Taxes are not this popular subject and registering on Active Taxpayers List (ATL) in Pakistan is like a cheat-code that helps you save some money. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) keeps this list to monitor the tax filers with the board who submit their tax returns on time. The advantages of the list include reduced taxes on bank withdrawals and property sales.
Being a regular employee or a freelance online worker, a small shop owner or not, it is a good idea to remain on the ATL. This reference describes it all using easy-to-understand language because you will know how to get on the list and why it will be important during the 2024-25 tax year with a deadline of October 31, 2025.
Why care about the ATL? Without being on it, you may find yourself paying more withholding taxes up to 30 percent on some of your transactions as opposed to 15 percent. The inclusion in the list also is an indicator to the FBR that you are adhering to the law, which ensures fines and disturbance. This article presents a step-by-step how-to-do, life stories, and ideas to turn the tax season in a stress-free one. We will also demonstrate to you the ease with which Right Tax Advisor simplifies the filing process. Willing to save money and remain in the ATL? Let’s dive in.
What Defines Active Taxpayers List (ATL) in Pakistan?
The ATL is a database operated by the FBR that enlists people and corporations that submit their income tax returns in time. It is done on a weekly basis and is made available on the FBR site. In order to remain on or add to the list by the 2024 -25 tax year, you need to make a filing by October 31, 2025.
When you are on top of the ATL, you are not in violation of tax laws and you access such benefits as:
The improved withholding taxes are: – Reduced Withholding Taxes: Pay 15 percent rather than 30 percent of bank transactions, property sales or car purchases.
– No Fines: no fines on late or missed filings, which go to PKR 5,000 in Section 182 of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001.
– Faster Refunds: Take tax refunds in less time in the event that you have overpaid.
Unless you are in the list, you will pay more taxes and may face complications in opening bank accounts and registering property.
True Account: Zara ATL Wake-Up Call.
Zara is a graphic designer in Lahore who was not aware of the ATL in 2023. She not only missed the deadline in which she was to file but was also imposed with a 30 percent withholding tax on the withdrawals she had made at the bank. One of my friends recommended that I should check my status on ATL and submit through BeFiler. Zara became a part of the list in 2024, refunded thousands of, and was refunded PKR15,000. She demonstrates that the ATL may be life-changing, as her experience has revealed.
What is my Status as an Active Taxpayer?
Text Message: ATL -7-digit National Tax Number (NTN) to 9966.
What is the SMS way of determining whether my Taxpayer is active or not?
An official memo was issued by the FBR Director General (Withholding Taxes): type “ATL 13-digit CNIC No and send it to 9966 using your mobile. This service will be an addition to the ATL list that is already on FBR site.
What is my Knowledge of whether I am an FBR Filer or Non-Filer?
You may select any way that is convenient to you:
– Text in ATL 13 digit CNIC No to 9966.
– Check the FBR site on the Internet.
– Download full ATL list on the Excel.
The Big Deal about Being on the ATL.
It is cheaper and less time consuming just to remain on the ATL. Here’s how:
– Reduced Taxes: Non-ATL taxpayers are subject to double withholding tax on:
– Bank withdrawals (0.6% vs. 0.3%).
– Property sales (2% vs. 1%).
– Buying of vehicles (PKR 20,000 vs. PKR 10,000 of certain cars).
– Business Advantages: The ATL status facilitates the acquisition of loans, licenses, and government contracts.
– Stay out of FBR Problems: You will stay out of audit or penalty radar when you are on the list.
As an example, the FBR raised withholding taxes on non-ATL, as of 2024. Remaining on the list is not only secure but also it saves money.
Who Needs to Be on the ATL?
Any taxpayer or tax-saving individual must aspire to be on the ATL. This includes:
– Salaried employees: In case of a salary that is higher than PKR 600,000 or your employer imposes taxes.
– Freelancers: The revenues on such websites like Upwork or local customers.
– business owners: small shops to big companies.
– Investors: Rent, share or bank interest.
Aware that your income could be less than PKR 600,000 yet you have a chance to claim refunds or save high withholding tax filing a return to join the ATL could help you. To learn more, refer to our instructions on the tax filers in Pakistan.
How to Get on the ATL
It is easy to get on the ATL: make sure that you file your income tax return on time. This will be completed step-by-step by taking part or remaining on the ATL by October 31, 2025, with help provided by BeFiler, as per the 202425 tax year.
