The NTN is the number Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) assigns to a taxpayer in Pakistan. It follows you across every tax you deal with: Sales tax, income tax and withholding. Businesses that pay you will ask for it before they release payment, because they report their suppliers to Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) by this number.
Who needs one
Individuals use their CNIC as the NTN; companies and AOPs get an NTN from the FBR. Filing puts you on the Active Taxpayer List, which halves many withholding rates.
How to register, step by step
Register on IRIS with your CNIC, a mobile number registered in your name and an email; the CNIC becomes your NTN.
Companies register with SECP first, then on IRIS with the incorporation certificate.
Register for sales tax on IRIS separately if you supply taxable goods; services are registered with the provincial authority (SRB, PRA, KPRA or BRA).
File a return each year to stay on the Active Taxpayer List.
How to find or check a NTN
Check any NTN or CNIC on the FBR's Active Taxpayer List online or by SMS to 9966.
Written from published tax-authority guidance and reviewed on 2026-10-11. Everything here is indicative rather than a ruling on your circumstances, and rules change. Confirm anything you rely on with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) before acting on it, and tell us if you find something out of date so we can correct it.
This guide explains the rules in general terms and is not tax advice for your circumstances. Confirm your position with a qualified adviser or with Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).