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CNIC or NTN: which number to use for an ATL check

Updated Sep 26, 2026 · TaxGuide

The Active Taxpayer List is searched by a registration number. Which number you type depends on who you are checking.

Individuals

Use the 13-digit CNIC, without dashes. That is also what the SMS to 9966 expects: ATL and the CNIC. A passport or a registration number is an option on IRIS when the person does not have a CNIC.

Companies and AOPs

Use the National Tax Number. The SMS form is ATL and the 7-digit NTN, sent to 9966. Some files store an extra check digit. Check ATL status accepts the NTN with or without that last digit.

If the weekly list misses a CNIC

The workbook FBR publishes for download is described on the ATL download page. TaxGuide imports that Income Tax file. If a CNIC is not in the columns FBR shipped, the search will say the number is not on the list even when IRIS knows it. When the result matters, confirm on IRIS or with the SMS. The steps are in how to check ATL status.

Salary and other calculators on this site do not ask for a CNIC. The FBR tax calculator estimates tax from the published slabs. It is not an ATL lookup.

TaxGuide.pk provides informational estimates based on the selected tax year and published rules. Verify final tax obligations with official sources or a qualified tax professional.