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Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. • Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. •

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Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. • Selling rice, cotton seed, or edible oils comes with a low 1.5% tax for Filers, but a 3% tax for Non-Filers. • Payments to electronic and print media for advertising services are taxed at just 1.5% for Active Taxpayers, compared to 3% for Non-Filers. • Salaries under Rs. 600,000 are completely tax-free, maintaining a 0% rate regardless of your taxpayer status. • Buyers of 1301cc to 1600cc cars pay a 2% advance tax if they are Filers, but Non-Filers pay exactly triple at 6%. • Dividends from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and general companies cost Active Filers 15% in tax, but Non-Filers lose a massive 30%. • Purchasing a 1601cc to 1800cc vehicle will cost Non-Filers a 9% tax, which is three times the 3% rate given to Active Filers. • Buying a high-end 2501cc to 3000cc vehicle leaves Filers with a 9% tax bill, but absolutely punishes Non-Filers with a massive 27% tax rate. • Commercial importers bringing in Part-III items are hit with a 12% tax rate if they are Non-Filers, compared to only 6% for Active Filers. • Pensions under 10 million rupees remain 100% tax-exempt for everyone, no matter what your filing status is. • Registering a 1000cc motor vehicle costs Filers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers are penalized with a 3% tax. • Winning a raffle, lottery, or sales promotion prize costs Non-Filers a whopping 40% in tax, compared to 20% for Filers. • The withholding tax on banking and financial institution profits is set at 20% for those on the Active Taxpayers’ List, but jumps to 40% for those off the list. • Payments made to non-resident sportspersons incur a 15% tax if they are on the ATL, and a massive 30% if they are non-ATL. • Capital gains arising on the disposal of certain debt securities are taxed at 15% for Filers, but double to 30% for Non-Filers. • Active Filers importing CKD kits for Electric Vehicles pay a minimal 1% tax, whereas Non-Filers pay double at 2%. • Importing basic goods from Part-I of the Twelfth Schedule costs Active Taxpayers just 1% in tax, while Non-Filers have to pay 2%. • Providing IT and IT-enabled services costs Active Taxpayers just 4% in withholding tax, while Non-Filers must pay 8%. • Importing pharmaceutical products carries an 8% tax for Non-Filers, which is exactly double the 4% rate applied to Active Taxpayers. • Profits on debt from mutual funds deriving 50% or more income from debt carry a huge 50% tax for Non-Filers, compared to 25% for Filers. • Winning a prize bond or crossword puzzle means you lose 15% to taxes as an Active Filer, but a massive 30% if you are a Non-Filer. • If you receive dividends from Independent Power Purchasers (IPPs), Filers pay a 7.5% tax while Non-Filers surrender 15%. • Companies generating rental income from immovable property pay a 15% tax if they are Active Filers, but face a 30% rate as Non-Filers. • Commercial importers of Part-II goods face a 3.5% withholding tax if they are Filers, but the rate doubles to 7% for Non-Filers. • The sale of petroleum products is taxed at 12% for Filers and exactly double that at 24% for Non-Filers. • Cash withdrawals by a person whose name does not appear on the Active Taxpayers’ List are hit with an automatic 0.8% advance tax. • Registering a 2001cc to 2500cc luxury vehicle incurs a 7% tax for Active Filers, but a staggering 21% tax for Non-Filers. •

How to Check and Activate Mobile SIMs Blocked by FBR in Pakistan

Facing a Blocked SIM Card? It Might Be Your Taxes! The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan is taking action against non-filers of income tax returns for tax year 2023. Over 500,000 SIM cards linked to individuals who haven't filed their returns have been blocked!

Facing a Blocked SIM Card? It Might Be Your Taxes! The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of Pakistan is taking action against non-filers of income tax returns for tax year 2023. Over 500,000 SIM cards linked to individuals who haven’t filed their returns have been blocked!

In addition to blocking mobile phone SIMs there might be some other penalties and fines for not filing your tax returns in Pakistan.

Things to know about FBR SIM Blocking:

Reason for Block: The FBR aims to encourage responsible tax citizenship by targeting those who haven’t fulfilled their tax filing obligations.
Impact on You: If you haven’t filed your 2023 tax return and your CNIC is linked to a blocked SIM, you’ll lose phone service until compliance is achieved.
Scope of Block: This block applies to all mobile phone SIMs registered under your CNIC, regardless of the mobile operator.

How to Check if Your SIM is in Block List of FBR:

Publicly available list where you can directly search for your name using your CNIC. Here are the recommended ways to verify your SIM block status:

Click the Link of FBR Document: Visit FBR SIM Block List to see if you are one of them. The official document issued by FBR. Search your name/cnic in the list.
Mobile Operator Communication: Mobile service providers might be sending text messages regarding the block. Ensure you haven’t blocked promotional messages in your phone settings to receive these updates.
Contact Us: Send an email or drop a message at our contact number via whatsapp with your name and CNIC number and we can check it for you.

Unblocking Your SIM:

Many non-filers in Pakistan recently had their mobile SIM cards blocked by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for not filing income tax returns. But fret no more! If you’ve since filed your return, here’s how to get your SIM card reactivated.

File Your Return (2024): Ensure you’ve filed your income tax return for the year 2024.
Pay the ATL Surcharge (Section 182): Double-check that you’ve paid the Rs. 1,000 ATL surcharge under the correct section, which is Section 182 – Payment of surcharge.
Contact FBR (if a mistake): If you believe there’s been an error, contact the FBR or your local Commissioner Inland Revenue to resolve the issue.

Activation Time: In most cases, the unblocking process is swift. While the maximum timeframe for reactivation can be up to 72 hours, your SIM card might be functional within a few hours after achieving ATL status. Recent reports and studies showing that activation is taking up to five working days.

