Step By Step Guide on Becoming a Filer in Pakistan

It is essential for any individual or the business entities who want to become the filer in Pakistan to follow the Tax Laws of Pakistan. This is necessary for achieving the Financial benefits from the Tax Departments. Becoming a registered tax filer with FBR helps you to remain on the correct side of Pakistan’s taxation. Staying compliant also helps you to avail benefits such as lower tax rates and easier financial transactions. Whether you are an employee, freelancer, or business owner, get yourself filed before it’s too late.  Here is a step by step guide of you can get yourself registered for income tax and how to become a filer in Pakistan.

 

Filer Vs Non-Filer

Before going through the process, here’s a quick overview to help you differentiate between a filer and non-filer in Pakistan. A filer is a taxpayer who registers with the FBR, gets a National Tax Number (NTN), and files an annual income tax return to be on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL). A non-filer is a non-registrant who is either not registered or fails to file a tax return, thus incurring more withholding taxes and penalties.

 

Pros of Being a Tax Filer in Pakistan

Advantages of being a taxpayer in Pakistan:

  • Lower Withholding Taxes: Lower withholding tax rates on immovable properties, vehicles, and banking transactions.
  • Financial Services: Easier to obtain loans, accounts, and visas.
  • Tax Refunds :Excess taxes withheld may be claimed.
  • Penalties: Keep above board and off of probation.
  • Business Growth: Improved likelihood of obtaining contracts, licenses and partnerships.
  • Contribution to Economy: Tax money is used for the development of a nation and social welfare.

 

Detailed Process of Becoming a Filer

Verify Your Eligibility

In order to be a FBR filer in Pakistan, you should follow these conditions:

  • Income Bar: People with income above 600, 000 PKR per annum (approx. 50,000 PKR per month) need to file tax returns.
  • Owning an Asset: Do you own property, a car, or anything of value,? Then, you must file a return.
  • Business Owners/Freelancers : If you are running business or running freelancing from Pakistan, you need to register yourself.
  • Non-Residents: Non-resident refers to an Overseas Pakistani earns from Pakistan such as rental income, he has to file taxes.

Collect Documents Needed for the Filers’ Registration

  • Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC): The CNIC number is a substitute for NTN number for individuals.
  • Income Proof: Pay slips, bank account statement or business income details.
  • Property Papers: Documents of any property owned, if any.
  • Bank data: IBAN, name of the bank and Holder of the account:
  • Utility Bill : Utility bills (of business premises if available) of the last 3 months in English.
  • Business Documents: Include your registration certificate or financial documents for those with a business.
  • Mobile Number and Email: SIM registered in the name of an applicant and personal email address of the applicant for FBR correspondence.

Apply for National Tax Number (NTN)

The first step to becoming a Filer in Pakistan is to get an NTN:

  • Access the FBR IRIS Portal: Navigate to fbr.gov.pk.
  • Choose Registration Option: Choose “Registration for Unregistered Person” for an individual and “E-enrollment for Registered Person”. If you have already gotten your NTN but would like to access the IRIS.
  • Fill Details: Type your CNIC, name, address, mobile number and email. For companies provide SECP registration and a letter authorizing the principal officer.
  • Attach: Attach the Scanned copies of your CNIC, utility bills, and other required documents. Be sure files are in the proper format.
  • Get NTN: Once submitted, FBR will process the application, and you will receive NTN in 1-2 working days through SMS or email.

 Fill in you IRIS profile

  • Login to IRIS: Access the IRIS portal after receiving your NTN by using User ID and Password received from FBR.
  • Fill Out Form 181: You will find the 181-Application for Registration form under the “Drafts” tab. Fill in the personal tab ,property tab, business tab and accounts tab.
  • Check and Send: Validate the information and submit the form.

File Your Tax Return

  • Login to IRIS: Visit the portal and click on the “Declaration” tab.
  • Fill form 114: Pick Form 114 for income tax returns; select either the salary return or business return option, depending on the source of income.
  • Input Finance Numbers: You must enclose a statement of wealth detailing your assets, liabilities and bank balances.
  • Upload Documents: Upload documents such as salary slips or bank statements.
  • Review and Transmit: Confirm that the return is complete and file it electronically. You will get an acknowledgment receipt upon your successful submission.
  • Pay tax (if due): you will get a challan and pay tax through online / mobile banking, authorized banks by due date (usually 30 September) if you need to pay tax.

