How to Register with FBR and Get Your NTN Number

Before you can file a tax return, open certain bank accounts, register a business, or even buy some categories of property, you need an NTN — a National Tax Number. For individuals, this is now tied directly to your CNIC, which has made the process considerably simpler than it used to be.

Individuals: your CNIC basically is your NTN

For salaried individuals and sole proprietors, FBR treats your 13-digit CNIC as your NTN once you complete e-enrollment. You don't need a separate physical certificate for personal filing purposes in most cases — the registration process itself is what activates your tax profile.

Step-by-step registration

• Visit FBR's IRIS portal and select "Registration for Unregistered Person"
• Enter your CNIC, a mobile number registered in your own name, and a personal email address
• You'll receive separate verification codes via SMS and email — both are required
• Once verified, log in and complete your taxpayer profile, including your employer or business details, residential address, and bank account information
• Submit the form — registration is typically processed within a few working days

What you'll need on hand

• Original CNIC number
• Active mobile number registered under your own name (not a shared family number)
• A personal email address you check regularly
• Basic employer details if you're salaried, or business details if you're self-employed

Businesses and AOPs need a separate process

If you're registering a private limited company, partnership, or Association of Persons (AOP), the process runs through SECP for incorporation first, and the NTN registration follows as part of that process or as a separate FBR registration using the entity's incorporation certificate.

After registration: check your ATL status

Getting an NTN is step one. Filing your actual return and appearing on the Active Taxpayers List is what unlocks filer-level withholding tax rates. Once registered, use our income tax calculator to estimate what you'll owe well before your first filing deadline arrives.

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