pakistani tax system. Whether you’re salaried, freelance, or running a small business, Befiler walks you through the entire tax process step by step.
🔍 Key Features:
- NTN Registration: Apply for and receive your NTN in minutes.
- Income Tax Filing: Upload your documents and follow simple on-screen instructions.
- Wealth Statement Wizard: Automates one of the most confusing parts of filing.
- Sales Tax Support: For business owners needing STRN registration or sales tax filings.
✅ Why I Recommend It:
Befiler partners with banks like UBL, Faysal Bank, and Bank Alfalah — which says a lot about their credibility.
They also run tax literacy campaigns, which shows they’re not just a tech company — they understand the local compliance landscape.
Pricing starts at Rs. 3,000, which is more affordable than most accountants who ghost you mid-season.
2. ActiveFiler – Best for Smart Compliance and Tax Advisory
Looking for something a bit more advanced?
ActiveFiler offers more than just tax filing. It brings in smart insights and pro-level support, which makes it perfect for freelancers and entrepreneurs who need advice along with a platform.
Think of it like having a virtual tax consultant + digital tool — rolled into one.
🔍 Key Features:
- Custom Tax Filing Support: For salaried individuals, consultants, and property owners.
- Business Filings: Includes options for sole proprietors and company filings.
- Tax Advisory Services: You can book consultations with tax experts.
✅ Why I Recommend It:
ActiveFiler has a strong focus on education. They explain each step of the filing process in layman’s terms — something most tools completely ignore.
It’s also a great option if you’ve had notices from FBR, or need help with backdated returns.
Pricing varies depending on the service package, but it’s fair for the level of support you get.
3. Tax Dosti – Best for Simplicity and Customer Support
Let’s say you’re not tech-savvy.
Or maybe this is your first time filing, and you just want someone to “hold your hand” through it.
Tax Dosti is made for you.
This platform focuses heavily on ease-of-use and support, which makes it ideal for freelancers, salaried folks, and home-based business owners.
🔍 Key Features:
- Online NTN Registration
- Personalized Tax Filing Assistance
- Business Registration Services
- Simple Wealth Statement Integration
✅ Why I Recommend It:
Their team is responsive — like actually responsive.
I tested them myself. Dropped a WhatsApp message on a Saturday, got a reply in under 10 minutes. That kind of service is rare in the tax world.
If you want friendly service + clean UI, this is a top choice.
4. Tax Asaan – Best Free Tool from FBR
Now, let’s talk about a free option.
Tax Asaan is the official mobile app from FBR itself. It’s not perfect, but for basic filing, it does the job.
I recommend it to salaried people with simple returns or anyone just starting out.
🔍 Key Features:
- FBR-Verified: Comes directly from the Federal Board of Revenue.
- Taxpayer Registration
- Filing for Individuals
- Built-in Tax Calculator
✅ Why I Recommend It:
No fees. No third-party. Fully integrated with FBR’s system.
But a fair warning: the app can be buggy, and support is… well, let’s just say it’s “limited.”
Still, if you’re confident in your data and need a quick way to file on your phone — Tax Asaan is a solid choice.
5. eFiler – Best for E-commerce and Tech-Savvy Users
eFiler has been around for a while, and it’s one of the few platforms that also caters to online sellers and tech freelancers.
They offer robust features for income tax, sales tax, and even corporate filings.
🔍 Key Features:
- Income Tax Filing for Individuals
- Corporate Tax Filing
- Sales Tax (STRN) Registration
- Document Management Dashboard
✅ Why I Recommend It:
eFiler is great for digital professionals who want everything cloud-based, organized, and exportable.
Their UI is slicker than most — and they keep records clean. If you’re managing multiple income sources (salary, freelance, investments), this tool will help you keep it all in one place.
Pricing starts around Rs. 4,000 depending on the complexity of your return.
6. Smart Filer – Best for Corporate and Legal Tax Handling
If you’re running a registered company, managing multiple employees, or handling complex business transactions, Smart Filer is worth your attention.
This platform goes beyond the average tax prep tool. It’s designed with corporate taxation in mind, and is best suited for entrepreneurs, partnerships, and firms that need to handle compliance, documentation, and advanced tax planning.
Key Features:
- Corporate tax return filing with built-in reconciliation support
- Wealth statement tools for directors and partners
- Payroll and withholding tax management
- Custom dashboards for multiple business units
Why I Recommend It:
I’ve consulted for several SMEs where we transitioned their internal tax team onto Smart Filer. The result? Better financial visibility, real-time reporting, and fewer errors in quarterly and annual returns.
