Being a tax filer in Pakistan is not just a formality now, it directly affects daily life. From buying car or property to applying for visa or even making bank transactions, filer status determines what one can or cannot do. And now with 2026 budget brings strict penalties and higher taxes for non filers, it is more important to know exactly what benefits and penalties are for filers and non filers.
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How to Easily Check Your Filer Status
1. Via SMS
- Open messages
- Type:
ATL <space> CNIC(no dashes) - Send to 9966, get an instant reply: Active Filer or Non‑Filer .
2. Via FBR IRIS Portal
- Go to FBR IRIS site
- Select Active Taxpayer List in verification section
- Enter CNIC/NTN/Passport
- Click Verify & status will appears immediately.
Read about How to Pay Token Tax Online
3. Tax Asaan Mobile App
- Install & log in to Tax Asaan
- Tap Filer Status
- Enter your CNIC/NTN/Passport
- See your current status instantly .
Disadvantages of Not Being a Filer (Non Filer 2026 Budget Warnings)
Budget 2026 proposed major penalties to non filers to encourage people to file their taxes:
- Increased cash withdrawal tax from 0.6% to 1%
- Cannot buy vehicles and property without filing taxes
- Higher withholding taxes on bank and non bank transactions
- Visa delays, SIM blocking, and loan ineligibility for non filers
- No access to tax reliefs introduced in 2026 Budget (1 to 4% income tax cuts)
Benefits of Being a Filer (2026 Budget Perks)
Filing status brings more advantages to encourage everyone to file:
- Lower tax rates: 1 to 4% cuts on salaries (11% for up to 2.2 m annual income)
- Reduced property & vehicle tax vs non filers
- Easy bank loans, mortgages, credit cards
- Zero tax and penalties on financial transactions
- Access to government relief schemes and perks are only for filers now
How to Become a Filer
Becoming a filer is easier than you think simple registration and submission of your taxes is all it takes.
- Go to FBR Website
- Create Account by clicking on “Registration for Unregistered Person” and fill details
- Login into FBR account
- Go to e-file section and click on Income Tax Return
- Fill details (Earning and Expenditures)
- Complete Verification via sms
Read More about how to become a tax filer in Pakistan
Can You Check Someone Else Filer or Non Filer Status?
Yes. All you need is their valid CNIC number. FBR system is public, so anyone can verify whether a person or business is listed as tax filer through the Active Taxpayer List (ATL).
This is useful when:
- Buying or selling car
- Registering property
- Doing business with vendors or clients
- Verifying if someone is charged higher withholding taxes
To check Filer Status of others:
- Visit FBR Active Taxpayer List
- Select Parametre (CNIC/NTN/Passport)
- Enter CNIC or NTN (without dashes)
- Submit and see if the name shows up in ATL Verification
If it shows active, they are filer. If shows inactive, they are non filer and liable for higher taxes.
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Quick FAQs
It is updated every Monday, so if you have recently filed taxes, check after a week.
Yes, but to appear on Active Taxpayer List, return must be filed before 30th June of previous tax year. If you file after that, you will be a taxpayer, but not “filer” in FBR records until the next update.
It is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Salaried individuals now face higher taxes if they are not on Active Tax List.
Yes, if they file tax return or declare foreign assets under FBR rules.
With 2026 budget, non filers face:
• Extra 200% withholding taxes
• Restrictions on car/property purchase
• Trouble with bank transfers and visa applications
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.
Umer Kureshi is the Lead Administrator with a strong background in technology and digital marketing. As the Lead Administrator, and Writer at Pakera.pk, Umer manages the website operations, optimizes website content and writes engaging guides on technology and current events happening in Pakistan.
Currently, Umer is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Management Studies from Government College University, Lahore. Umer combines his academic insight, knowledge, and critical thinking with practical experience to give impactful results. Umer also contributes to Xfilink Pvt Ltd as the Lead Writer of Content Writers Team and to Technology Elevation, where he looks over affiliate marketing, web design, technical writing and proofreading.
In his free time, Umer stays active and energetic by regularly participating in sports and outdoor activities, combining his athletic spirit with a passion for staying sharp and focused.
