how to become a filer in FBR online
Who is a Filer?
It is crucial for you to understand your status, before you are going to become a filer in FBR. One has to file return of income if their total income for the year exceeds the minimum level of income on which a tax becomes payable which is also called taxable income limit and is different for different tax years. Similarly, every FBR registered person having an NTN number so far has been mandated to file a return whether he has an income or not.
II. Essential Documents and Information
The key to a smooth filing process is to have all your necessary documents and information ready beforehand. This will prevent you from having to stop and search for details in the middle of the process.
For Employed Persons
- Your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and NTN (if you have one).
- Your salary slip or salary certificate for the entire tax year.
- To verify your extra or additional income or assets or other sources of income, you must provide bank statement.
- Provide the specificity of your assets and debts like, property, vehicles etc.
- Any withholding tax certificates from banks or telecom companies.
- Provide the evidence of any investment and donations if you want to claim the tax credits.
- Details of specific utility bills (gas, phone, electricity) or any other travel related expenditures which have the withholdings of tax deduction.
For Business Individuals/Freelancers
- A comprehensive profit and loss statement for your business.
- Details of all business-related expenses.
- Complete list of business assets and liabilities.
III. The IRIS Portal Step by Step Filing Process
It is all done over the internet via the FBR’s IRIS portal. Adhere to the following procedures to make a successful submission.
Step 1: Access the IRIS Portal and Login
To begin with, you have to log into IRIS portal through the official FBR site. You are a new taxpayer; then you will have to register by clicking “Registration for Unregistered Person.” This requires you to give your CNIC, phone number, and email address. The system will send PIN codes to your phone as well as email to verify them. After verification, you will be given a password and CNIC will be your User ID.
You can also use the E-Enrollment for Registered Person to obtain your login credentials in case you are already a registered taxpayer but you do not have access to the IRIS portal.
Once you have signed in, you will be redirected to your dashboard, where you will find all the activities related to taxes.
Step 2: Go to the Income Tax Return Form
On the left-hand panel of the IRIS dashboard, select the tab “Declaration”. Then choose Income Tax Return. The system will then ask you to choose the tax year in question. This will be Tax Year 2025 in the present filing season. Your “Draft” folder will create a new form.
Step 3: Add Work and Income Information
The form of income tax return is subdivided into a number of sections. The first and the most important part is where you declare your income.
- Employment Tab: Enter the NTN of your employer and the total salary earned during the tax year as per your salary slip. State any tax that you had deducted on your salary.
- Business Tab: Enter total revenue, costs and calculated profit or loss.
- Property Tab: Declare rental income and paid property taxes.
- Other Sources: Report bank profits, capital gains on investments or any foreign income.
Step 4: Claim Tax Credits and Deductions
After completing your income information, proceed to the section of Tax Credits and Deductions. You can deduct taxable income by reporting allowable expenses or donations. These include charitable gifts, life insurance payments, and education costs.
Step 5: Fill Out the Assets and Liabilities Part (Wealth Statement)
This is a compulsory section of the filing procedure of each resident taxpayer.
- Assets: Cash in hand, bank balances, stocks, shares, mutual funds, vehicles, gold, and immovable property.
- Debts: Current loans and credit card debts.
- Reconciliation: The difference in your net wealth between this year and the last year should match the difference in your income and expenditures.
Step 6: Verify Final Calculations and Taxes
Go to the Withholding Data tab and check pre-populated information. Compare with your own records.
Click Compute to calculate your tax payable or refund. If payable, generate a Payment Slip ID (PSID) and pay via bank or mobile banking.
Step 7: Final Submission and Acknowledgment
After verification, click Verify. The return will move from “Draft” to your completed tasks folder. Download and store the acknowledgment receipt.
IV. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Reconciling Wealth Statement: Ensure balance between income, expenses, assets, and liabilities.
- Last Minute Filing: File before the September 30th deadline.
- Omissions: Never hide assets or income to avoid penalties.
- Wrong Information: Double-check CNIC, NTN, and other details.
