One of the best financial choices a Pakistani person can make is How to become filer in pakistan. Filing your income tax returns with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) guarantees compliance, protects you from penalties, and offers you a number of advantages like reduced withholding taxes and legal financial recognition, regardless of whether you are an investor, freelancer, business owner, or salaried individual.
This article will outline the steps How to become filer in pakistan, the advantages of filing, the necessary paperwork, the difficulties people encounter, and how expert services like Efiling streamline and ease the process.
What Does It Mean to Be a Filer in Pakistan?
bnx Any individual or business whose name is on the FBR Active Ta xpayers List (ATL) is considered a filer. The names of people and companies who filed their income tax returns for the preceding tax year are included here, and it is updated every week. You are formally acknowledged as a tax filer in Pakistan if your name appears on ATL. When it comes to business operations, real estate purchases, car registration, and banking transactions, there are significant benefits to being a filer over non-filers. You can check your status on the FBR Active Taxpayer List (ATL) to see if you are a filer. Efiling Pakistan’s reliable online tax file platform, is another resource for prompt assistance.
Why Should You Become a Filer in Pakistan?
Many people ask, “Why should I become a filer when taxes are already deducted from my salary or transactions?” The answer lies in the benefits of being a filer in Pakistan.
Key Benefits of Being a Filer:
1. Lower Withholding Tax Rates
Filers pay less tax on banking transactions, property, and vehicles compared to non-filers.
2. Legal Compliance
Filing ensures you are complying with FBR laws, avoiding penalties and notices.
3. Refunds & Adjustments
If you have already paid excess tax (like withholding tax on phone bills or banking), you can claim a refund.
4. Business Recognition
A filer status boosts credibility with banks, government institutions, and clients.
5. Easy Visa Processing
Embassies and consulates often require tax documents for visa applications.
6. Property & Vehicle Transactions
Non-filers are charged higher tax rates on purchase/transfer of property and vehicles.
Step-by-Step Process: How to become filer in pakistan
Let’s break down the tax filing process into simple steps:
1. Get Your NTN (National Tax Number)
Every filer needs an NTN, which can be obtained from FBR’s IRIS portal.
You need your CNIC, mobile number, and email ID.
If you are a salaried person, your NTN is usually generated automatically.
Efiling can help you generate your NTN within hours.
Create an account using your CNIC, email, and mobile number.
You will receive login credentials.
3. Prepare Required Documents
Before filing, gather the following:
CNIC copy
Salary certificate (for salaried individuals)
Business income records (for self-employed/freelancers)
Property ownership documents (if applicable)
Bank statements
Tax deduction certificates (from bank, telecom, or employer)
4. File Your Income Tax Return
Log into IRIS Portal and file your tax return by declaring:
Income from salary, business, or freelance work
Assets (property, car, shares, etc.)
Expenses and investments
Withholding taxes already deducted
5. Submit Wealth Statement
Along with your tax return, you must also submit a Wealth Statement, showing your total assets and liabilities. Mistakes in wealth statements often trigger FBR notices, so professional support is highly recommended.
6. Check Active Taxpayer List (ATL)
After successful submission, check if your name appears in FBR ATL.
ATL is updated weekly.
Once your name is on it, you are officially a filer.
Who Needs to Become a Filer in Pakistan?
Salaried individuals – To claim tax credits and refunds.
Freelancers & IT professionals – To legally declare income and avoid penalties.
SMEs & Startups – For company registration, business compliance, and tax savings.
Property buyers/sellers – To avoid high taxes on transactions.
Vehicle owners – To pay reduced registration and transfer taxes.
Challenges in How to become filer in pakistan
While the process looks simple on paper, many individuals face:
A filer in Pakistan is an individual or organization registered with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) who regularly files income tax returns and reports their income, assets, and liabilities. Becoming a filer is important because it is a legal obligation if your income exceeds a set threshold, and filers gain benefits like lower withholding taxes, access to government services, and avoidance of penalties.
Anyone aged 18 or older, earning an income above the minimum taxable limit (around PKR 600,000 annually), including salaried individuals, business owners, and freelancers, is eligible and legally required to become a filer.
You can register online via the FBR IRIS portal by creating an account with your CNIC, filling the NTN registration form, uploading required documents like CNIC copy and proof of business or employment, and submitting it for approval. Alternatively, you can register in person at a Regional Tax Office with the necessary documents.
Obtain NTN by registering on the FBR IRIS portal or RTO. Log in to the IRIS portal using your NTN and complete your profile. Upload all required documents including CNIC, salary slips, or business proofs. File your tax returns through the IRIS portal annually. Verify your status on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) to confirm filer status.
Conclusion
Becoming a filer in Pakistan is no longer optional. It’s a financial necessity. The benefits far outweigh the effort, especially when you have expert support. Whether you are a salaried person, freelancer, or business owner, you can file your taxes through Efiling ensures compliance, reduces tax liability, and boosts your financial credibility.