How to Check Your NTN Status Online Using CNIC (2025 Update)

Why Your CNIC Matters for Tax Verification in Pakistan (NTN Explained)

Want to know if you’re listed as a taxpayer in Pakistan? It all starts with your CNIC. In Pakistan, the National Tax Number (NTN) is a unique identifier issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to every taxpayer. It’s crucial for formalizing your financial activities and ensuring tax compliance.

Your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) serves as a primary identifier within the FBR tax system. For individuals, your 13-digit CNIC number is typically used as your NTN. This linkage allows FBR to easily identify taxpayers for various purposes, such as confirming your filer/non-filer status, processing tax returns, or even for business registration. For instance, many first-time freelancers in Pakistan discover their NTN status is already linked with their CNIC without ever applying — thanks to automatic FBR registration through bank activity. You can verify your NTN details at the FBR Official Website.

Understanding your NTN status via your CNIC is vital for several reasons, including job requirements, opening bank accounts, buying or selling property, and, most importantly, filing your annual income tax returns. This linkage between CNIC and NTN has remained consistent across FBR systems for years — making this guide useful anytime. For a deeper dive into setting up your FBR profile, refer to our [FBR Registration Guide for New Users].

How to Instantly Check Your NTN Status Online Using CNIC (Free & Easy)

Imagine entering your CNIC and instantly knowing whether you’re registered with FBR or not — no agents, no paperwork. Checking your National Tax Number (NTN) status using your CNIC is a simple yet crucial step for all Pakistani citizens, ensuring your tax records are up-to-date and compliant with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This verification is essential for various transactions, from filing tax returns to opening bank accounts.

This online method has remained the standard across FBR platforms for years — with only minor layout updates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check NTN Using CNIC Online

The FBR provides a free, user-friendly online portal that allows you to instantly verify your NTN status using just your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number. You do not need to sign in to your IRIS account for this basic verification.

1. Visit the FBR Online Verification Portal: Open your web browser and go to the official FBR Online Verification Portal.
2. Select “Taxpayer Profile Inquiry”: On the left-hand side menu of the portal, locate and click on the option labeled “Taxpayer Profile Inquiry.”
3. Choose “CNIC” as Parameter Type: In the dropdown menu for “Parameter Type,” select “CNIC.”
4. Enter Your CNIC Number: Carefully type your 13-digit CNIC number into the “Registration No.” field. Do not include any dashes (e.g., if your CNIC is 35202-1234567-8, enter it as 3520212345678).
5. Enter the Captcha Code: Input the security Captcha code displayed on the screen into the designated box. This helps verify you are not a robot.
6. Click “Verify” or “Submit”: After ensuring all information is correct, click the “Verify” or “Submit” button.

What You’ll See After Verification

Upon successful verification, the portal will instantly display your NTN details, which typically include:

• Your Name
• Your NTN (which will be your CNIC for individuals)
• Your registered address
• Your Filer/Non-Filer Status
• Your Active/Inactive Taxpayer Status
• The date of your NTN registration

Tips for a Smooth Verification Experience

• Accuracy is Key: Always double-check your CNIC number before submitting. Even a single incorrect digit can lead to a “record not found” message.
• Official Portal Only: Only use the official FBR website for verification to protect your personal information and ensure accurate results. Avoid third-party websites that claim to offer this service.
• Peak Hours: We’ve seen users from Karachi and Lahore struggle to access the FBR portal during peak hours — early morning or late evening often gives the smoothest experience. If the portal is slow or displays errors, try again after some time.
• Mobile User Friendly: The FBR portal is designed to be accessible on mobile devices, so you can check your NTN status easily from your smartphone or tablet.

You’ll see your NTN instantly if it’s registered. For more comprehensive guidance on creating your FBR profile or registering your NTN, refer to our [NTN Registration Guide for New Users].

Are You a Filer or Not? Here’s How to Find Out Instantly with Your CNIC

Most people don’t realize you can check your filer status instantly with just an SMS — no login needed. To check your filer status in Pakistan, visit the FBR Active Taxpayer List (ATL) portal and enter your CNIC without dashes. Alternatively, send an SMS to 9966 with this format: ATL [space] CNIC. You’ll instantly know if you’re listed as a filer.

In Pakistan, being a “filer” means you are a registered taxpayer with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) who has also filed their annual income tax return for the relevant tax year. This status is crucial because it brings significant financial benefits, including lower withholding tax rates on various transactions like bank withdrawals, vehicle purchases, and property transfers.

The FBR maintains an “Active Taxpayer List” (ATL), which is updated regularly. If your name appears on this list, you are considered a filer. If not, you are treated as a non-filer, incurring higher tax deductions at source.

The SMS and ATL portal methods have remained reliable for verifying filer status year-round.

Method 1: Check Filer Status Online via FBR ATL Portal

This is a quick and free way to verify your filer status directly on the FBR website using your CNIC.

