Home » Laws & Taxes » Become a Tax Filer: How to Register Online to File your Income Tax Returns
The government of Pakistan is taking extra measures to bring more people into the tax net. Paying taxes is one thing and filing tax returns is another. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) wants all taxpayers to become tax filers as well. In this informative blog, we will guide you step-by-step on how to become a tax filer in Pakistan in 2019.
Who can apply for online registration?
Only an individual can register through e-filing system. So, associations of persons and companies have to go through a slightly lengthier process
The e-filing is applicable only for the filing of income tax returns, but not for sales tax returns.
Requirements of filing for tax in Pakistan
Copy of CNIC
Registered cell number
Total salary earned during the last fiscal year
Your bank statement for the current fiscal year
Bank statements and certificates indicating the tax deductions you make.
Complete details of assets owned by you as on 30.06.2018, such as value shares and the cost of properties etc.
How to become a tax filer in Pakistan online?
If you are a first time tax filer in Pakistan and have not registered yourself for it, then you first need to register for tax returns by clicking on the tab ‘Registration for unregistered person’ as encircled in the picture given below.
Visit FBR’s website: Click on the tab “Registration for unregistered person”
The question is how to be a tax filer? There is a process for online registration for tax filer by FBR. If you already have a National Tax Number known as NTN you need to visit the official FBR website and open the tab ‘file income tax returns’. Then click on logging into Iris as encircled in the picture below.
If you already have NTN then log into Iris on FBR website
When you click ‘submit’ after providing all the details, your phone number and email address will be verified via separate codes sent on your phone and email.
Fill out the form and click submit button once you have filled all personal details
When your phone number and email address has been verified you will receive a text with your registration number similar to the CNIC number along with a password, and pin code. Now, you can log into your Iris account using the registration/CNIC number and password. Save the pin code as you will need it again when submitting your income tax returns and wealth statement.
Those who have a National Tax Number (NTN) or Registration Number but they don’t have credentials to log into Iris, they can get access by clicking on ‘E-enrollment for Registered Person’
The process of filing tax returns is a huge topic which we will cover in detail in our next blog. Briefly, you will have to provide a bank statement and how much taxes are deducted, for those who are salaried individuals. All details related to your income in the previous year and if you are a property owner, the income you earn through your property.
How to know you are a tax filer?
Earlier, the Active Taxpayers List used to be updated on the 15th day of the calendar every month. But taxpayers faced a lot of problems as they did not know whether they had become a filer or not. So, now the Active Taxpayers List is being updated on a weekly basis.
At 12.00 PM on every Sunday the ATL is updated. By next Monday it is also uploaded. Banks, government offices and other agents update the list on a weekly basis in their database and place taxpayers in the ‘filers’ and ‘non-filers’ categories.
Did you find our guide on how to become a tax filer helpful? You can also take a look at the benefits of a tax filer against a non-filer. For more updates on laws and taxes, stay tuned to the best property and real estate blog in Pakistan.
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AS writes for a positive change. She believes that words hold immense power! She bears an entrepreneurial spirit. In her free time, she motivates women to follow their dreams.
Hi farhad,
You haven’t covered the assistance for overseas Pakistani’s, what are the requirements to fulfill or what documents they required to submit to become a filer as we’ve no whatsoever income in Pakistan except immovable assets.
This is strange, the govt hasn’t made clear exceptions for overseas pakistanis who earned abroad and bring huge remittances to Pakistan for investments.
Looking forward to have a detailed response from you.
Thanks,
ALi
Hi,
I will get back to you with a detailed answer soon! Overseas Pakistanis do no have to pay any additional taxes, they will pay taxes on only the income they earn from Pakistan. They former Finance Minister, during the budget windup speech announced a special one page e-returns for overseas Pakistanis, however, there hasn’t been any progress on the matter so far. I will get detailed information on the matter and get back to you as soon as possible.
Overseas Pakistani’s doesn’t need to file wealth statement. They can file income tax return without submitting wealth statement.
According to Shahzad Nawaz, an FBR representative, that is not correct. You can’t file returns without wealth statement, even if you are an overseas Pakistani. Can you please show any laws or regulations backing your statement of this exemption?
Once upon a time I was a filer and had temporary TAX number; later on, my rental income in Pakistan fell below the limit so IT Dept told me not to bother about filing return of my rental income. I am overseas worker working in LIBYA since 2001 and overseas income is exempt from income tax etc; but i am penalized while doing BANKING TRANSACTION and WH Tax is DEDUCTED. My rental income is still below the limit; so what to do to avoid payment of WH Tax on bank transactions and cash withdrawal or even transfer from Bank to National Savings Organization for investment purposes, but this quite surprising!!!! PLEASE COMMENT AND ADVISE.
Anwar sab, filing taxes means you will have to pay lower WHT, even while you don’t have to pay any new taxes. Moreover, if you are paying taxes, they can be adjusted against your WHT.
