Today (31 October 2026) is the final extension for submitting your IT Return for Tax Year 2026.
Millions of people will be asking;
Am I on the list?
The Active Taxpayer List (ATL) is the official list of taxpayers maintained by the FBR. If you are on this list, you will pay the lower tax rates (taxpayers) for things like banking, property, vehicles, etc.
It’s free to check, and only takes a minute.
What is the Active Taxpayer List?
The Active Taxpayer List shows who is classed as a taxpayer.
This is checked by banks, property registrars, and excise. The list is frequently updated, so you’ll want to check the last updated date on the FBR page.
If you submit your return by midnight tonight, you’ll be classified as a taxpayer.
However, after the deadline, you will be classed as a non-taxpayer until you pay the ATL surcharge.
There is no longer a late taxpayer category.
How to Check if You Are on the Active Taxpayer List Using SMS (No internet required)
Individuals
- Open your SMS app.
- Type in ATL followed by your 13-digit CNIC number (without the hyphens).
Example: ATL 3520212345671
- Send to FBR short code 9966.
Companies / AOPs
- Type in ATL followed by your 7-digit NTN.
- Send to 9966.
- Active = You are on the list.
- Inactive/Not Found = You are registered but not active.
Your mobile service provider may charge a nominal fee.
How to Check if You Are on the Active Taxpayer List Online
The wording of the menu items may vary slightly, but the steps are easy to follow.
Step 1: Access the online verification.
- Go to the official FBR website or go to the online services gateway.
Step 2: Find the Active Taxpayer List.
- Open the online verification section.
- Select the Active Taxpayer List (Income Tax).
Step 3: Enter your details.
- Select whether you want to search by CNIC (individual) or NTN (company/AOP).
- Enter your number.
- Select the relevant tax year (if requested).
- Enter the captcha code.
Step 4: View your results.
- Click ‘Verify’ or ‘Search’.
- You will see your name, registration number, and whether you are active.
You can also check using the Tax Asaan app, or within your Iris account.
Checking Another Person
As the Active Taxpayer List is public information, you can check;
- Suppliers / Contractors.
- Buyers / Sellers.
- Business partners.
You will just need their CNIC / NTN.
Why You May Not Be Showing
If you’ve just submitted your return, don’t worry.
The list is not updated instantly.
Any returns that come in on time will be addressed in the following update.
Keep your return confirmation as proof that you’ve submitted your return on time.
You may not be showing as active if;
- You didn’t submit last years return.
- You were late in submitting it.
- You dialled the wrong number.
What to Do if You Are Not Active After the Deadline
If you submit after the deadline you won’t be added to the list.
You will need to pay the Surcharge for ATL Activation under Section 182A of the Income Tax Ordinance.
The surcharge has increased significantly in the Finance Act 2026.
| Taxpayer | Old Surcharge | New Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals | PKR 1,000 | PKR 25,000 |
| Associations of Persons | PKR 10,000 | PKR 50,000 |
| Companies | PKR 20,000 | PKR 100,000 |
The normal late penalties will also apply under Section 182.
How to Get Back on the List
- Submit your outstanding return and wealth statement.
- Create a PSID for the surcharge in Iris.
- Pay via your bank or online banking.
- Once the list has been updated, check your status.
What Happens if You Are a Non-Taxpayer
Whilst you’re not active, you will be charged the higher non-taxpayer rates.
- 0.8% tax on cash withdrawals over PKR 50,000 per day.
- Higher tax on property purchases and sales.
- Higher tax on vehicle registration and token tax.
- Higher tax on bank profits and dividends.
Filing Before Midnight
If you are showing as inactive and haven’t filed yet.
The TaxAccountant.pk team is filing returns right up to the deadline. We can assist late filers in getting back onto the list.
