If you want to know whether you are currently an active taxpayer in Pakistan, commonly referred to as a “filer,” you can check your status through the Federal Board of Revenue’s Active Taxpayer List (ATL).
FBR provides three main ways to check your ATL status: online verification, SMS, and the downloadable Active Taxpayer List.
In this guide, you will learn how to check your FBR ATL status by CNIC or NTN, what your status means, and what to do if you have filed your income tax return but are still not appearing as active.
What Is the FBR Active Taxpayer List (ATL)?
The Active Taxpayer List (ATL) is maintained by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and identifies taxpayers who meet the applicable requirements for inclusion in the current ATL.
ATL status is important because Pakistan’s tax system applies different tax treatment in a number of situations depending on a person’s taxpayer status.
It is also important to understand that having an NTN and being active on the ATL are not necessarily the same thing.
An NTN represents tax registration, while your current ATL status depends on meeting the applicable return-filing and ATL inclusion requirements.
How to Check ATL Status Online Through FBR
The easiest way to verify your current status is through FBR’s online verification facility.
FBR’s online ATL verification currently allows searches using information such as:
- CNIC
- NTN
- Passport Number
- Registration/Incorporation Number
For an individual, the usual method is to select CNIC, enter the required information and captcha, and then verify the status.
You can use the official FBR IRIS verification facility below:
FBR IRIS – Online ATL Verification:
https://iris.fbr.gov.pk/
When checking tax information, it is preferable to use FBR’s official website rather than relying on an unofficial filer-checking website.
How to Check Filer Status by CNIC Through SMS
If you do not want to use the online portal, FBR also provides an SMS facility for checking ATL status.
For an individual, type:
ATL [space] 13-digit CNIC
and send it to:
9966
For example:
ATL 1234512345671
Use the 13-digit CNIC number in the prescribed format.
You should receive a response containing information about the taxpayer’s ATL status.
How Companies and AOPs Can Check ATL Status
A company or Association of Persons (AOP) can also check its Active Taxpayer status through SMS.
Type:
ATL [space] 7-digit NTN
and send it to:
9966
Companies and AOPs can also use FBR’s online verification facility to check their status.
How to Download the Latest FBR Active Taxpayer List
FBR also provides a downloadable Active Taxpayer List (Income Tax).
This can be useful when you need to search the published ATL directly rather than checking a single taxpayer.
Download the latest ATL from FBR:
https://www.fbr.gov.pk/download-atl/132041
FBR updates its downloadable ATL periodically, so it is better to use the latest list available on the official FBR website rather than an old downloaded copy.
For most individual taxpayers, however, the online verification or SMS method is usually quicker.
Does Having an NTN Mean You Are an Active Filer?
No, not necessarily.
Having an NTN means that you are registered in the tax system, but this should not automatically be taken to mean that your name is currently active on the ATL.
FBR explains that inclusion in the current ATL is linked to filing the income tax return relevant to that ATL and satisfying the applicable requirements.
Therefore:
NTN registration ≠ automatic active ATL status
If you need to know your current filer status for a transaction, always verify it through the latest FBR ATL information.
I Filed My Return but My ATL Status Is Inactive — What Should I Do?
First, confirm that you filed the income tax return for the relevant tax year and then check your status again through FBR’s official verification facility.
If your return was filed after the applicable due date, ATL inclusion requirements for late filers may apply.
FBR currently lists the following surcharge amounts for placement on the ATL after late filing:
| Taxpayer Type | ATL Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Individual | Rs. 1,000 |
| Association of Persons (AOP) | Rs. 10,000 |
| Company | Rs. 20,000 |
According to FBR guidance, where the applicable ATL surcharge is required for a late filer, the person’s name is included after payment of the surcharge.
Because tax rules and procedures can change, always verify the current requirement from FBR before making a payment.
Is ATL the Same as Being a “Filer”?
In everyday usage in Pakistan, the word “filer” is commonly used for someone whose status appears as active on FBR’s Active Taxpayer List.
However, Active Taxpayer or ATL status is the more precise terminology when checking the FBR list.
Tax registration, filing an income tax return and appearing on the current ATL are related concepts, but they should not automatically be treated as identical.
Why Should You Check Your ATL Status?
Checking your ATL status is particularly useful before carrying out transactions where the applicable tax treatment may depend on your taxpayer status.
It is also worth checking after filing a tax return, particularly if the return was filed late or if you expected your status to change.
Instead of relying on an old screenshot or previous status, check the latest status directly through FBR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my filer status by CNIC?
You can check your status through FBR’s online ATL verification facility or by sending ATL [space] your 13-digit CNIC to 9966.
What is the FBR number for checking ATL status?
The official SMS number specified by FBR for ATL status checking is 9966.
Can I check ATL status without logging into my IRIS account?
Yes. FBR provides public ATL verification facilities, including online verification, SMS and downloadable ATL options.
Does having an NTN automatically make me a filer?
No. Having an NTN indicates tax registration, but you should separately verify whether your current status appears as active on the ATL.
Can a company check its ATL status through SMS?
Yes. A company or AOP can send ATL [space] its 7-digit NTN to 9966.
What should I do if I filed my return late?
Check your current ATL status first. If the applicable rules require an ATL surcharge because the return was filed after the due date, follow the current FBR procedure for payment and ATL inclusion.
How much is the ATL surcharge for an individual?
FBR currently lists the ATL surcharge for an individual as Rs. 1,000. The listed amounts are Rs. 10,000 for an AOP and Rs. 20,000 for a company.
Official FBR Sources
For the latest information and verification, use the official Federal Board of Revenue resources:
FBR – Check Active Taxpayer Status
https://www.fbr.gov.pk/categ/income-tax-due-dates/51149/30859/71169
FBR IRIS – Online Verification
https://iris.fbr.gov.pk/
FBR – Download Active Taxpayer List
https://www.fbr.gov.pk/download-atl/132041
FBR – ATL Inclusion and Late-Filing Surcharge
https://www.fbr.gov.pk/categ/income-tax-due-dates/51149/30859/71168
Tax rules, rates and procedures may change through amendments, notifications or FBR updates. Always verify current requirements from official FBR sources before making a tax or financial decision.
