Banks, property dealers, freelance sites, employers, and the Trademark Office will ask for your NTN.
Your NTN is your access to the Tax System in Pakistan. It can be registered free of charge online within an hour.
What is an NTN?
An NTN (National Tax Number) is your unique identifier with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
For individuals, your NTN will be the same as your 13-digit CNIC number once registered.
Who Needs an NTN?
- Salaried individuals with taxable income.
- Freelancers & Remote workers with income from overseas.
- Shopkeepers, Traders & Sole Proprietors.
- Partnerships (AOP) & Companies.
- Anyone wishing to file an Income Tax Return.
Benefits
- Become a filer. Firstly, you must be registered to file a return.
- Lower withholding tax. Those registered to file will have much lower rates of withholding tax on banking, property, vehicles and profits from deposits.
- Register your business. An NTN is often required to register for Sales Tax, bank accounts & Tenders.
- Register a Trademark. Having an NTN makes registering a Trademark & business easier.
No Cost
The FBR does not charge for registering an NTN. You can register yourself via the FBR Iris portal. However, you will have to pay if you choose to use a consultant.
Different Types of NTN in Pakistan
Individual NTN
For Salaried Individuals, Freelancers & Sole Proprietors.
- Your CNIC will be your NTN.
- Sole proprietors will register their business under their Individual NTN.
AOP NTN
For Partnership Firms & Associations of Persons.
- Registered by the Principal Officer or Partner.
- Requires Partnership Deed & Firm Registration Certificate (if applicable).
Company NTN
For Private Limited & Public Limited companies.
Generally registered via SECP & FBR integration when the company is incorporated.
The company will then have access to Iris via their authorised officer.
We will be focusing on Individual NTNs below, as most people will need this.
Requirements & Documents Needed
Ensure you have the following documents ready.
All Individuals
- Valid CNIC / NICOP.
- Mobile Number registered in your name against your CNIC.
- Active Personal Email.
- Current Address.
Business NTN
- Recent Electricity Bill (usually less than 3 months old).
- Proof of ownership or Tenancy Agreement.
- Your Business Name, Address & Type.
Common Issues
- Mobile Number not in your name. You will not receive the code. Ensure you have a SIM registered in your name.
- Name not matching. Ensure your name matches exactly how it appears on your CNIC.
- Shared Email. Use an email that only you control. All FBR notifications will be sent to this.
How to Register your NTN on FBR Iris Portal
Step 1 – Login
Visit the official FBR Iris Portal. https://iris.fbr.gov.pk/
Click ‘Registration for Unregistered Person’
Step 2 – Basic Information
Enter the following:
- CNIC Number.
- Prefix (Mr. / Ms.)
- Full Name (exactly as it appears on CNIC)
- Mobile Provider & Number.
- Email.
Double check everything is correct.
Step 3 – OTP Verification
Submit.
You will receive a code via SMS & Email.
Enter the codes.
The codes will expire after a short period of time. Keep your phone & email open.
Step 4 – Login with Password
You will receive your login password via SMS & Email from the FBR.
Login to Iris with your CNIC as the username and the password provided. Change your password to something you can remember.
Step 5 – Fill out Form 181
In the Draft section of Iris click on Form 181.
Fill out the following:
- Contact & Address Details.
- Income Source (Salary, Business, Freelance or Property).
- If you are salaried, enter your employer details.
- If you have a business enter your business details (Name, Address & Type).
- If you own the property or rent it out enter your property details.
- Bank Account Details.
- Upload any documents requested.
Click Submit.
Your NTN will now be processed.
Once approved, your NTN will be active.
Often this will be quick but can take a few working days if the FBR ask for further information.
How to Check your NTN Status Online
Check if you are registered.
- Visit FBR’s online verification tool on fbr.gov.pk or use the Tax Asaan App.
- Search using your CNIC / NTN to ensure you are registered.
Check if you are on the Active Taxpayer List.
The Active Taxpayer List (ATL) is separate to your NTN.
Just because you have an NTN doesn’t mean you will be on the ATL.
You won’t be added to the ATL until you file your Income Tax Return.
To check if you are on the ATL:
- Send an SMS: ATL (space) your 13 digit CNIC to 9966.
- Search the ATL page on fbr.gov.pk.
- Use the Tax Asaan App.
View our full guide on checking your ATL status.
What to do Once Registered
Once registered, you should:
- File your Income Tax Return (Tax Year 2026 deadline is 31 October 2026).
- Include your Wealth Statement.
- Update your details in Iris (Address, Mobile, Email & Bank).
- Regularly check your Iris inbox for FBR Notifications.
If you miss the deadline, you will become a non-filer & have to pay a Rs 25,000 surcharge to get onto the ATL.
Need Help with your NTN?
Whilst you can register your NTN for free you may want to use us to help you avoid any issues with completing Form 181, Business details & your first return.
We provide:
- Fast NTN registration for Individuals, AOPs & Companies.
- Sales Tax Registration.
- Filing your first return & Wealth Statement.
- Assistance with logging into Iris & any issues with your profile.
