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🖥️ FBR IRIS Portal Complete Guide 2026

PakTaxCalc Team • February 17, 2026 • 16 min read

Complete step-by-step tutorial for FBR IRIS portal in Pakistan. Learn how to register, file tax returns, download NTN certificates, check filer status, and use core online tax services with clear instructions.

🌐 What is FBR IRIS Portal?

IRIS (Integrated Registration & Identification System) is the official online portal of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for most income-tax related services in Pakistan.

  • ✅ Register for NTN (National Tax Number)
  • ✅ File income tax returns online
  • ✅ Generate payment challans and record tax payments
  • ✅ Download tax certificates and acknowledgments
  • ✅ Check filer / Active Taxpayers List (ATL) status
  • ✅ View and respond to notices
  • ✅ File wealth statements and update profile information

🔗 Official Portal Link

https://iris.fbr.gov.pk

⚠️ Tip: Always make sure the address is on the official fbr.gov.pk domain to avoid fake websites.

🚀 Getting Started: First-Time Registration

Step 1: Access the Portal

  1. Open a modern browser like Google Chrome or Firefox.
  2. Visit: iris.fbr.gov.pk.
  3. Click on "Registration" in the top menu.
  4. Select "Register as Taxpayer".

Step 2: Fill Registration Form

Required Information (Individual):

  • 📌 CNIC Number: 13 digits without dashes (e.g., 3520212345678).
  • 📌 Full Name: Exactly as on CNIC.
  • 📌 Father's Name: As per CNIC.
  • 📌 Date of Birth: Match with CNIC.
  • 📌 Mobile Number: Active (for OTP verification).
  • 📌 Email Address: Working email.
  • 📌 Residential Address: Current complete address.

Step 3: Verify Mobile & Email

  • Enter OTP sent to your mobile.
  • Enter verification code received by email.
  • If OTP not received, wait a short time and use the "Resend" option.

Step 4: Create Password

  • Use at least 8 characters.
  • Include uppercase, lowercase, number, and special character.
  • Example: MyTax@2026.
  • Store the password in a secure place or password manager.

Step 5: Submit & Get NTN

  • Review all information carefully.
  • Click "Submit" to complete registration.
  • For individuals, the 13-digit CNIC usually becomes the NTN in the system.
  • Download and save the registration/NTN confirmation or certificate once available.

✅ Registration Done

After registration, you can log in with your CNIC/NTN and password and start using IRIS for returns, certificates, and other services.

🔐 How to Login to IRIS Portal

Login Steps

  1. Go to iris.fbr.gov.pk.
  2. Click "Login" (top right).
  3. Enter your Registration No. (NTN/CNIC).
  4. Enter your password and solve the CAPTCHA.
  5. Click "Login" to access your dashboard.

Forgot Password?

  1. Click "Forgot Password" on the login page.
  2. Enter your NTN/CNIC.
  3. Choose recovery by email or SMS.
  4. Enter the verification code received.
  5. Create a new password and log in again.

📋 How to File Income Tax Return on IRIS

IRIS guides you through return filing with on-screen sections for income, deductions, and assets. The basic flow is similar each year, though forms and labels can be updated by FBR.

Step 1: Login & Navigate

  1. Login to the IRIS portal.
  2. Open the "Declarations / Returns" or relevant menu.
  3. Choose the Income Tax Return option.
  4. Select the correct tax year (for example, 2026 return for income earned in tax year 2025, if that is how FBR defines the period).

Step 2: Choose Return Form

Your Situation (Typical) Form in IRIS
Primarily salaried individual Individual return with employment income sections + wealth statement.
Business owner / Self-employed Individual return with business income sections.
Multiple income sources Combined individual return (salary, business, property, etc.).
Company or AOP Dedicated company/AOP return forms.

Step 3: Fill Income Details

For Salaried Persons

  • Employment/Salary income: Use figures from your salary certificate or annual summary.
  • Tax deducted: Enter total tax deducted at source by your employer.
  • Other income: Include bank profit, rental income, etc., in the relevant sections.

For Business / Freelancers

  • Gross receipts: Total amount invoiced or received during the year.
  • Allowable expenses: Business expenses such as rent, utilities, and professional costs.
  • Net profit: The system calculates based on your entries.
  • Advance / withholding taxes: Enter any tax already paid or deducted.

Step 4: Declare Assets & Liabilities (Wealth Statement)

Assets to Declare (Example List)

  • 💰 Bank account balances as of the statement date.
  • 🏠 Immovable property such as land, houses, or apartments.
  • 🚗 Registered vehicles.
  • 💍 Jewelry and other significant valuables.
  • 📈 Investments in shares, mutual funds, or other securities.
  • 💵 Significant cash on hand.

Liabilities to Declare

  • 🏦 Bank loans and financing.
  • 💳 Credit card balances.
  • 👤 Personal loans and other formal debts.

Step 5: Attach Documents (If Needed)

IRIS generally relies on data entry rather than uploads, but it is wise to keep supporting documents ready in case of queries or for your own record: salary certificates, bank statements, tax deduction certificates, and property / investment records.

Step 6: Review & Submit

  1. Use the preview option to see a summary of your return.
  2. Resolve any validation errors shown in red.
  3. If tax is payable, generate a challan (PSID) and pay via online banking or at a designated bank branch.
  4. After payment, confirm that it appears in IRIS, then click "Submit".
  5. Save the acknowledgment receipt and a PDF copy of the filed return for your records.