Forgot Your FBR Password?

Even if you’ve forgotten your FBR password and your SIM is blocked, you can still reset your password. Here’s the good news: password reset on the FBR website allows email verification, so you don’t necessarily need a functioning SIM card for this process.

Remember:

This situation highlights the importance of filing your income tax returns on time if you’re legally required to do so. By staying compliant with tax regulations, you can avoid inconveniences like SIM card blockages and contribute your fair share to Pakistan’s revenue.

Binte Zafar

Articles: 5

35 Comments

MOON

September 29, 2025 / 9:30 pm Reply

i have payed my fbr tax for using a zong sim on my mobile which i bought from U.S . IT IS STILL NOT OPERATIONAL ON MY FONE ?
Afaque Zahoor

June 26, 2025 / 2:40 pm Reply

My mobile number is registered with some one ele’s account number in FBR how i can check who has used my mobile in his return.
- Binte Zafar
  
  June 26, 2025 / 3:35 pm Reply
  
  While registering with FBR verification codes are sent to mobile number, so no one could hav used it without those verifications.
  
  Dont believe if there is any mechanism to verify this.
Nasir ali

April 22, 2025 / 3:51 pm Reply

My warid LTE SIM is serviced off complain it close open sim
- Hayat Akbar
  
  April 22, 2025 / 4:55 pm Reply
  
  You can follow the steps above to unlock your SIM if it is blocked by FBR or reach our Helpline to get customized support.
- Saqlain
  
  September 10, 2025 / 7:42 pm Reply
  
  Salam
  
  Fbr forgot password link must send the code on email and on phone as well. Either sim blocked. It not working until give the code of sim.
  
  My sim is blocked.
  
  Help how can i reset my iiris password.
  - Binte Zafar
    
    September 11, 2025 / 6:34 pm Reply
    
    In case sim is blocked FBR only send s the code on email address.
    Still unable to recover password then it is recommende to visit your RTO.
Sadiq Ali

April 16, 2025 / 2:32 pm Reply

I’m army person my sim is blocked please unblock my sim 03475760954
1000 rupe kaha jama karwaye tura tareeqa Bata de.
- Hayat Akbar
  
  April 16, 2025 / 8:18 pm Reply
  
  File your tax-returns and pay ATL Surcharge as mentioned in the article above. However you can find a detailed guide on how to pay ATL Surcharge at: https://insights.taxationpk.com/how-to-create-pay-atl-surcharge/
Usman Hazarvi

March 12, 2025 / 7:28 am Reply

my number is blocked when i m in dubai now me in Pakistan i seen i shocked my sim is blocked by fbr
- Binte Zafar
  
  March 12, 2025 / 12:44 pm Reply
  
  You can file your tax returns to get it activated again.
Usman Hazarvi

March 12, 2025 / 7:25 am Reply

My sim is blocked by fbr
- Saif Qureshi
  
  September 15, 2025 / 11:53 pm Reply
  
  03131240947
Muhammad Naheed

January 3, 2025 / 11:08 pm Reply

Sim block 03004641570 please activate may sim
- Binte Zafar
  
  January 4, 2025 / 9:20 am Reply
  
  Check who have blocked your sim?
  FBR or PTA?
  - Atiq
    
    January 27, 2025 / 2:04 pm Reply
    
    Yes
Umaima

September 5, 2024 / 9:14 pm Reply

I am a housewife never did any job or business so why my sim blocked due to non paid tax? Ajeeb
- Binte Zafar
  
  September 5, 2024 / 10:51 pm Reply
  
  Share cnic number at our WhatsApp to verify exact status
Rizwan ahmed

September 3, 2024 / 3:47 am Reply

send me the details of the income tax return because my sim is blocked
Rizwan ahmed

September 3, 2024 / 3:47 am Reply

end me the details of income tax return coz my sim is blocked
Adnan yousaf

September 3, 2024 / 2:03 am Reply

Sim block
- Binte Zafar
  
  September 3, 2024 / 9:23 am Reply
  
  File Tax Returns , pay ATL Surcharge
Abdul Hameed Panhwar

August 27, 2024 / 10:02 am Reply

I am retired as Area Manager from State Life Insurance Corporation (pensioner)
Imran Khan

August 23, 2024 / 11:07 pm Reply

Sim block
Abdul Hameed Panhwar

August 18, 2024 / 4:49 pm Reply

I am agree
Abdul Hameed Panhwar

August 18, 2024 / 4:48 pm Reply

Yes what are my comments
Abdul Hameed Panhwar

August 18, 2024 / 4:46 pm Reply

Yes I am retired person from state Life Insurance
Abdul Hameed Panhwar

August 18, 2024 / 4:43 pm Reply

Sim blocked
- Abdul Hameed Panhwar
  
  August 27, 2024 / 10:00 am Reply
  
  I am retired as Area Manager from State Life Insurance Corporation (pensioner)
  - Abdul Hameed Panhwar
    
    August 31, 2024 / 7:39 pm Reply
    
    Sim blocked
  - Ghulam hussain
    
    May 15, 2025 / 8:17 pm Reply
    
    Sim block
  - Zeeshan
    
    August 1, 2025 / 9:11 pm Reply
    
    Return file active list showing the ATL status Active but sim not operational…
    - Hayat Akbar
      
      August 1, 2025 / 9:21 pm Reply
      
      SIM process is an automatic process however it takes time sometimes more than a week. If you have just filed your return, then kindly wait.
Syed zahid hussain

August 11, 2024 / 5:41 pm Reply

Plz send me the details of income tax return coz my sim is blocked
- Abdul Hameed Panhwar
  
  September 10, 2024 / 3:04 pm Reply
  
  Income tax return