How Do I Check My ATL Status?
1. What Is the Active Taxpayer List (ATL)?
The Active Taxpayer List (ATL) is an official record published by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan every Sunday. It contains the names and CNIC/NTN numbers of all individuals and entities who have filed their income tax returns for the most recent tax year.
The ATL is updated weekly. A person's name is added to the ATL once they file their annual return, and they remain listed for the duration of the following tax year. Being on the ATL grants taxpayers a range of financial privileges — most notably, lower withholding tax (WHT) rates across various transactions.
2. Why Does ATL Status Matter?
Your ATL status has direct financial implications. Non-filers (those not on the ATL) are subjected to significantly higher withholding tax rates on banking transactions, property purchases, vehicle registrations, prize bonds, and more. Here's why staying active on the ATL is financially critical:
- ✓Lower withholding tax on banking transactions — Filers pay as low as 0.6%, non-filers can pay up to 2.5% on cash withdrawals above Rs. 50,000.
- ✓Reduced property tax rates — Non-filers pay double or triple WHT on property purchases compared to active taxpayers.
- ✓Cheaper vehicle registration — Active taxpayers enjoy substantially reduced advance tax rates when registering vehicles.
- ✓Ease of business contracts — Government tenders and certain business dealings require ATL status.
- ✓Avoidance of legal complications — Being inactive invites FBR notices and possible audits.
- ✓Access to refunds — Only filers can claim excess withholding tax refunds from the FBR.
3. How to Check ATL Status Online (FBR Website)
The fastest and most reliable way to verify your Active Taxpayer status is through the FBR's official portal at fbr.gov.pk. Follow these steps:
Visit FBR Portal
Go to fbr.gov.pk or directly to the ATL search page at atl.fbr.gov.pk.
Navigate to ATL Search
Click on "Online Services" → "ATL (Active Taxpayer List)" from the top navigation.
Enter Your CNIC or NTN
Type your 13-digit CNIC (for individuals) or 7-digit NTN (for businesses) without dashes.
Submit & View Result
Click the Search button. The result will display your name, tax year status, and whether you are Active or Inactive.
4. How to Check ATL Status via SMS
Pakistan's FBR also provides a convenient SMS-based ATL verification service for those without internet access or on-the-go:
| Type | SMS Format | Send To |
|---|---|---|
| Individual (CNIC) | ATL <space> 13-digit CNIC | 9966 |
| Business (NTN) | ATL <space> 7-digit NTN | 9966 |
| Company (STRN) | ATL <space> STRN number | 9966 |
You will receive an SMS reply within minutes confirming whether you are on the Active Taxpayer List for the current tax year. This service is available on all Pakistani networks (Jazz, Telenor, Zong, Ufone).
5. How to Check ATL Status via FBR Tax Asaan App
The FBR Tax Asaan App is the official mobile application by the Federal Board of Revenue, available on both Android (Google Play) and iOS (App Store). It offers one of the simplest ways to verify ATL status:
Download the App
Search "FBR Tax Asaan" on Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install the official app.
Open ATL Verification
From the home screen, select the "ATL Verification" tile on the dashboard.
Enter CNIC/NTN
Input your taxpayer identification number (CNIC or NTN) in the provided field.
Instant Result
Tap the Verify button for an immediate active/inactive status display with tax year information.
6. ATL Check Methods – Comparison Table
Here is a side-by-side comparison of all three methods to help you choose the most convenient option:
| Feature | FBR Website | SMS (9966) | Tax Asaan App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Required | Yes | No | Yes |
| Speed | Instant | 1–3 minutes | Instant |
| Detailed Information | High | Basic | High |
| 24/7 Availability | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Standard SMS rate | Free |
| Best For | Detailed search | No internet access | Mobile users |
7. Active vs Inactive Taxpayer – Key Differences
Understanding the financial consequences of being inactive on the ATL is crucial for individuals and businesses alike. The table below highlights the stark differences in tax treatment:
| Transaction Type | Active Taxpayer (Filer) | Inactive (Non-Filer) |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Cash Withdrawal (over Rs. 50k) | 0.6% | 2.5% |
| Property Purchase (up to Rs. 50M) | 3% | 12% |
| Vehicle Registration (1000–1800cc) | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 30,000 |
| Prize Bond Winnings (over Rs. 25k) | 15% | 25% |
| Dividend Income | 15% | 30% |
| Profit on Debt / Bank Profit | 15% | 30% |
Source: Income Tax Ordinance 2001 (as amended) · Tax Year 2024–25
8. How to Become an Active Taxpayer (Get on the ATL)
If your ATL status shows Inactive, don't panic — you can restore your status by taking the following steps:
- Register for NTN – If you don't have a National Tax Number, register on the IRIS portal (iris.fbr.gov.pk) or visit an FBR facilitation center.
- File Your Income Tax Return – Log in to IRIS, complete your return for the relevant tax year, and submit it before the deadline (typically September 30 each year for individuals).
- Wait for ATL Update – After filing, your name will appear on the next Sunday's ATL update (usually within 7 days).
- Pay ATL Surcharge (if deadline missed) – If you missed the deadline but still want ATL status for the current year, pay the prescribed surcharge and file a late return.
9. ATL Surcharge – What Is It and How to Pay?
If the income tax return filing deadline has passed, taxpayers can still appear on the ATL by paying an ATL surcharge — a one-time fee that allows late filers to get active status for the current tax year.
| Taxpayer Category | ATL Surcharge Amount |
|---|---|
| Individual (Salaried / Non-Salaried) | Rs. 1,000 |
| Association of Persons (AOP) | Rs. 10,000 |
| Company | Rs. 20,000 |
To pay the ATL surcharge, log in to your IRIS portal account, navigate to Payment → Create Payment, select "ATL Surcharge" as the payment type, generate a PSID, and pay via any bank or JazzCash/EasyPaisa.