Determine Status

After Registration, “Check your Active status in ATL”:

For Online: Visit the FBR website, enter your CNIC/NTN in the ATL section and ascertain the status.

Send your 13-digit CNIC number to 9966 to determine the status. After this, you will be upgraded to “Filer” within 24 hours of filing after Nov 1 each year.

 

Disadvantages of Late Filing

Inability to file return in Pakistan might lead to higher taxes, limited access to financial services and penalties.  Late filers have to face penalties and are not considered as active tax filers till all their late returns are filed. To prevent these consequences , both individuals and businesses need to focus on timely filing of annual taxes.

 

 

How CBM Consultants Make Tax Filing Simple for You

Your way to becoming and being a filer in Pakistan is simple; CBM Consultants will assist you to determine if you qualify for filing. Then, it will  process the documents and the registration of NTN through FBR’s IRIS portal. We make sure to file your tax return in a correct manner, tax plan to make sure your exposure is minimized, and we also represent you in audits.

By providing continued compliance reminders and updates regarding tax law all throughout the year, we make the process fast and easy. Businesses benefit from services like sales tax registration, corporate filings, and SECP compliance, whereas overseas Pakistanis have been specially facilitated with non-resident filing support. Choose CBM Consultants! Save yourself from future penalties.

 

 

Conclusion

Becoming a Filer in Pakistan is a simple way to avail many financial and legal advantages. By reading this simple and easy guide to how to register for income tax through FBR filer registration online, you can get your NTN, file return and take advantage of being a tax filer in Pakistan. A non-filer in Pakistan need not fall into the traps of even replications not to be a non-filer. Begin your journey today by visiting iris.fbr.gov.pk and allow CBM Consultants to ensure a smooth process.

Is there any Best Tax Return Filing Services in Pakistan?

Tax filing is the process of reporting earnings to the tax authorities (FBR) and is done with the help of a tax document known as a tax return. This is a statement detailing a person’s, business’s or an organization’s income. It also includes expenses, deductions, and other financial activities for a certain year. In layman terms, it is the sum specified by tax legislations that the government has to pay back to the taxpayer (refund).

It’s everyone’s prime responsibility as a Pakistani citizen/business to stay in tax compliance as per the FBR rules. The process of filing tax returns like FBR tax return or income tax return can be complex. This can occur especially if you are doing it for the first time or have multiple sources of income. With the options of professional tax services at hand, finding the best tax return filing services in Pakistan can make this an easy and accurate.

Importance of Tax Filing

On-time submission is required for compliance, penalty, and overpayment purposes. In Pakistan, the deadline for filing taxpayer’s income tax return is by 30th September of the following the tax year. It is exalted by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) by keeping a setup where filers receive financial and credential benefits such as the following:

  • Legal Compliance: Prevention of the risk of fines, legal proceedings is possible only by FBR tax return filing.
  • ATL Savings: Benefiting from lower withholding taxes on your banking, property and car transactions.
  • Claims for refund: Obtaining a refund for overpaid taxes or entitled deductions for a prior year.
  • Financial Credibility: Ensuring financial credibility for loans, visas and business contracts.
  • Less Audits/Penalties: Accurate filling reduces FBR notices and fine.
  • Developmental Contribution: National Tax supports the development of healthcare, education and infrastructure.

 

 

How To Find the Best Tax Return Filing Service?

 To choose the best service in Filing of the Tax Return in Pakistan, look out for:

  • Convenience: Look out for services that provide easy-to-navigate platforms to facilitate the swift and convenient income tax return filing .
  • Expert professional: Seeking professional help will be convenient, especially if you are new in the game or for the more complex income tax return filing.
  • Affordability: Take note of the costs; some services offer free consultations while they also have packages that may be affordable when filing the FBR tax return.
  • Compliance and Accuracy: Consider the ability of the service to minimize their errors during the FBR tax return filing service.
  • Additional Services: Look for other services such as NTN registration, sales tax and FBR tax return counseling services if professional guidance is required.

 

Where can CBM Consultants Help You with the Tax Filing?