Filing taxes can be intimidating but don’t be scared. Help is available and it’s free of cost.
Just gather all the relevant details and visit regional tax office. They have young staff who is extremely cooperative and helpful. They will enter all your information in system and after 1 week, your status will show up as filer. Here is the address of this office in Islamabad.
Street 30, G-9 Mauve Area G 9/1 G-9, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory
Thank you, as always, sir! I think this will be really helpful to our readers.
I register my company and tax number in 2014 but soon after I left my Pakistan. Now I have to resume my business of export. Do I need to submit Nill Business Form.
According to Shahzad Nawaz, an FBR representative, you will have to submit Nill Business Form, yes.
Dear Farhad.
I am an overseas. I am a filer and have submitted my tax returns for the previous years.
I tried to open my wealth statement but failed to see. i wish if you can guide me how to check my wealth statement in FBR website.
thanks
Once you log into Iris, you can submit your wealth statement under Declaration tab in Form “116(2) (Statement of Assets/Liabilities voluntarily filed)”.
However, you can only do this if you are already registered with the Iris, because overseas Pakistanis can not directly register onto Iris according to Shahzad Nawaz, an FBR representative, you will have to register through an attorney who will need to visitt Excise & Taxation department for you.
Dear Farhad,
I am living in Saudi Arabia for last 10 years and before that had no income in Pakistan. I want to become a filer.
I need you assistance to clarify the following question:
I have booked an apartment in Pakistan (2015) which will be completed in December 2018.What is the value i need to declare (actual amount paid to developer or fake (discounted) amount declared by developer). I wish to declare correct amount as i have supporting documents for source of income and money transfer.
What is the right way for me to become a filer. Please suggest any tax attorney if possible with contact details
Yes, it will be recommended that you submit the correct amount, that is backed by actual documents. However, I suggest that you discuss the matter with a tax attorney, indeed, to understand all the variety of legal implications for you.
Hi
Do anyone have info for persons dont have office in pakistan but are working as consultant and getting remittance from nalausia or thailand. Pls let me know how the submit the file ? Is there any tax to be payex for us??
Are you in Pakistan? If you are, you will just have to submit your income tax returns and wealth statement the normal way. Remittances up to a certain amount per person per year are exempt from taxation. You will not have to pay any tax on it in any case. However, if it fees, the case might be different. You will need to discuss this with your legal adviser.
I am an overseas pakistani since april 1994. I started business setting up an engineering workshop in partnership.My partner registered the company to certify partnership later and later on without my knowledge i was registered against NTN number and I never filed tax returns as i was not knowing about it being living in Abu Dhabi.Now I have e-enrolled myself intending to become a filer.But my NTN was issued based on company but as a overseas pakistani.Now I want to register my self in CBR IRIS site in order to become a filer.How can i modify or change from NTN due to a company partner to overseas pakistani status.I need advice how can I achieve the status change from company partner to overseas individual?
I would suggest you contact the FBR on the matter. You can use FBR helpline for the purpose. I have always found their representatives to be very helpful. They will guide you well. The FBR helpline is: 0092-51-111 772 772. I also believe you should discuss the matter with your lawyer before you take action.
Assalam O Alaikum,
Please tell me how much it will cost to become a filer? What is the fee?
I was working in a government department. I resigned from the service and left Pakistan in 2013 for Ph.D. studies. I returned on 3rd September-2018 to start a job in Pakistani university. I brought remittance with me ( cash+Bank transaction). Previously I had only 3000 USD in Pakistani account for last 5 years.
1) I am submitting 114(1) Return of income filled voluntarily by a non-resident Pakistani-origin person having no Pakistani source income.
2) I also submitting 116(2) statement of assets /liabilities filed voluntarily.
Is the above two forms are OK for my tax filing?
Question) How I can file the 2013-2017 year tax? which form can I submit?
I would suggest you contact FBR’s helpline for complete information on this matter. I have always found them quite helpful.
Hi farhad,
You haven’t covered the assistance for overseas Pakistani’s, what are the requirements to fulfill or what documents they required to submit to become a filer as we’ve no whatsoever income in Pakistan except immovable assets.
This is strange, the govt hasn’t made clear exceptions for overseas pakistanis who earned abroad and bring huge remittances to Pakistan for investments.
Looking forward to have a detailed response from you.
Thanks,
ALi
Hi,
I will get back to you with a detailed answer soon! Overseas Pakistanis do no have to pay any additional taxes, they will pay taxes on only the income they earn from Pakistan. They former Finance Minister, during the budget windup speech announced a special one page e-returns for overseas Pakistanis, however, there hasn’t been any progress on the matter so far. I will get detailed information on the matter and get back to you as soon as possible.
Overseas Pakistani’s doesn’t need to file wealth statement. They can file income tax return without submitting wealth statement.
