FBR Clarifies Criteria for Active Taxpayer Status
FBR Clarifies Criteria for Active Taxpayer Status has issued an important clarification regarding the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) for 2025, simplifying confusion created by earlier reports that claimed thousands of filers might lose their active taxpayer status. According to the FBR, the ATL 2025 will be prepared solely on the basis of income tax returns filed for the Tax Year 2024, and every individual or company that has filed their return or submitted a valid extension request will remain active. This announcement highlights the government’s move toward accuracy, digital efficiency, and transparency within the tax system. The clarification has brought relief to millions of taxpayers who rely on their active status for reduced withholding taxes and smooth financial transactions.
The FBR also rejected circulating rumors suggesting widespread deactivation of taxpayers. These misleading claims caused unnecessary concern, especially among salaried individuals and small businesses. FBR confirmed that the system automatically updates activity status once a return or approved extension is submitted through the Iris online portal. No genuine filer has been marked inactive, and no one is required to take extra steps if they have already fulfilled filing requirements. With digital filing now mandatory, the system ensures consistency and eliminates errors commonly associated with manual submissions.
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FBR’s Official Clarification for ATL 2025
FBR’s clarification centers on the fact that only Tax Year 2024 filings determine whether a person will be included in the ATL for 2025. This eliminates confusion about past years or incomplete records. Anyone who submitted their return for 2024 or applied for an extension within the allowed time has already been included automatically. The system recognizes timely submissions, and taxpayers do not need to worry about repeated confirmations or additional paperwork.
In addition, newly registered National Tax Number (NTN) holders who file their 2024 return by November 15, 2025, will also appear in the ATL. This means the system remains inclusive and allows fresh taxpayers to secure their benefits. The FBR emphasized that its move toward digital filing has improved accuracy and transparency, enabling taxpayers to easily check their status online without delays or confusion. With manual submissions discontinued, all taxpayers must now rely on the online Iris platform.
Important Highlights from FBR’s Clarification
- ATL 2025 is based entirely on returns filed for Tax Year 2024
- Bilers who submitted approved extension requests are automatically included
- Newly registered taxpayers can be added by filing before November 15, 2025
- Manual return submissions are no longer accepted under new rules
- All ATL transitions, updates, and status checks occur electronically
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Rising Tax Compliance in Pakistan for 2025
Pakistan has shown remarkable improvement in tax submissions this year, reflecting increasing awareness and wider acceptance of digital tax systems. According to official data, tax return filings for 2025 have reached 5.9 million, up from 5 million during the same period last year. This represents a growth rate of 17.6 percent, marking one of the strongest improvements in recent years. The FBR attributes this growth to better digital access, automated systems, and the elimination of manual filing, which previously caused delays and errors.
In addition to the increased number of returns, tax payments have also risen significantly. A total of 3.6 million taxpayers submitted their returns with tax payments, reflecting an 18.6 percent increase. Individual taxpayers alone contributed an additional PKR 9 billion this year compared to last year. These numbers demonstrate that more citizens are now participating in the tax network, helping improve fiscal stability and funding public services more effectively.
Comparison of Tax Filing Growth
| Category | Tax Year 2024 | Tax Year 2025 | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Returns Filed | 5.0 Million | 5.9 Million | 17.6% |
| Returns with Tax Payments | 3.0 Million | 3.6 Million | 18.6% |
| Individual Tax Payments | PKR 60 Billion | PKR 69 Billion | 15% |
Complete Shift Toward Digital Filing System
One of the major reforms introduced by the FBR is the complete shift from manual filing to digital submission. Manual return submissions have been permanently discontinued, meaning that taxpayers must now use the official Iris online portal for filing their returns and submitting tax information. This major shift aims to reduce paperwork, simplify processes, and minimize errors that commonly occurred with manual submissions.
Taxpayers who previously relied on manual filing have been given a limited transition period of one month to move their records and processes online. The FBR believes that digital systems will allow faster processing, easier access to tax history, and better communication between taxpayers and the tax authority. This change also supports the government’s broader efforts to modernize public services and create a more transparent financial environment.
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Advantages of Moving to a Digital Filing System
- Reduces human errors and delays in processing
- Ensures transparency and easy access to tax history
- Provides real-time status updates for returns and ATL
- Eliminates paperwork and reduces system overload
- Simplifies extension requests and tax payment verifications
Who Qualifies for the ATL 2025?
The FBR has clearly defined the criteria for taxpayers who will appear in the ATL 2025. Understanding this is important because being listed as an active taxpayer results in lower withholding taxes on banking transactions, vehicle registration, mobile services, and various financial activities. The criteria have been simplified to ensure that every compliant taxpayer remains active.
Anyone who has either filed their return or submitted a valid extension request for Tax Year 2024 will be included. This includes individual taxpayers, companies, associations of persons, and newly registered filers. However, those who filed manually or missed the extension deadline will not appear in the list.
You Will Be Included in ATL 2025 If:
- You filed your Tax Year 2024 return using the Iris portal
- You submitted a valid extension request before the due date
- You registered recently and filed before November 15, 2025
- Your CPR payment is verified and attached with your return
- You failed to file your 2024 return or missed all extension deadlines
- You submitted a manual return that is now considered invalid
- Your return was filed without completing required tax payments
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Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Your Active Taxpayer Status
Ensuring your name appears in the ATL 2025 is simple if you follow the right steps. Many taxpayers face issues due to missing documents, unverified payments, or incomplete submissions. Using the Iris platform correctly can help avoid such problems and ensure your active status is secure.
The first step is to log in to your Iris account and verify whether your 2024 return acknowledgment is available. This acknowledgment confirms that your return has been submitted and processed. If you are a new filer or someone who has not yet filed, you should do so immediately before the last date. Filing early helps avoid portal load issues, especially during peak dates.
Steps to Maintain Your Active Status
- Log in to Iris and verify your Tax Year 2024 filing acknowledgment
- Ensure your CPR tax payment (if applicable) is recorded in the system
- File your return before November 15, 2025, if still pending
- Apply for a filing extension through Iris if needed and ensure approval
- Save your filing receipts and tax payment confirmations for verification
How to Check Your ATL Status Online
FBR will publish the updated Active Taxpayers List in early 2025, and taxpayers can check their status easily through the official FBR website. You can search the list by entering your CNIC or NTN. It is important to keep your filing receipts and CPR payment details ready when checking your status.
Taxpayers who discover any issues, such as being marked inactive despite filing correctly, should immediately contact the FBR helpline or submit a support ticket through Iris. Most issues can be resolved quickly if proper documentation is available.
Conclusion
The recent FBR clarification has made it easier for taxpayers to understand how ATL 2025 will be prepared. The list will rely exclusively on Tax Year 2024 returns, ensuring fairness and accuracy. With the shift to digital filing, taxpayers can benefit from faster, more transparent, and error-free processes. The rise in tax submissions this year also reflects growing cooperation from citizens and a promising shift toward a more compliant tax culture in Pakistan.
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