CBM Consultants has been offering services in these domains for the past 21 years and can play a vital role in simplifying the process of tax return filing in Pakistan. With expert knowledge of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, and updated FBR tax return regulations, we ensure your income tax return is filed accurately and in compliance with current laws. Our expertise minimizes errors, reducing the chances of FBR notices or audits. By managing the entire process ,from data collection to submission on the FBR IRIS portal we save individuals and businesses significant time and effort.

 

 

Benefits of Availing Our Services

It’s efficient to work with CBM Consultants because it makes your process more effective. Professional experience reduces errors and guarantees compliance as per the FBR. Access to the entire range of deductions, exemptions, and credits that can be used to reduce tax liability. In many cases, it results in a refund may well be the most valuable service we can offer our clients. We also ensure to take the stress of managing the complex tax law and IRIS portal. Low priced solutions that make us an excellent fit for all, from individuals to all companies, from wage earners to self-employed to complex corporate tax situations. We help to keep tax-registered in the ATL.

 

 

Conclusion

It is important to find the right partner for filing your FBR tax return, which is not only compliant by the authorities, but also accurate and reliable. At CBM Consultants, we provide full-service support customized according to your requirements. This ranges from company formation and NTN number registration to wealth statements, tax objectives and audit support. Having over 21 years of experience, our team is well-versed in the intricacies of the Income Tax and the latest regulations. They can facilitate your tax return filing quickly and accurately.

Complete Guide to Punjab Property Tax 2025 Update

Overview: 

Property tax is one of the fundamental duties of property owners in Punjab, which goes towards financing crucial civic amenities such as roads, sanitation and public facilities. To improve transparency, efficiency and bring it in line with market dynamics, the Punjab Property Tax 2025 framework has been overhauled fairly significantly. In this article, you will learn all about Punjab Property Tax. Calculation methods, online payment options, rebates and exemptions; Punjab Property Tax 2025 updates. As a homeowner, investor or business owner knowing about the property tax in Punjab makes sure that you remain compliant and can make use of any benefits that are available to you. 

 

Understanding Punjab Property Tax 

Property Tax, Punjab Property Tax is an annual tax charged on immovable properties according to the provisions of PUPTA: Punjab Urban Immovable Property Tax Act 1958, under the ETNC (Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control) Department. For residential, commercial or industrial properties and even for vacant plots located in urban areas around the Punjab similar rates are applied which includes cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad etc. The money is used for local governance, with some of the funds allocated to road maintenance, streetlights and waste dumping. The Punjab government has started shifting to a capital value-based system in 2025 and we will really come out of the mirror of tax, so we must pay taxes as per the base value. 

 

Property Tax Categories in Punjab 

Properties across Punjab are categorized on the basis of location, type and usage to which specified tax rates apply: 

  • Category A: All major urban centers (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan and Gujranwala) 
  • Category B: Third-tier cities such as Sialkot, Jhang and Multan. 
  • Category C: Smaller towns, under developed urban areas. 

They come with a range of associated categories, and these are what help dictate tax rates; across-the-board increases for Category A in particular due to the high values of their properties. 

 

How to Calculate Punjab Property Tax in 2025? 

Punjab Property Tax 2025 system The Punjab Property tax 2025 system is a capital value-based valuation model and is in the process of replacing the traditional Annual Rental Value system in almost all areas. The DC rate (market value) forms the base for calculations. 

Here’s how to compute property taxes in Punjab: 

Property Type: Classify property as residential, commercial, industrial or vacant land 

Measure Property Size: It is covered area for built-up properties, total plot size in case of vacant land in sq. yards or sq. ft. 

Identify Category: Verify the A, B, or C level of a property. 

Get DC Rate: Go to the ETNC Department or local authorities and get the official DC rate per square yard/square foot. 

Calculate Tax: Multiply the DC rate by the property area to determine the annual tax. 

