Last updated: 8 November 2026 by Ahmed.
How to check ATL status: send ATL <space> your 13-digit CNIC by SMS to 9966, or check online on FBR’s ATL status page. It takes under a minute and tells you whether you are a filer today. This matters because banks, National Savings, car registration offices and property registrars all check the ATL before deciding how much tax to deduct.
Not on the list? See how much it costs you with our Filer vs Non-Filer Tax Calculator.
How to Check ATL Status: 3 Official Ways
FBR lists three ways to check your Active Taxpayer status.
1. Check ATL status by SMS (9966)
| Who | Type this | Send to |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | ATL 3520212345678 (your CNIC, no dashes) | 9966 |
| AOP or company | ATL 1234567 (7-digit NTN) | 9966 |
| AJK individual | AJKATL 3520212345678 | 9966 |
| AJK with NTN | AJKATL + 11-digit NTN without dashes | 9966 |
You get a reply saying whether your name is on the Active Taxpayers List. The CNIC above is only an example; use your own.
2. Check ATL status online
- Open FBR’s ATL status check page (link in Sources below).
- Choose “Income Tax” and the registration type (CNIC or NTN).
- Enter your CNIC or NTN and the date, then fill in the captcha.
- Click Verify. The result shows “Active” or “Inactive” with your name.
3. Download the full ATL
FBR also publishes the full Active Taxpayers List as a download. It is a large file, so SMS or the online check is easier for one person.
What Your ATL Status Result Means
| Result | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Active | You are a filer. You pay filer rates. | Nothing. Keep filing on time each year. |
| Inactive / not found | You are treated as a non-filer. | File your return, and pay the ATL surcharge if it was late. |
| Filed but still inactive | Usually a late return without the surcharge, or the list has not updated yet. | Pay the surcharge and check again after the next ATL update. |
Why Your ATL Status Matters (in Rupees)
Every institution checks your ATL status on the day it deducts tax. If you are missing that day, you pay the non-filer rate even if you file later.
| Transaction | Active (filer) | Inactive (non-filer) |
|---|---|---|
| Rs 1,05,000 bank profit | Rs 21,000 | Rs 42,000 |
| Rs 1,50,000 National Savings profit | Rs 22,500 | Rs 45,000 |
| Rs 45 lakh 1300cc car | Rs 67,500 | Rs 2,02,500 |
| Rs 1 crore property purchase | Rs 1,25,000 | Rs 10,50,000 |
Not on the ATL? How to Fix It
- Never filed: register on IRIS, get your NTN and file your return. Our NTN registration service can do it for you.
- Filed late (after 31 October 2026 for tax year 2026): FBR removed late filers from the ATL. You get back on only after paying the ATL surcharge: Rs 25,000 for individuals. Read ATL Surcharge 2026.
- Filed on time but missing: check that the return was submitted (not saved as draft) and that the CNIC matches. Then check again after the next update.
Once you have fixed the issue, repeat the steps above on how to check ATL status to confirm you show as Active. After you are added back, ask your bank to re-check your status so it deducts filer rates on future profit. Tax already deducted at the non-filer rate can usually be adjusted in your return.
How to Check ATL Status of a Buyer, Seller or Business
You can check anyone’s status, not only your own, as long as you have their CNIC or NTN. This is useful before a property deal or when you pay a supplier, because a non-filer seller pays 11.5% tax on a property sale and a non-filer buyer pays 10.5% to 18.5%. The steps for how to check ATL status are the same: SMS ATL and their CNIC to 9966, or use the online check.
Tips After You Check ATL Status
- Check before any big transaction: car registration, property transfer or a large deposit maturing.
- Keep a screenshot of the SMS or online result as proof.
- For joint bank accounts, banks may check every holder’s status.
Need help? The Invest Pakistan can do this for you: see our ATL registration service.
FAQs
How can I check my ATL status by SMS?
Type ATL, a space, then your 13-digit CNIC without dashes and send it to 9966. Companies and AOPs use their 7-digit NTN instead.
How to check ATL status online?
Open FBR’s ATL status check page, choose your CNIC or NTN, enter it with the date and captcha, and click Verify. It shows Active or Inactive.
I filed my return but my ATL status is inactive. Why?
The most common reason is a late return without the ATL surcharge. It can also be a list that has not updated yet, or a return saved but not submitted.
Is the ATL updated every year?
FBR issues the main list each year after the return deadline and updates it during the year as people file or pay the surcharge.
Does ATL status affect bank profit tax?
Yes. Banks deduct 20% from filers and 40% from non-filers on profit, based on your ATL status on the payment date.
Related Guides
- Filer vs Non-Filer Tax Calculator
- Filer vs Non Filer in Pakistan 2026-27
- ATL Surcharge 2026: Rs 25,000
- How to Become a Filer in Pakistan
- Tax on Investments in Pakistan 2026-27
- Car Registration Tax Calculator
- ATL Registration Service