An FBR notice in your inbox or IRIS account is unsettling, but panic is the wrong response and so is ignoring it. Most notices are routine and resolve cleanly with the right documentation, submitted before the deadline stated in the letter itself. Here's what to do in the first 24–48 hours.
First, Work Out What Kind of Notice You're Holding
| Notice Type | Section | What It Means | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-filing notice | 114(4) | You haven't filed a return for one or more years | 30 days |
| Audit / assessment notice | 177 / 121 | FBR wants to examine your return in detail | 15–30 days |
| Unexplained income notice | 111 | Third-party data shows income or assets not declared | 30 days |
| Return amendment notice | 122(9) | FBR intends to amend a return you already filed | 30 days |
| Document request | 176 | FBR is asking for supporting records | 15–30 days |
| Withholding tax notice | 161 | Failure to deduct or deposit WHT as a withholding agent | 30 days |
Pull Together Your Records Right Away
- The original notice itself — note the date, section, and exact deadline
- Any previously filed returns
- Bank statements covering the period the notice refers to
- Business income records or ledgers, where relevant
- Property or vehicle documents if mentioned in the notice
- Your CNIC and NTN details
Get Professional Help Before You Reply
A poorly worded or incomplete response can turn a routine notice into a full audit or an inflated demand. A consultant who handles these regularly will pin down the exact legal basis for the notice, check whether it has any procedural defects, draft a written reply backed by evidence, and represent you at any hearing so you don't have to appear in person.
What Happens If You Just Let It Sit
- Ex-parte order: FBR assesses your tax liability without your input, almost always on the higher side
- Extra penalties: Often 25% or more on top of the assessed tax
- Bank account attachment: FBR can issue a garnishment order directly to your bank
- Property attachment: Immovable property can be seized for tax recovery in serious cases
- Criminal referral: Deliberate concealment can trigger prosecution under Section 192
If You Disagree With the Notice
You still can't ignore it. Even a notice you believe is factually wrong needs a formal response within the deadline — your consultant challenges it through the proper channel (a written reply, then appeal if needed), not through silence. Silence only produces an ex-parte order that's far more expensive to reverse.
Can Someone Else Handle It For You?
Yes. You can authorise a tax consultant through a simple written authorisation to represent you at every stage — drafting the reply, attending any hearing, and filing an appeal if the outcome is unreasonable. Most clients never need to visit an FBR office in person.
NTNWaale reviews and responds to FBR notices within 24 hours of receiving your documents. Send us a photo of the notice on WhatsApp and we'll tell you exactly what it means and what we need from you.