To check your Active Taxpayer List (ATL) status in Pakistan, you can send a specially formatted SMS to 9966. This service is provided by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to help individuals and businesses verify their tax compliance status quickly and easily.
Understanding the 9966 SMS Service for ATL Status
The 9966 SMS service allows taxpayers to confirm if they are listed on the Active Taxpayer List, which is crucial for various financial transactions and tax benefits. Being on the ATL generally means you pay lower withholding tax rates on transactions like bank withdrawals, property transfers, and vehicle purchases, compared to non-filers.
How to Send an SMS to 9966
The specific format of the SMS you need to send to 9966 depends on your entity type – whether you are an individual or an Association of Persons (AOP)/Company.
Here's a breakdown of the required formats:
| Entity Type | Information Required | SMS Format to Send to 9966 | Example SMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | Your 13-digit Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) | Type ATL (space) then your 13-digit CNIC | ATL 12345-6789012-3 |
| Association of Persons (AOP) | Your 7-digit National Tax Number (NTN) | Type ATL (space) then your 7-digit NTN | ATL 1234567 |
| Company | Your 7-digit National Tax Number (NTN) | Type ATL (space) then your 7-digit NTN | ATL 1234567 |
Important Note: Ensure there is a single space between "ATL" and your CNIC/NTN.
Practical Steps to Check Your ATL Status
- Open your phone's messaging application.
- Create a new message.
- In the recipient field, enter
9966. - In the message body, type the appropriate format:
- For individuals:
ATL <your 13-digit CNIC> - For AOPs/Companies:
ATL <your 7-digit NTN>
- For individuals:
- Send the message.
You will receive an SMS response from FBR indicating your current ATL status.
Why Your ATL Status Matters
Maintaining an active taxpayer status offers several advantages, including:
- Reduced Withholding Tax: Filers on the ATL are subject to lower withholding tax rates on various transactions.
- Compliance: It demonstrates your compliance with tax regulations, avoiding potential penalties.
- Facilitated Transactions: Many financial institutions and government departments verify ATL status for smooth processing of applications and transactions.
For more detailed information on Active Taxpayer List and other tax-related services, you can visit the official website of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
