How to file your tax return online in Pakistan: FBR IRIS step-by-step guide for 2026

Pakistan’s salaried individuals can file their annual income tax returns online through the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) IRIS portal without necessarily hiring a tax consultant.

Pakistan’s salaried individuals can file their annual income tax returns online through the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) IRIS portal without necessarily hiring a tax consultant. With the right documents and financial records taxpayers can complete the process from home.

According to the published guide the deadline for filing Tax Year 2026 returns is October 31, 2026. Taxpayers should check the FBR’s official website for any subsequent deadline changes.

Filing a return is important even when an employer deducts income tax directly from a salary. Employees must submit their own returns to become eligible for inclusion on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL) which can help reduce withholding taxes on certain banking transactions and purchases of vehicles or property.

Who needs to file a tax return?

The guide identifies individuals earning more than Rs600,000 annually during the financial year ending June 30, 2026 among those who may need to file. People earning rental income dividends, bank profits or business income may also have filing obligations. Vehicle and property ownership can be relevant as well.

Before starting taxpayers should prepare their CNIC registered mobile number email address annual salary certificate records of other taxes deducted bank details asset information and household expenses. Previous tax returns can help with completing the wealth statement.

Steps to file through the FBR IRIS portal

First-time users should visit iris.fbr.gov.pk and select registration for unregistered individuals. After verifying their mobile number and email address they can complete the registration process and obtain access to the system.

Registered users can log in open the income tax return section under the Declaration menu and select Tax Year 2026. If you are a salaried person and most of your income comes from employment, you can use Form 114(I) as explained in the guide.

Taxpayers must enter their annual salary and the tax deducted by their employer. They should also verify other withholding taxes and complete a wealth statement listing assets debts and personal expenses as of June 30, 2026.

The figures must reconcile before submission. After calculating the tax liability, users can pay any outstanding amount through a PSID-generated payment slip and enter the payment receipt details into the return.

Finally, taxpayers should submit the return using their PIN and download the acknowledgement as proof of filing.

Monthly salaryYearly salaryYearly taxRs 50,000Rs 600,000NilRs 100,000Rs 1,200,000Rs 6,000Rs 200,000Rs 2,400,000Rs 162,000

Checking filer status

Once the ATL is updated taxpayers can check their status through the FBR website or the official SMS verification service. The guide says users can send “ATL” followed by their 13-digit CNIC to 9966.

Individuals with business income multiple properties overseas assets or capital gains may benefit from professional tax advice. Taxpayers should also verify current requirements directly with the FBR before submitting their returns.