1. Visit the FBR Active Taxpayer List: Open your web browser and navigate to the FBR Active Taxpayer List.
2. Select “Parameter Type”: On the portal, choose “CNIC” from the “Parameter Type” dropdown menu.
3. Enter Your CNIC: In the “Registration No.” field, type your 13-digit Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number without any dashes (e.g., 3520212345678).
4. Enter Date (Optional but Recommended): You can select a specific date to check your ATL status for that particular day. If left blank, it will show the current status.
5. Enter Captcha Code: Input the security Captcha code displayed on the screen.
6. Click “Verify”: Click the “Verify” button. The system will instantly display whether you are an “Active Filer” or “Non-Filer.”

Method 2: Check Filer Status via SMS (to 9966)

For those without internet access, the FBR provides a convenient SMS service to check your filer status.

1. Open Your Messaging App: Go to your mobile phone’s SMS application.
2. Type the SMS Format:
   • For individuals: Type ATL (space) then your 13-digit CNIC number (without dashes).
     • Example: ATL 3520212345678
   • For companies or AOPs: Type ATL (space) then your 7-digit NTN number (without dashes).
     • Example: ATL 1234567
3. Send to 9966: Send this SMS to the FBR’s official shortcode: 9966.
4. Receive Reply: You will receive an instant reply indicating your filer status (Active or Inactive).

A freelancer in Islamabad shared that confirming their filer status helped reduce tax on international payments by 50% — just by staying listed on the ATL. Clearly, staying a filer brings significant tax savings — especially for business owners and freelancers.

Filer vs. Non-Filer: Key Differences in Tax Rates

Being on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) offers substantial financial advantages, as non-filers face higher withholding tax rates on various transactions.

Category	Filer	Non-Filer
Bank Cash Withdrawal Tax	0.3%	0.6%
Car Registration Tax	Lower	Higher
Property Transfer Tax	2%	4%
Overseas Payment Tax	1%	2%
Access to ATL Benefits	Yes	No

Clearly, staying a filer brings significant tax savings — especially for business owners and freelancers. For a deeper understanding of these benefits and how to maintain your active status, explore our guide: [Benefits of Being on the ATL in Pakistan].

Can’t Find Your NTN? Here’s What Most People Miss (And How to Fix It)

If your NTN doesn’t show up — don’t panic. Most people just miss one tiny formatting rule. If your NTN doesn’t appear when using your CNIC, double-check that you entered the CNIC correctly (without dashes). If it still doesn’t show, you may not be registered yet. You can recheck via the IRIS portal or start a fresh NTN registration. This scenario is quite common, and thankfully, there are clear steps you can take to resolve it.

These steps apply no matter when you’re checking — whether you’re a salaried employee, freelancer, or new business owner.

Possible Reasons Your NTN Isn’t Showing

If you’ve tried to check your NTN using your CNIC on the FBR portal and received a “record not found” message, here are the most common reasons:

• You’re Not Registered Yet: The most straightforward reason is that you might not have an NTN assigned to your CNIC by the FBR. This happens if you’ve never formally registered for income tax.
• CNIC Format Error: A frequent mistake is entering your 13-digit CNIC with dashes. The FBR portal requires the CNIC to be entered as a continuous string of digits (e.g., 3520212345678).
• System Glitch or Peak Hours: Occasionally, the FBR portal might experience high traffic, maintenance, or temporary technical issues, preventing it from displaying results accurately.
• Old Data or Mismatched Records: While less common for individuals, if your personal data with NADRA (CNIC issuing authority) doesn’t perfectly align with FBR’s records, it could cause issues.

Quick Checklist to Retry Verification

Before moving to more involved solutions, run through these quick checks:

• Re-enter CNIC Without Dashes: This is the most crucial step. Ensure there are absolutely no hyphens or spaces in your CNIC number.
• Refresh the Page/Try Another Browser: Clear your browser’s cache or try using a different web browser (like Chrome or Firefox) to rule out local display issues.
• Try During Off-Peak Hours: Access the FBR portal early in the morning (before 9 AM PKT) or late in the evening (after 8 PM PKT) when server traffic is usually lower.

Next Steps If Your NTN Still Isn’t Found

If retrying doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time for more direct action:

• Check Through IRIS Login (If you ever registered): If you previously created an FBR IRIS account but don’t remember your NTN, you can log in to your account at the FBR IRIS Portal using your CNIC and password. Your NTN status and details will be visible on your dashboard.
• Initiate New NTN Registration: If you’re confident you’ve never registered or your previous attempt was incomplete, you might need to start a fresh NTN registration process. The FBR online portal allows you to do this from scratch. For a detailed guide, refer to our [How to Register for NTN Online in Pakistan]. One Karachi-based entrepreneur found that her NTN hadn’t been generated even after filing a return — until she manually registered via IRIS.
• Contact FBR Helpline: For direct assistance, you can call the FBR Helpline. Their representatives can often guide you through common issues or confirm your registration status over the phone.
  • FBR Helpline Number: +92 51 111 772 772 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM PKT)
• Visit Your Regional Tax Office (RTO): As a last resort, if online and phone methods don’t work, visit your nearest Regional Tax Office (RTO) in person. Bring your original CNIC and any supporting documents (like a utility bill or employment letter). FBR staff can physically check your records and guide you through the registration process if needed.