If you’re running a real business (with teams, assets, vendors), this tool is not a luxury — it’s essential.
7. Tax Consultants Hub – Best for Blended Human + Software Support
Not everyone wants to go 100% digital, and that’s fair.
Tax Consultants Hub offers a hybrid approach — where you get a personal tax advisor guiding you through the online filing system. It’s like hiring a smart accountant who uses smart software.
This platform is best for people who feel overwhelmed by portals like IRIS, yet want to maintain compliance and take advantage of rebates, deductions, and refunds.
Key Features:
- Custom tax consultation services
- Online form submission and filing through IRIS
- Sales tax and business registration packages
- Assistance with FBR notices and back-filing
Why I Recommend It:
This is ideal for first-time filers or anyone who’s ever said, “I just don’t want to mess this up.”
Their experts handle the technical stuff, while you still control your records and filings.
I’ve referred several clients with overdue returns or FBR audit cases to this service, and the results have been consistently smooth.
How to Choose the Right Tax Preparation Software for You
You’ve just seen the top tax software options in Pakistan — but here’s the real question:
Which one is right for YOU?
Let me help you break it down.
If you’re a salaried person with no side income and your employer already deducts tax, you can start with Tax Asaan or Befiler. Both are simple, and they’ll handle your wealth statement, which is where most people go wrong.
If you’re a freelancer working with clients abroad, go with ActiveFiler or eFiler. These platforms offer freelancer-specific filing templates, and they know how to help you avoid the foreign income misreporting traps that FBR loves to penalize.
If you run a registered business, you should not settle for basic tools. Use Smart Filer, Tax Consultants Hub, or Befiler for SMEs. They’ll help with withholding tax, sales tax, and quarterly statements.
And if you’ve never filed before, and the whole thing gives you anxiety — go for Tax Dosti. Their support team will guide you through everything, patiently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Tax Filing Software
Now let me wear my legal tax advisor hat for a second, because this is where most software users trip up.
Mistake #1: Thinking the software will do everything for you.
Even the best software still needs accurate data. You need to input your salary slips, freelance payments, bank statements, or business revenue correctly. Garbage in = garbage out.
Mistake #2: Ignoring the wealth statement.
You’ve probably heard this before, especially if you’ve read my article on tax preparation in Pakistan. It’s mandatory for almost all filers — and many people file returns without this, which results in being treated as non-filers.
Mistake #3: Missing deadlines and relying on the tool to “remind” you.
Some apps send email alerts, some don’t. The official FBR deadline for tax filing is usually September 30. Mark it yourself, don’t wait for a pop-up.
Mistake #4: Using free tools for complex cases.
Free tools are great for basic needs, but if you’re a business owner, freelancer with foreign income, or have multiple properties — pay for a better solution. You’ll save way more in taxes than the tool costs.
Mistake #5: Filing once and forgetting.
Tax compliance isn’t a one-time event. Update your software dashboard every quarter, especially if you receive notices, refunds, or need to submit withholding tax certificates.
What Sets These Tools Apart from Accountants?
This is a fair question. I get it a lot from students and clients:
“Shahzad bhai, should I use software or just hire a tax guy?”
Here’s my take.
Software is great if you:
- Want control over your financial data
- Need a budget-friendly solution
- Have a relatively straightforward return
Hire a tax consultant if you:
- Are dealing with multiple incomes, notices, or audit risks
- Need tax planning beyond filing (rebates, exemptions, backfiling)
- Are in business or real estate
That’s why I often recommend a hybrid approach: use software like Befiler or ActiveFiler, and back it up with a consultant if your case needs more depth.
In fact, some platforms like Tax Consultants Hub and eFiler offer both, so you can have the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts: Filing Smart is Filing Safe
You don’t have to dread tax season anymore.
Whether you’re filing your first return or optimizing your fifth, the tools we’ve covered here will help you do it faster, better, and more accurately — without the fear of messing it up.
I’ve worked with hundreds of taxpayers across Pakistan who were overwhelmed at first. But once they got the right tool, the right help, and the right mindset — they not only filed their returns, but also started saving thousands every year.
Now it’s your turn.
Pick a platform that fits your tax profile. Start early. And if you get stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
The best time to file is now. The worst time? After FBR sends a notice.
Let’s do it right — the first time.
