Are you on Pakistan’s Active Taxpayers List (ATL)? If not, brace yourself — the system just got a lot tighter, and the consequences of staying out are steeper than ever!
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced a historic milestone: the number of active taxpayers has soared to 7.27 million, the highest figure ever recorded in the country! What sparked this sudden surge? It’s the ban on high-value transactions for ineligible individuals — a game-changing move that’s reshaping the tax landscape.
Let’s break it down.
This rise in active taxpayers isn’t just a statistical bump — it’s a loud and clear message that tax compliance is no longer optional. According to the FBR’s update on July 3, 2025, this number reflects income tax return submissions for Tax Year 2024. The trend is unmistakable: more people are realizing that being part of the active taxpayers community gives them real benefits — and avoids some serious headaches.
What’s behind the shift?
It all boils down to the 2025–26 Budget, especially the introduction of Section 114C in the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001. This powerful new law has changed the rules of the game, restricting transactions for non-filers in nearly every key area of financial life.
Here’s what non-filers can no longer do unless they get on the ATL:
• ❌ Book or register luxury vehicles
• ❌ Carry out property transactions with registrars or land authorities
• ❌ Open or operate investment accounts above a certain threshold
• ❌ Make large cash withdrawals from banks
Simply put, if you’re not among the active taxpayers, your ability to make major transactions has been dramatically reduced.
And the benefits? Oh, they’re real. Active taxpayers enjoy reduced withholding tax rates, smoother transactions, and full access to economic services. Non-filers, meanwhile, are finding more and more doors shut in their faces.
The FBR isn’t playing around. Their message is bold: join the ATL, or get locked out of the financial system. With enforcement mechanisms now fully active, the smart move is to stay ahead, stay legal, and become one of Pakistan’s active taxpayers today.