 

Punjab Property Tax Rates for 2025 

The Punjab government introduced a 5% increase in property tax rates effective April 1, 2025, to align with updated DC rates and boost municipal revenue. Below are the approximate rates per square yard: 

Residential Properties 

  • Category A: PKR 100–150 (self-occupied), PKR 200–250 (rented) 
  • Category B: PKR 50–100 (self-occupied), PKR 100–150 (rented) 
  • Category C: PKR 20–50 (self-occupied), PKR 50–100 (rented) 

Commercial Properties 

  • Up to 100 sq. yards: 
  • Category A: PKR 150–200 
  • Category B: PKR 100–150 
  • Category C: PKR 50–100 
  • 101–1,000 sq. yards: 
  • Category A: PKR 200–300 
  • Category B: PKR 150–200 
  • Category C: PKR 100–150 
  • Above 1,000 sq. yards: 
  • Category A: PKR 300–400 
  • Category B: PKR 200–300 
  • Category C: PKR 150–20 

Industrial and Institutional Properties 

  • Up to 4,000 sq. yards: 
  • Category A: PKR 200 
  • Category B: PKR 150 
  • Category C: PKR 100 
  • Above 4,000 sq. yards: 
  • Category A: PKR 300 
  • Category B: PKR 200 
  • Category C: PKR 150 

 

Punjab Property Tax Online Payment 

Punjab government has digitalized the Punjab property tax online payment via e-Pay Punjab portal which is easy and transparent to pay your taxes. Here’s how to pay online: 

Using E-Pay Punjab Portal 

  • Register or log in using your CNIC and mobile number. 
  • Select “Property Tax” under the Excise and Taxation Department. 
  • Type your Property ID, owner first name, or address. 
  • Verify your tax dues for the current year. 
  • Choose a payment method (credit/debit card, mobile banking, Easy Paisa, Jazz Cash, or bank transfer). 
  • Complete the payment and download the digital receipt (challan). 

 

Using City-Specific Portals 

Some cities, like Lahore and Rawalpindi, offer dedicated portals: 

  • Visit the respective municipal website (e.g., Lahore Development Authority). 
  • Navigate to the “Property Tax” section. 
  • Log in, enter property details, and check dues. 
  • Pay using available options and save the receipt. 

 

Offline Payment 

  • Visit the nearest Excise and Taxation Department office or designated bank (e.g., Meezan Bank, Bank of Punjab). 
  • Fill out the property tax form with your Property ID and owner details. 
  • Pay via cash, cheques, or demand draft. 
  • Collect the challan as proof of payment. 

 

Latest Updates for Punjab Property Tax 2025 

  • Capital Value System (most urban, to fully implemented 1 January 2025 (transition period until 30 June); for more stable and efficient valuations) 
  • 5% Rate Hike: Applicable from April 1, 2025, in line with revised DC rates to add about PKR 5 billion of revenue. 
  • A digital transformation: Furthermore, the e-Pay Punjab portal is now available for mobile app-based payments and automated tax reminders. 
  • Diversify the Tax Base: Over 1 million new properties registered, bringing the total to 4 million taxable units.  
  • Budget 2025-26: Property Tax reforms to finance Urban development projects in Punjab Budget 2025-26.  

 

Consequences of Non-Compliance 

Failure to pay Punjab Property Tax by March 31, 2025, results in: 

  • Penalty: 1% per month (12% per annum). 
  • Notice: Demand notices issued, requiring immediate payment. 
  • Legal Action: Default will attract attachment or auction of property under the Punjab Urban Immovable Property Tax Act, 1958 if in default. 

 

Property Tax Filing under CBM Consultants Guidance: 

CBM Consultants can make filing the dreaded Punjab Property Tax quick and painless. They basically streamline your whole property valuation as per current Punjab Property Tax 2025 rates, gather all necessary documents and help you in paying Punjab property tax online. With our expertise, we help you to prevent errors, which can make you pay penalties on one side while it helps to identify exemptions or rebates what the other party is due to receive like cash discounts or special agreements. In addition, if any disputes you have faced or the tax demand has been raised, we would represent you before the Excise Department for its immediate disposal so that it can be hassle-free and at the same time complete compliance and peace of mind.  

 

Conclusion 

A Capital-value based Punjab Property Tax 2025 will offer a fairer and more inclusive system with strong digital platforms. By understanding your property’s category, calculating your tax accurately, and using Punjab property tax online payment via the e-Pay Punjab portal, you can comply effortlessly and contribute to Punjab’s growth. Regularly check your property tax online check status to avoid penalties and stay updated on rebates.