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How to Register NTN (National Tax Number) for Free in Pakistan

The National Tax Number (NTN) is a pivotal tool in Pakistan's tax system, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and legal compliance in the economic activities of individuals and businesses. Issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), it is required for all entities participating in taxable transactions, and it plays a key role in fostering good governance and tax compliance.

The National Tax Number (NTN) is a pivotal tool in Pakistan’s tax system, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and legal compliance in the economic activities of individuals and businesses. Issued by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), it is required for all entities participating in taxable transactions, and it plays a key role in fostering good governance and tax compliance.


Free NTN Registration in Pakistan

To apply free for a National Tax Number (NTN) in Pakistan, you can follow a simple step-by-step process through the IRIS portal (the FBR’s online system) or manually at a Regional Tax Office (RTO).

Pro Tip: You can verify your National Tax Number online through the IRIS 2.0 portal before registering your NTN.

Here’s a detailed guide on both methods:

Applying Online via IRIS Portal (Preferred Method):

The IRIS Registration User Manual provides a comprehensive guide to the newly enhanced taxpayer registration process within the IRIS system, ensuring compliance with FBR’s regulations for taxpayer onboarding and compliance under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan. The system is designed for individual Pakistani citizens who need to register as taxpayers.

Here is a step-by-step procedure for new registration with FBR using the IRIS Registration System:

1. Access the Portal

2. Basic Information

  • Enter your 13-digit CNIC/NICOP number. The system will validate the format and check if it’s already registered.
  • Provide your CNIC Validity detail & Expiry Date, indicating “Yes” for Lifetime Validity or “No” otherwise.
  • Input your Full Name.
  • Confirm the information and click “Next” to proceed.

3. Address

  • Select the Address Type from the dropdown menu, choosing either:
    • Residential: For Home addresses.
    • Business: For business addresses.
  • For Residential Address:
    • Enter your House No. / Street / Block.
    • Provide Area / Mohalla Name.
  • For Business Address:
    • Enter Office/Shop/Industrial details.
    • Provide Street No..
    • Enter Area/Sector.
  • While selecting the City Option, choose the correct city from the system’s suggestions as you type.
  • The Country Name will be auto-populated.
  • Click “Next” to proceed.

4. Contact Information

  • If Mobile Number is Registered with User CNIC:
    • Provide your taxpayer email address.
    • Enter your mobile number and select the service provider from the dropdown menu.
    • Select “Yes” if the mobile number is registered against your own CNIC.
    • Click on “Next”.
  • If Mobile Number is Registered with User’s Relative CNIC:
    • Click on “No” if your mobile number is registered against a relative/family member’s CNIC.
    • The Mobile Number will be verified from the PMD Service.
    • Provide the CNIC # & Name of the Family Member.
    • Click on “Next”.
  • Important: If the provided cell number or email is already registered with another taxpayer, the system will display an error message and stop processing. Processing will only continue if the contact information is linked to a valid CNIC, belonging to either the tax filer or an eligible family member.

5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  • A 6-digit One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to both your registered email and mobile number.
  • If the contact information is associated with a family member, the OTP will be sent to the mobile number registered under their name.
  • Enter the received OTP and click “Next” to proceed.
  • If OTP verification fails, you have the option to resend the OTP or request a new one.

6. Password

  • Ensure your password meets all the required criteria listed in the guidelines.
  • Enter your password, confirm it, and create a PIN code.
  • Click “Save for Verification of data from Nadra”. A prompt message will appear during NADRA data verification.

7. Confirmation

  • Details regarding your personal information (e.g., Name, DOB, Current & Permanent Address, Expiry Date, Father/Husband Name, Gender) will be displayed. Review them carefully for accuracy.
  • Upon successful OTP verification, the system sends a real-time verification request to NADRA.
  • If the CNIC/NICOP is not found in NADRA records, the process will halt, and an error message will be displayed.
  • If the CNIC/NICOP is verified, the system will display your name and address as per NADRA records.

8. Completion

  • Once all steps are successfully completed, you will be redirected to the home page, confirming your registration.

This process includes integration with NADRA’s database for real-time identity validation and real-time PMD verification of the mobile number’s registration against the taxpayer CNIC. It also covers setting up login credentials and secure authentication mechanisms like 2FA via OTP.


Manual NTN Registeration (At Tax Office):

If you prefer to register National Tax Number (NTN) manually, visit the nearest RTO of the FBR in your region. The FBR representative will review your documents. After successful verification, FBR will issue your NTN.

NTN Registration Requirements:

FBR does not require any documents to be uploaded or shared during the NTN registration process. The registration is solely based on the information you provide, such as your CNIC, mobile number, email address, and address details. However, it’s important to ensure that the information you enter is accurate and matches your official records.

Pro Tip: While no documents are needed initially for NTN registration, you may be asked to provide supporting documents in the future if required for specific cases.

Register Free NTN for POC Holder

By following these steps and adhering to the FBR’s guidelines, you can successfully register as a POC (Pakistan Origin Card) Holder and fulfill your tax obligations on behalf of the foreign entity.

  1. In your web browser go to Registration for POC Holder.
  2. Fill in the required details in the “Basic Information” section, including your name, POC number, Issuance Date, Contact information as in email address and international Cell number and other relevant details.
  3. Provide the complete address of the foreign country: City of residence and as in Pakistan.
  4. Attachments required by a POC (Pakistan Origin Card) holder for registration with FBR:
    • Copy of Passport (Page with photograph and Entry/Exit Page)
    • Copy of POC Card (front and back)
    • Copy of Electricity Bill of Residence (for at least one local/foreign address) or Copy of Gas Bill of Residence (for at least one local/foreign address)
    • Copy of Postpaid International Mobile Bill / Certificate from the Cellular Company regarding ownership of the provided mobile number.
  5. Verify the email address by applying the code received by FBR.
  6. Once you’ve verified the information, submit the registration form.

After Successful Registration

Once your registration is approved, you will be able to verify your National Tax Number online through the IRIS 2.0 portal. Additionally, you can;

  • Register your business as a sole-propriotor for free in Pakistan.
  • Easily file tax returns online in Pakistan.
  • Respond to tax notices and inquiries online sent by FBR.
  • Make your tax payments easily online in Pakistan.

Additional Tips

  • If you encounter any difficulties during the registration process, you can contact the FBR’s helpline or visit a tax facilitation center for assistance.
  • Regularly review and update your information on the FBR portal to ensure smooth tax compliance.

Mah Noor
Mah Noor

An aspiring Chartered Accountant with a growing footprint in Pakistan’s tax education and digital finance content landscape. Currently, I work as the Editor-in-Chief at TaxationPk, where I lead content strategy, quality control, and editorial planning for tax-related blogs, news articles, and social media outreach.

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27 Comments

  1. A very well and actual guide found for first ever on getting free ntn number in Pakistan. Highly appreciated.

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