⏰ Filing Deadlines

In recent years, the general deadline for many individual returns has been announced around 30 September, with FBR reminding taxpayers that late filing can lead to penalties and loss of filer benefits. Always confirm the exact due date announced for the current tax year.

💰 How to Make Tax Payments

Online Payment (PSID + e-Payment)

  1. Login to IRIS.
  2. Use the payments/challan section to generate a PSID for the required tax (income tax, advance tax, etc.).
  3. Pay the PSID through internet banking, mobile app, ATM, or supported channels of participating banks.
  4. Payment is typically confirmed in IRIS after processing by the bank.

Bank Challan Over the Counter

  1. Generate PSID via IRIS.
  2. Print or note the PSID reference.
  3. Visit a designated bank branch that accepts FBR payments.
  4. Pay in cash or via account and keep your stamped receipt.

🔍 How to Check Filer / ATL Status

Method 1: FBR Portal / ATL Page

  1. Go to the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) section on the FBR website.
  2. Enter your CNIC/NTN as required.
  3. View whether you appear as Active or not for that ATL year.

Method 2: SMS

  • Type: ATL [Your 13-digit CNIC] (without dashes).
  • Send to 9966.
  • You receive a reply indicating if you are on the ATL (filer status) for income tax.

📄 How to Download NTN / Registration Certificate

  1. Login to IRIS.
  2. Open the Registration or Profile menu.
  3. View your registration details.
  4. Use the available option to print / download certificate as PDF.
  5. Save it for bank, employer, or other official use.

💵 How to Track Tax Refund Status

  1. Login to IRIS.
  2. Check refund-related sections under payments or declarations.
  3. Select the relevant tax year.
  4. Review whether the refund is under process, sanctioned/approved, or paid to your bank account.

⏱️ Refund Timelines

Actual processing time varies with workload and verification, but FBR generally advises taxpayers to ensure their bank details are correctly updated in IRIS so approved refunds can be transferred directly.

🔄 How to Update Personal Information

  1. Login to IRIS.
  2. Go to "Registration" → "Update Profile" or similar profile options.
  3. Update details such as:
    • Mobile number
    • Email address
    • Postal address
    • Bank account details
  4. Save and verify with OTP if prompted.

⚠️ Changes That Need Office Visit

Core identity fields such as name or CNIC are controlled through NADRA and FBR records. If there is an error in these, you will generally need to update NADRA records first and then visit or contact FBR/RTO with supporting documents rather than changing them directly online.

🛠️ Common IRIS Portal Issues & Quick Fixes

Problem Possible Solution
Portal seems slow or not loading Clear browser cache, try Chrome/Firefox, and if possible switch to a more stable internet connection.
CAPTCHA not visible Refresh the page, disable VPN/ad-blockers, or change browser.
Session timeout IRIS automatically logs out after inactivity. Save your work often and log in again if needed.
Return submission fails Check for validation errors highlighted in the form, correct them, and re-submit.
PDF not downloading Allow pop-ups for iris.fbr.gov.pk and ensure your browser is permitted to download files.
"Already registered" when signing up Use the "Forgot Password" option to recover your existing IRIS account.

📱 FBR Mobile Tools

FBR / IRIS Related Apps

  • 📲 Some FBR services and verification tools are also accessible through official mobile apps listed on app stores or linked from FBR's website.
  • 📲 Typical features include checking ATL status, viewing basic tax profile, and receiving alerts.

📝 Note

Full income tax return filing is generally designed for the web portal on a desktop or laptop browser. For complex returns, using a larger screen is more reliable than mobile.

📞 FBR Help & Official Support

Contact Channels

  • 📞 Helpline: 051-111-772-772 (business hours, Mon–Fri).
  • 🌐 Website: www.fbr.gov.pk
  • 🏢 In-person: Visit your nearest Regional Tax Office (RTO/LTO) for complex issues.
  • 📺 Tutorials: FBR and independent tax educators publish walkthroughs for IRIS on YouTube and other platforms.

✅ IRIS Portal Best Practices

DO

  • ✅ Keep your contact details updated so you receive OTPs and notices.
  • ✅ Use a password manager or secure method to store login credentials.
  • ✅ Download and save returns, acknowledgments, and certificates each year.
  • ✅ File returns before the notified deadline to stay on the Active Taxpayers List.
  • ✅ Cross-check figures using a calculator or external tool before final submission.

DON'T

  • ❌ Share your IRIS password or OTPs with anyone.
  • ❌ Log in from public computers for sensitive tasks if you can avoid it.
  • ❌ Click unknown links or attachments claiming to be from FBR without verifying the source.
  • ❌ Ignore notices or emails from FBR; log in and check your inbox in IRIS.
  • ❌ Rely on guesswork; keep salary slips, statements, and challans handy while filing.

🧮 Calculate Your Tax Before Filing

Use our free calculators to estimate your tax liability for salary, business, or other income before you fill out your IRIS return.

Calculate Tax Now →

⚖️ Educational Disclaimer

This guide is for general educational purposes to help you understand how to navigate the FBR IRIS portal. Portal screens, return forms, and deadlines can be updated by FBR, and exact steps may differ slightly from year to year.

It is not a substitute for professional tax advice. For complex situations or if you are unsure about how to declare specific income or assets, consider consulting a qualified tax practitioner or reviewing the latest instructions issued on the FBR website.

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