How to register for a National Tax Number with FBR and get on the Active Taxpayer List
A National Tax Number is your unique tax identification number issued by the Federal Board of Revenue. Without it, you cannot file an income tax return, and without filing a return, you cannot appear on the Active Taxpayer List. Being off the ATL means you pay double withholding tax on almost every financial transaction — from cash withdrawals to property transfers to vehicle purchases.
Filers pay half the withholding tax on property, vehicles, banking, and investments
Non-filers restricted from purchasing property above Rs. 50M residential / Rs. 100M commercial
Non-filers cannot purchase or register vehicles exceeding Rs. 7M in value
Required for opening current accounts and many banking services
Go to iris.fbr.gov.pk in your browser. Click on "Registration for Unregistered Persons" or navigate to e-Enrollment. This is the official FBR online portal where all tax registration and return filing takes place.
Enter your 13-digit Computerised National Identity Card number (without dashes). The system will pull your name and other basic details from the NADRA database automatically. Make sure your CNIC is valid and not expired.
Set a username (your CNIC is typically used as the login ID) and a strong password. Enter your mobile number and email address. FBR will send a verification PIN to your mobile number via SMS.
Enter the PIN you received via SMS. This links your mobile number to your FBR account and is used for all future OTP-based authentication when filing returns or making changes to your profile.
Fill in the required details: your principal income source (salary, business, property, etc.), your employer's name and NTN (if salaried), your residential address, and your business address if applicable. Select the correct principal activity that describes your occupation.
Upload scanned copies of the required documents. The system accepts PDF and image formats. Ensure all documents are legible.
Once you submit the registration, FBR typically processes it within a few hours to a few business days. Your NTN number will be displayed in your IRIS dashboard. You can also receive it via SMS or email. This NTN is permanent and does not change.
If you are registering a business (sole proprietorship, partnership/AOP, or private limited company), the process is similar but requires additional documentation. For companies registered with SECP, the company's SECP incorporation certificate is required.
For sole proprietorships, you typically only need your personal CNIC, proof of business address (utility bill or rental agreement), and a description of your business activity. No SECP registration is needed for sole proprietorships.
SMS: Send your 13-digit CNIC number to 9966. You will receive an instant response confirming whether you are on the Active Taxpayer List.
Online: Visit e.fbr.gov.pk/esbn/Logins/ATL-Inquiry.aspx and enter your CNIC or NTN number to check your ATL status.
IRIS Portal: Log in to iris.fbr.gov.pk. Your filer status is displayed on your dashboard along with your NTN, filing history, and outstanding obligations.
Yes. There is no government fee for registering your NTN with FBR. The entire process is free and can be done online through the IRIS portal.
For individuals, the NTN is often issued within a few hours. For businesses, it can take 1–3 business days depending on the completeness of your documentation. If there are discrepancies or missing documents, FBR may request clarification before issuing the NTN.
No. Simply having an NTN does not make you a filer. You must file an income tax return to appear on the Active Taxpayer List. Until you file, you are treated as a non-filer and pay higher withholding tax rates on all applicable transactions.
Yes. Overseas Pakistanis can register for an NTN using their CNIC or NICOP. The entire process can be done online through the IRIS portal. If you own property in Pakistan, receive rental income, or have other Pakistani-source income, you are required to register and file.
NTN (National Tax Number) is for income tax purposes. STRN (Sales Tax Registration Number) is for sales tax. If your business sells goods or provides taxable services, you may need both. STRN registration is separate and done through the relevant federal or provincial authority.
Yes. We handle the entire process — from documentation to portal submission to follow-up with FBR. We also file your first income tax return so you appear on the ATL immediately. Contact us via WhatsApp at +92-323-2999999 or email info@lex-form.com.