According to Shahzad Nawaz, an FBR representative, that is not correct. You can’t file returns without wealth statement, even if you are an overseas Pakistani. Can you please show any laws or regulations backing your statement of this exemption?
Once upon a time I was a filer and had temporary TAX number; later on, my rental income in Pakistan fell below the limit so IT Dept told me not to bother about filing return of my rental income. I am overseas worker working in LIBYA since 2001 and overseas income is exempt from income tax etc; but i am penalized while doing BANKING TRANSACTION and WH Tax is DEDUCTED. My rental income is still below the limit; so what to do to avoid payment of WH Tax on bank transactions and cash withdrawal or even transfer from Bank to National Savings Organization for investment purposes, but this quite surprising!!!! PLEASE COMMENT AND ADVISE.
Anwar sab, filing taxes means you will have to pay lower WHT, even while you don’t have to pay any new taxes. Moreover, if you are paying taxes, they can be adjusted against your WHT.
Filing taxes can be intimidating but don’t be scared. Help is available and it’s free of cost.
Just gather all the relevant details and visit regional tax office. They have young staff who is extremely cooperative and helpful. They will enter all your information in system and after 1 week, your status will show up as filer. Here is the address of this office in Islamabad.
Street 30, G-9 Mauve Area G 9/1 G-9, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory
Thank you, as always, sir! I think this will be really helpful to our readers.
I register my company and tax number in 2014 but soon after I left my Pakistan. Now I have to resume my business of export. Do I need to submit Nill Business Form.
According to Shahzad Nawaz, an FBR representative, you will have to submit Nill Business Form, yes.
Dear Farhad.
I am an overseas. I am a filer and have submitted my tax returns for the previous years.
I tried to open my wealth statement but failed to see. i wish if you can guide me how to check my wealth statement in FBR website.
thanks
Once you log into Iris, you can submit your wealth statement under Declaration tab in Form “116(2) (Statement of Assets/Liabilities voluntarily filed)”.
However, you can only do this if you are already registered with the Iris, because overseas Pakistanis can not directly register onto Iris according to Shahzad Nawaz, an FBR representative, you will have to register through an attorney who will need to visitt Excise & Taxation department for you.
Dear Farhad,
I am living in Saudi Arabia for last 10 years and before that had no income in Pakistan. I want to become a filer.
I need you assistance to clarify the following question:
I have booked an apartment in Pakistan (2015) which will be completed in December 2018.What is the value i need to declare (actual amount paid to developer or fake (discounted) amount declared by developer). I wish to declare correct amount as i have supporting documents for source of income and money transfer.
What is the right way for me to become a filer. Please suggest any tax attorney if possible with contact details
Yes, it will be recommended that you submit the correct amount, that is backed by actual documents. However, I suggest that you discuss the matter with a tax attorney, indeed, to understand all the variety of legal implications for you.
Hi
Do anyone have info for persons dont have office in pakistan but are working as consultant and getting remittance from nalausia or thailand. Pls let me know how the submit the file ? Is there any tax to be payex for us??
Are you in Pakistan? If you are, you will just have to submit your income tax returns and wealth statement the normal way. Remittances up to a certain amount per person per year are exempt from taxation. You will not have to pay any tax on it in any case. However, if it fees, the case might be different. You will need to discuss this with your legal adviser.
I am an overseas pakistani since april 1994. I started business setting up an engineering workshop in partnership.My partner registered the company to certify partnership later and later on without my knowledge i was registered against NTN number and I never filed tax returns as i was not knowing about it being living in Abu Dhabi.Now I have e-enrolled myself intending to become a filer.But my NTN was issued based on company but as a overseas pakistani.Now I want to register my self in CBR IRIS site in order to become a filer.How can i modify or change from NTN due to a company partner to overseas pakistani status.I need advice how can I achieve the status change from company partner to overseas individual?
I would suggest you contact the FBR on the matter. You can use FBR helpline for the purpose. I have always found their representatives to be very helpful. They will guide you well. The FBR helpline is: 0092-51-111 772 772. I also believe you should discuss the matter with your lawyer before you take action.
Assalam O Alaikum,
Please tell me how much it will cost to become a filer? What is the fee?
I was working in a government department. I resigned from the service and left Pakistan in 2013 for Ph.D. studies. I returned on 3rd September-2018 to start a job in Pakistani university. I brought remittance with me ( cash+Bank transaction). Previously I had only 3000 USD in Pakistani account for last 5 years.
1) I am submitting 114(1) Return of income filled voluntarily by a non-resident Pakistani-origin person having no Pakistani source income.
2) I also submitting 116(2) statement of assets /liabilities filed voluntarily.
Is the above two forms are OK for my tax filing?
Question) How I can file the 2013-2017 year tax? which form can I submit?
I would suggest you contact FBR’s helpline for complete information on this matter. I have always found them quite helpful.