Paying taxes is a legal responsibility for every earning citizen in Pakistan. With the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) introducing the IRIS online portal, taxpayers can now file their income tax returns conveniently from home. Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you understand the process.Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Income Tax Returns Online in Pakistan.
**Who Is Required to File Tax Returns?
**
Every individual and business earning income in Pakistan is obligated to file an annual tax return. You are required to file if:
- Your annual income exceeds the taxable threshold set by FBR.
- You are a salaried person, freelancer, or self-employed individual.
- You own property, run a business, or receive foreign remittances.
- You wish to appear on the Active Taxpayers List (ATL) to avail tax benefits.
Note: Freelancers and online earners must also file returns even if they work with international clients.
Documents Needed for Tax Submission
Before starting the filing process, keep these documents ready:
- CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card)
- Salary slip or income proof
- Bank statements (last 12 months)
- Deduction certificates (if applicable)
- Utility bills and rental income receipts
- Investment or business expense details
- Wealth statement for asset declaration
Having these documents helps ensure accuracy and prevents errors in your tax submission.Filing income tax returns online in Pakistan.
How to Create FBR IRIS Account
To file your tax return, you must register on the FBR IRIS portal:
- Visit https://iris.fbr.gov.pk/
- Click “Registration for Unregistered Person”.
- Enter your CNIC, email, and mobile number.
- You’ll receive a PIN code via SMS and email.
- Log in to IRIS using your credentials and change your password for security.
Once your account is active, you can start the filing process.
Filing the Tax Return – Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to file your income tax return through IRIS:
- Login to your IRIS account.
- Go to “Declaration” → “Income Tax Return (Form 114)”.
- Select the Tax Year (e.g., 2025).
- Enter your personal details, income sources, and deductions.
- Fill in your Wealth Statement and Asset Details.
- Review all data carefully before final submission.
If you have foreign income or freelance earnings, ensure to mention them under “Other Sources”.
Verification and Submission of Return
After completing your return:
- Click “Verify” to check for any missing data or system errors.
- Once verified, click “Submit” to officially file your return.
- You will receive an acknowledgment receipt from FBR.
Tip: Keep a PDF copy of the receipt for your records. You can later check your Active Taxpayer status on the FBR website.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can freelancers file tax returns without salary slips?
Yes. Freelancers can file returns using bank statements and income proofs instead of salary slips. They should declare all income received from clients or platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Payoneer.
Q2: What are the penalties for not filing taxes?
Failure to file returns on time can lead to penalties, fines, and removal from the Active Taxpayer List (ATL), which results in higher tax deductions on banking transactions.
Q3: How long does the refund process take?
FBR usually processes tax refunds within 60 to 90 days, provided the return is accurate and verified. You can track refund status via the IRIS dashboard.
Final Thoughts
Filing your income tax returns online in Pakistan is now simple and convenient. By following the correct process on the FBR IRIS portal, you not only stay compliant but also enjoy reduced tax rates and other financial benefits as a registered taxpayer.
