Published: 9 October 2026 | By Umair A R Mughal
Your National Tax Number (NTN) is the identifier the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) uses to connect you to the tax system. You need it to buy a vehicle, open a business bank account, deal with corporate vendors, and file your return before the 15 October 2026 deadline.
For individuals, your Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) number is the key to your tax profile. This guide explains how to check your tax status using your CNIC, online and by SMS, without visiting a tax office.
Why Checking Your NTN Status Matters
Your status decides whether you appear on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) as a filer or are treated as a non-filer. Banks, vehicle registration offices, property registrars and withholding agents check it before applying a tax rate. Non-filers pay higher withholding tax on many transactions. See our guides to the ATL verification service and the ATL status check.
Check your profile before you need it, so you can fix a problem before a bank or dealer asks for proof.
Method 1: Check Online on the FBR Website
The FBR lists online verification as one of the official ways to check Active Taxpayer status, and it is open to the public without a login. The exact screens can change, so use the FBR’s own Check Active Taxpayer Status page as your starting point.
- Open the official page. Go to the FBR’s Active Taxpayer List page on fbr.gov.pk and choose the online verification option.
- Select CNIC. Choose CNIC as the search type and enter your 13-digit CNIC without dashes, for example 3740512345678.
- Complete the captcha. Type the code shown on screen.
- Search. The result shows whether you are on the Active Taxpayer List.
You can also log in to IRIS with your CNIC to see your registration details directly. For company NTNs, see our NTN directory.
Method 2: Check by SMS
If you have no internet, such as at a bank branch or a vehicle dealership, the FBR offers an SMS check:
- Open the messaging app on your phone.
- Type ATL, a space, then your 13-digit CNIC with no dashes or spaces. Example: ATL 3740512345678.
- Send it to 9966.
For a company or AOP, the FBR’s format uses ATL followed by the 7-digit NTN. The reply tells you whether the CNIC or NTN is on the Active Taxpayer List. It is a status check and may not return your NTN itself. Normal carrier SMS charges apply.
What If No Record Is Found?
If the search shows no record, you may not be registered, or you may be registered but not yet on the list because your return is missing. First check whether you have filed for the latest tax year in IRIS. If you are not registered at all, you need to register through IRIS: create an account, verify the mobile number registered on your own CNIC and your email address, and submit the registration application.
Operating without an active filer status means higher withholding rates on banking and other transactions.
What Happens After 15 October
If you do not file by 15 October 2026, you are treated as a non-filer, since the late filer category has ended. Restoring your name to the ATL has been reported to cost a surcharge of Rs 25,000 for individuals, Rs 50,000 for AOPs and Rs 100,000 for companies, on top of the late-filing penalty under Section 182. Confirm current amounts on fbr.gov.pk. Audit selection is now handled by the National Faceless Center, so your return and wealth statement should match your bank, property and vehicle records. See documents required for an income tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my tax status with just my CNIC?
Yes. Both the online check and the SMS service accept a 13-digit CNIC for individuals.
What is the SMS number for the ATL check?
Send ATL followed by your CNIC to 9966.
Does the SMS show my NTN?
It confirms whether you are on the Active Taxpayer List. For full registration details, log in to IRIS.
What does it mean if I am not on the ATL?
You are treated as a non-filer and pay higher withholding rates until your status is restored.
Is it free?
The online check is free. The SMS check costs your normal carrier SMS rate.
Need Help With Registration or Filing? We Can Help
Checking your status is easy. Fixing a wrong address, a wrong mobile number linked to your profile, or a non-filer status needs care. TaxAccountant.pk handles NTN registration, profile updates in IRIS and income tax return filing.
- WhatsApp / call: +92 339 505 0983
- Email: info@taxaccountant.pk
- Address: Office 1, First Floor, United Plaza, Main Service Road, Khanna Pull, Rawalpindi
Check fbr.gov.pk for the latest procedure.
