ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a 50% tax relief for senior citizens, which enables people aged 60 and older to lower their outstanding tax debts.
The measure aims to ease the financial burden on elderly taxpayers. The tax authority provides relief through Section 53(1)(c) and Clause 1A of Part III of the Second Schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001.
The provision requires taxpayers who meet age 60 eligibility requirements to pay 50 percent of their annual income tax assessment. The rebate applies to both outstanding tax debts and taxes that taxpayers have already settled.
Senior citizens who have made tax payments earlier can claim the 50% reduction as a refund when filing their annual tax returns.
The officials stated that the initiative intends to deliver financial assistance to elderly taxpayers while demonstrating the government’s dedication to help senior citizens and decreasing their tax expenses.
Here’s How to Check FBR Status: Step-by-Step Guide
In Pakistan, being aware of your tax requirements is very important, and one important aspect involves checking your FBR status.
Whether you are a single taxpayer or an owner of a company, it is very important to know your status regarding whether you are on the Active Taxpayers List or not to avoid higher withholding taxes and ensure compliance.
FBR status indicates whether you are an active filer or not, which gets updated from time to time based on your filings of tax returns.
If you are wondering how to check FBR status quickly and easily, this guide covers the main ways to do so: via SMS, through the official website, and with the mobile app. Let’s dive in.
Why Check Your FBR Status?
Before going into the steps, let’s understand the importance. An active taxpayer is a person who has filed his or her income tax returns on time.
The benefits accruable from an active status include reduced tax rates on banking transactions, purchase of property, and vehicle registration. If you are not active, then perhaps you’re still getting higher deductions. Basically, checking your status helps you stay informed and take corrective action if needed.
Method 1: Check FBR Status via SMS
This is the easiest and fastest method, considering that not everybody has access to the internet. This applies to individuals and companies alike.
- Open your messaging application on your mobile phone.
- Compose a new message.
- For individuals: Type “ATL” followed by a space and your 13-digit CNIC number, for example, ATL 1234567890123.
- For companies or AOPs: Type “ATL” followed by a space and your 7-digit NTN, such as ATL 1234567.
- Send to 9966.
You will then get a response SMS about your active or inactive taxpayer status with basic information.
This service operates 24/7, and they usually respond in minutes. Note that standard SMS charges may apply.
Method 2: Check FBR Status Online via the Website
- For a more detailed view, use the online portal of FBR. This method requires an internet connection but provides instant results.
- Open your web browser and access the FBR IRIS portal. You can search for “FBR IRIS” or directly go to the active taxpayers section.
- On the home page, look for “Active Taxpayer List-Income Tax” or any similar verification option.
- Parameter Type: Select CNIC for individuals, NTN for businesses, Passport No. for non-resident, Reg/Inc No. for the company.
- Please enter details in the provided field, for instance, your CNIC or NTN.
- Complete any security check, such as entering a CAPTCHA code.
- Click on “Search” or “Verify.”
The results will display your status, with your name, registration details, and whether you’re active on the ATL.
The ATL is updated every Monday, so if your status has changed recently, check back. This option is free and secure.