Don’t let a missing NTN hinder your compliance. Taking these steps will help you get clarity and become a registered taxpayer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Checking NTN Using CNIC

Still have lingering questions about STRN and NTN? These quick answers might help. These answers are based on long-standing FBR processes and apply regardless of year or filing cycle.

Q: Can I check my NTN without my CNIC number?

A: For individuals, your CNIC is the primary identifier for checking your NTN status online. While some FBR services might use your Passport Number or Registration/Incorporation Number for companies, the CNIC is essential for individual NTN verification.

Q: Does having an NTN automatically make me a filer?

A: No, having an NTN means you are registered with FBR, but it does not automatically make you a “filer.” To become a filer, you must actively file your annual income tax return by the due date. According to a tax assistant in Lahore, many users mistakenly think having an NTN automatically means they’re a filer — but that only happens after submitting returns.

Q: Is there any fee to check my NTN status using CNIC?

A: No, checking your NTN status or filer status on the official FBR website (through the Taxpayer Profile Inquiry or Active Taxpayer List) is completely free of charge. The SMS method to 9966 might incur standard SMS charges from your mobile operator.

Q: What if the FBR portal shows I have multiple NTN records?

A: In rare cases, duplicate NTNs might exist due to clerical errors or previous incomplete registrations. If you encounter multiple records, it’s best to contact the FBR helpline (111-772-772) or visit your nearest Regional Tax Office (RTO) for clarification and to consolidate your records.

Q: How do I correct wrong information associated with my NTN on FBR records?

A: If there’s incorrect information (like an address or contact detail) linked to your NTN, you can usually correct it by logging into your FBR IRIS account and filing a modification application (Form 181 for Income Tax). For more complex corrections, or if you can’t access your account, contacting the FBR helpline or visiting an RTO is advisable.

Q: What is a valid NTN number for individuals in Pakistan?

A: For individuals, your 13-digit Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number itself serves as your valid NTN. It is the unique identifier recognized by the FBR for your income tax obligations.

Q: Can I check my STRN using my NTN or CNIC?

A: Yes, you can typically check a Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN) on the FBR’s “Active Taxpayer List (Sales Tax)” by entering either the STRN itself, the associated NTN, or the CNIC of the proprietor/company director.

NTN Still Not Found? Use These Smart Tips Before Trying Again

Before you log off — here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes and save yourself a second search. Checking your National Tax Number (NTN) status is a straightforward process, but minor errors can prevent you from finding your record. It’s essential to ensure accuracy when using your CNIC for verification.

Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve covered:

• Your NTN is your primary income tax identity in Pakistan.
• For individuals, your CNIC typically serves as your NTN.
• You can check your NTN and filer status for free via the FBR portal or through an SMS method.
• If your NTN isn’t showing, it’s often due to simple input errors or a lack of prior registration.

Smart Tips for Checking Your NTN Like a Pro

To ensure a smooth verification experience and resolve common hurdles, keep these tips in mind:

• CNIC Format is Crucial: Always enter your 13-digit CNIC number without any dashes or spaces. This is the most frequent reason for “record not found” errors.
• Use the Official FBR Portal: Stick to e.fbr.gov.pk or fbr.gov.pk for all your verification needs. Avoid third-party websites that may provide outdated or inaccurate information.
• Try Off-Peak Hours: If the FBR portal is slow or unresponsive, try checking your status during non-business hours, such as early morning (before 9:00 AM PKT) or late evening (after 8:00 PM PKT).
• Save Your Information: Once you successfully retrieve your NTN and confirm your filer status, take a screenshot or make a note of it. Most accountants recommend saving your NTN and filer status screenshots in Google Drive or WhatsApp chat with yourself for easy access during audits or banking. This saves you from re-verifying every time you need it.
• Understand Filer vs. NTN: Remember that having an NTN means you’re registered, but being a “filer” means you’ve also filed your latest tax return. These are two distinct statuses.
• When in Doubt, Contact FBR: If you’ve followed all the steps and still can’t find your NTN or clarify your status, don’t hesitate to reach out to the FBR Helpline at +92 51 111 772 772 for direct assistance.

Knowing your NTN isn’t just a formality — it’s a key part of managing your financial identity in Pakistan. Taking these smart steps will help you check your NTN status confidently and efficiently, ensuring you stay compliant and benefit from being a registered taxpayer. These tips apply whether you’re checking your NTN today or next year — the process rarely changes.