Finance
Pakistan's Tax Filing Made Easy: How to Submit FBR Returns Online (2025)
By Huzi
(Updated 18 August 2025 | Beginner's Guide to NTN Registration & IRIS Filing)
"In 2025, your tax filing takes less time than brewing chai—if you follow this digital roadmap."
Why File Taxes? Key Benefits
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Active Taxpayer List (ATL) | Lower taxes on banking, property, and vehicles |
| Financial Credibility | Faster loan approvals, visa processing, and government tenders |
| Legal Compliance | Avoid penalties (up to Rs 50,000), SIM blocking, or frozen accounts |
| Tax Refunds | Claim excess deductions from salary/bank income |
Who MUST File?
- Salaried individuals earning > Rs 600,000/year
- Business owners/freelancers with > Rs 400,000 annual income
- Property owners earning rent or capital gains
- Companies/AOPs (regardless of profit/loss)
- Overseas Pakistanis with local income
Step 1: Register for NTN (National Tax Number)
Requirements
| Individual | Business/AOP/Company |
|---|---|
| CNIC & registered mobile | SECP incorporation certificate |
| Active email | Partnership deed (AOPs) |
| Personal bank proof | Business utility bill (<3 months old) |
| Residential address | Director/partner CNICs + bank details |
Online Registration (Individuals Only)
- Go to IRIS Portal →’ "Registration for Unregistered Person"
- Enter CNIC, mobile, email →’ Verify via SMS/email OTP
- Log in with FBR credentials →’ Complete Form 181
- Upload: CNIC scan, bank proof, utility bill →’ Submit
Note: AOPs/Companies must register in-person at Tax Facilitation Centres with original documents.
Step 2: File Return on IRIS Portal
(Salaried, Business, or Zero Income)
Documents Needed
- CNIC copy
- Salary slips / business profit records
- Bank statements (July 2024—June 2025)
- Property documents (if applicable)
- Last year's return (if filing earlier)
Filing Steps
- Log in to IRIS →’ Select Tax Year 2025
- Choose Form:
- Salaried: Form 114(I) (if salary >50% of income)
- Business/Freelancer: Comprehensive form
- Zero Income: "Nil Return" option
- Fill Sections:
- Income Details: Salary, business, rent, foreign income
- Deductions: Zakat, donations, education expenses
- Wealth Statement: Assets (property/cash/gold) vs. liabilities (loans)
- Reconcile Wealth:
Current Year Wealth = Last Year Wealth + (Income - Expenses)- Mismatches block submission!
- Review & Submit →’ Download acknowledgment receipt.
2025 Deadlines & Penalties
| Filer Type | Deadline | Late Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals & Businesses | 30 September 2025 | Rs 1,000/day (max Rs 50,000) |
| Companies (June year-end) | 31 December 2025 | 0.1% daily interest on unpaid tax |
| Sales Tax Filers | 18th monthly | Suspension of NTN |
ATL Tip: File by 30 Sept 2025 to enjoy reduced tax rates all year!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Wealth Statement mismatch | Recheck assets/income entries; use FBR's reconciliation tool |
| OTP not received | Ensure mobile SIM matches CNIC registration |
| Form 114(I) unavailable | Confirm salary is >50% of total income |
| Payment failure | Retry via JazzCash/UBL Omni or generate bank challan |
Pro Tips for 2025
- Track Refunds: SMS
ATL <CNIC>to 9966 for ATL status or refund updates. - Freelancers: Declare foreign income in PKR using SBP exchange rates.
- Nil Filers: File a "zero return" to retain ATL benefits.
- Urgent Help: Use FBR's live chat on IRIS or email
[email protected].
One-Screen Cheat Sheet
1. Register NTN: iris.fbr.gov.pk →’ Form 181 →’ Upload docs
2. File return:
- Log in →’ Select tax year 2025
- Fill income + wealth →’ Reconcile assets!
3. Submit by 30 Sept →’ Save receipt
4. Track: SMS "ATL <CNIC>" to 9966
"Filing taxes in 2025 is like ordering biryani online: tedious descriptions, but worth the final click."
Share this guide with fellow taxpayers—demystify FBR today!
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