FBR ATL List: What It Actually Means
5 min read · Updated 2026-07-03
The ATL is a weekly list, not a certificate. Here is how it works and how people accidentally fall off it.
What the ATL is
The Active Taxpayer List is a database FBR publishes of people and entities that filed their income tax return for a given tax year. It is the single legal reference banks, excise offices and withholding agents use to decide which rate applies to you.
It is a weekly list, not a certificate
FBR refreshes the ATL every week. Your status can change between one week and the next, which is why a return filed on Friday may not show up until the following update.
How people fall off the ATL by accident
The most common causes are missing a tax year's return, filing after the due date without paying the ATL surcharge, or assuming that paying tax through deductions counts as filing. It does not — only a filed return puts you on the list.
How to check
Use FBR's online verification portal with your CNIC or NTN, or send an SMS with your CNIC to 9966. Do not enter your CNIC on third-party sites.
Frequently asked questions
When is the ATL published each week?
FBR typically publishes the refreshed list on Sunday, and it becomes effective for withholding purposes from that update.
I paid a lot of tax but I'm not on the ATL. Why?
Tax deducted at source does not put you on the ATL. Only filing the income tax return for the relevant tax year does.
Can I be on the ATL for one year and not another?
Yes. The list is tied to a specific tax year's filing, so your status changes as tax years roll over.
Rates sourced from FBR's Finance Act 2025 and Finance Act 2026. Tax law can change — always verify current rates at fbr.gov.pk before relying on this for a real transaction. Last updated 1 July 2026.