FBR Filer vs Non-Filer in Pakistan — 2025–26

Compare withholding tax rates, penalties, and benefits. Find out why becoming a tax filer saves you thousands every year.

In Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) classifies taxpayers as Filers, Late Filers, or Non-Filers. This classification affects the withholding tax you pay on almost every major financial transaction.

What Is a Filer?

A Filer is a person or company whose name appears on FBR's Active Taxpayers List (ATL). To be on the ATL, you must have filed your income tax return for the most recent tax year within the due date. A Late Filer is someone who filed their return but after the deadline. A Non-Filer is someone who has not filed any return at all.

Withholding Tax Comparison — Filer vs Late Filer vs Non-Filer

The table below shows the key withholding tax rates applicable in FY 2025–26:

Transaction / Activity Filer Late Filer Non-Filer
Cash withdrawal (above PKR 50,000/day) 0.6% 1.2% 6%
Banking transactions (above PKR 25,000/day) 0.6% 1.2% 6%
Property purchase (on deemed consideration) 3% 6% 10%
Property sale (on deemed consideration) 3% 6% 10%
Vehicle registration (up to 850cc) PKR 10,000 PKR 20,000 PKR 50,000
Vehicle registration (851–1000cc) PKR 20,000 PKR 40,000 PKR 100,000
Vehicle registration (1001–1300cc) PKR 25,000 PKR 50,000 PKR 150,000
Vehicle registration (1301–1600cc) PKR 50,000 PKR 100,000 PKR 200,000
Vehicle registration (1601–1800cc) PKR 75,000 PKR 150,000 PKR 300,000
Vehicle registration (1801–2000cc) PKR 100,000 PKR 200,000 PKR 400,000
Vehicle registration (above 2000cc) PKR 150,000 PKR 300,000 PKR 600,000
Mobile phone purchase (above $500) PKR 18,000 PKR 36,000 PKR 72,000
Dividend income 15% 22.5% 30%
Profit on savings / FDR 15% 22.5% 30%
Prize bonds / lottery 15% 25% 30%
International travel 0% Varies Double rate

Rates are indicative based on Finance Act 2025. Consult FBR or a tax professional for the latest applicable rates.

Benefits of Becoming a Filer

  • Lower withholding tax on property, banking, vehicles, and more — can save lakhs per year
  • Lower vehicle registration tax — up to 4x savings
  • Cheaper mobile phone purchases (PTA tax is much lower)
  • Access to banking services — banks may restrict services for non-filers
  • Legal compliance — avoids penalties and notices from FBR
  • Required for government tenders and many commercial contracts
  • Asset declaration — filers have a documented financial history

How to Become a Tax Filer in Pakistan

1

Get Your NTN (National Tax Number)

Register on the FBR IRIS portal (iris.fbr.gov.pk) using your CNIC. This automatically generates your NTN.

2

File Your Income Tax Return

Log in to IRIS and file your annual income tax return. You'll need salary slips or income proof, bank statements, and details of assets/expenses.

3

Appear on the Active Taxpayers List

After filing, your name appears on FBR's ATL within 24–48 hours. You can verify your status at e.fbr.gov.pk.

Penalties for Non-Filers

  • Higher withholding tax on almost all financial transactions
  • Non-filers cannot purchase property valued above PKR 5 million
  • Non-filers cannot purchase vehicles above 850cc (with some exceptions)
  • FBR can issue show-cause notices and impose penalties
  • Banks may restrict account opening or limit transactions

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit e.fbr.gov.pk and enter your CNIC number. The system will show whether you are on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL). You can also send an SMS with your CNIC to 9966.

For salaried individuals, the deadline is typically September 30 of each year for the preceding tax year (July–June). The FBR may extend this deadline — check the latest notifications.

Salaried individuals with simple income sources can file their returns themselves through the FBR IRIS portal. However, if you have multiple income sources, rental income, capital gains, or business income, it is advisable to consult a tax professional.

A late filer is someone who has filed their income tax return but after the due date. They still appear on the ATL but are subject to higher withholding rates than filers. A non-filer has not filed any return at all and pays the highest withholding tax rates.

Key Takeaway

Becoming a filer can save you:

  • Property: 7% less tax on every transaction
  • Vehicle: Up to PKR 450,000 savings
  • Banking: 5.4% less on cash withdrawals
  • Phone: PKR 54,000 less on flagship phones

Need Filing Help?

Our tax experts can file your return and get you on the Active Taxpayers List within 48 hours.

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