IRIS is FBR's online system for everything tax-related in Pakistan — returns, NTN registration, payments, wealth statements, and notice responses. Its layout isn't always intuitive on a first visit, so here's a section-by-section walkthrough of actually getting a return filed, plus the errors people run into most often.
Logging In and Getting Set Up
- Open iris.fbr.gov.pk in Chrome or Firefox
- New users should select "Registration for Unregistered Person" and complete NTN registration first
- Existing users log in with their CNIC (no dashes) as username and their IRIS password
- Forgotten password? Use "Forgot Password" — a reset link goes to the mobile number on file with FBR
- Once in, the dashboard shows your name, NTN, tax circle, and current registration status
The most common login failure is a mobile number that's changed since NTN registration — if no OTP arrives, a visit to your local RTO to update the number is usually required before the reset will work.
Navigating the Return Sections
| Section | What It's For |
|---|---|
| Income Tab | Salary, business, property, and foreign income |
| Deductions Tab | Zakat, donations, life insurance premiums |
| Tax Credits Tab | Investment in shares, health insurance |
| WHT Credits Tab | Tax already deducted by employers, banks, and clients |
| Wealth Statement Tab | All assets and liabilities |
| Tax Payable / Refund | Final calculation and payment via PSID |
Entering Different Types of Income
Salary: select Income from Salary, enter employer details and annual salary including bonuses and allowances. Multiple employers during the year should each be listed separately.
Business income: enter gross revenue, cost of sales, and expenses to reach net profit; keep your turnover figure accurate since FBR checks it against the minimum tax calculation.
Rental income: declare the annual rent received; a flat 20% deduction applies for repairs and maintenance.
Foreign income: convert to rupees using the State Bank exchange rate on the date received, or the annual average rate.
Errors People Run Into, and the Fix
- NTN/CNIC mismatch: contact FBR's helpline or your RTO to align the records
- WHT credit missing: some credits take 1-2 weeks to appear after payment; enter it manually using the CPR number on your deduction certificate in the meantime
- Wealth statement reconciliation error: usually caused by a forgotten prior-year asset or a bank balance entered incorrectly
- "Return already submitted": corrections go through a Revised Return, filed within 5 years of the original due date
- Session timeout: IRIS logs out after 30 minutes of inactivity, so save drafts frequently
After You Submit
- Download the acknowledgement receipt immediately — it's your proof of filing
- Confirm the return shows "Submitted" under Filed Returns
- Check atl.fbr.gov.pk within a couple of days to confirm active filer status
- If you've moved from non-filer to filer, tell your bank so the lower withholding rate applies going forward