Step 1: Get Your NTN
Taxes are to be filed using a National Tax Number (NTN). In case you do not have one, use CNIC, email and phone to register on the FBR IRIS portal. This can be done in minutes with BeFiler.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
These are documents to be collected before filing:
– Pay checks or tax certificate of your employer.
– Freelancers or business: form 1771.
– Bank accounts containing interest income.
– Deductible bills (medical, gifts, etc.).
– Any statements of wealth necessary.
TIP: Right Tax Advisor also provides you with a checklist that can help you to be organized.
Step 3: Sign Up for IRIS
Register on FBR IRIS portal by using NTN. BeFiler will do this, very easy.
Step 4: Calculate Your Taxes
Use a salary tax calculator. Less deductions allowable including:
– Charitable donations
– Hospital expense (to the maximum)
– Zakat payments
BeFiler does the math for you.
Step 5: File Your Return
E-file through BeFiler or enter log in on IRIS. Make the filings, certify your information and file on or before October 31, 2025. You will have a confirmation e-mail.
Step 6: Check Your ATL Status
Have you confirmed that you are an Active Taxpayer List (ATL) user?
Visit the FBR ATL page.
Enter your CNIC or NTN.
Check the ATL checker of BeFiler.
The name is usually registered in less than seven days.
Step 7: Pay Any Taxes Owed
There are fees that owe tax, which should be paid online through the bank or in a bank. In the event that the amount is not affordable, then negotiate a payment plan with FBR.
Aftereffects of being out of the ATL.
Missing the ATL can cost you:
– Increased withholding tax: up to 30% as compared to 15% on ATL members.
– Late-filing fines: not exceeding PKR 5000 (PKR 1000 in case of an income that is less than PKR 5000).
– FBR notices, audits and legal trouble.
Real Story: Ali’s Tax Oops
Ali was a Karachi shopkeeper who did not pay his 2023 taxes and abandoned the ATL. He would have paid 2% tax instead of 1 percent on the sale of a property he was charged an additional PKR 50,000. In early 2024 he submitted a filing with BeFiler and was reinstated in the ATL and saved a lot. The case of Ali demonstrates why it is important to stay in the ATL.
The maximum date of filing late is December 31, 2025, but with fines.
How to Stay on the ATL
Remember to stay on the ATL by filling your income-tax refund before the deadline- October31 2025. Failure to do so will remove you off the list pending you file again. BeFiler will remind you.
Extension Options
The FBR may grant extensions. Checks on TaxationPk or the FBR. As an example, the deadline was pushed to November 30, 2022, as a result of floods.
The reason why BeFiler Strengthened to remain on the ATL.
Right Tax Advisor simplifies the process of filing and keeps you in the ATL:
– Step‑by‑step guidance.
– Error checking.
– Tax‑saving suggestions.
– Quick status updates.
– Data is stored in a safe and encrypted manner.
There is also BeFiler with salary-tax calculator and ATL status checker.
Why We Love BeFiler
It is applicable to those earning salaries, freelance employees and business owners. It is affordable to an accountant and you can easily remain at the ATL. Create a filing and get a free trial!
Maximizing the ATL
Pursuing the maximum benefit of ATL? Try these:
– File early (before October 31, 2025).
– Take charitable and medical deductions.
– Monitor your ATL with BeFiler every week.
– File annually on time.
To get more hacks, refer to our report on the maximum tax deductions in Pakistan.
Top Ten ATL Tips
Avoid these pitfalls:
1. Meet deadlines (October 31, 2025).
2. Verify your CNIC or NTN.
3. File even on low income.
4. Child tax deductions. Claim everything.
BeFiler offers guardianware in the shape of smart tools and notifications.
Frequently Asked (FAQ)s.
What is the ATL?
The ATL is FBR database of those individuals and firms that submit income tax returns on time providing reduced withholding taxes and fast processing.
How do I get on the ATL?
You are e-filing your 2024-25 return by October 31, 2025, through the IRIS portal or BeFiler. Thereafter verify yourself on the FBR ATL webpage with your CNIC or National Tax Number (NTN).
What happens if I’m off the ATL?
It will be subject to greater withholding taxes (30% versus 15%), and fines of PKR5000 and possible FBR audits. Filing late is up to December 31, 2025 though there is a penalty.
