Are you looking to register for an NTN (National Tax Number) in Pakistan through the FBR IRIS portal, but confused between the options New Registration and E-Enrollment? You are not alone. These two options often puzzle many first-time users.
In this article, I will explain the difference between New Registration and E-Enrollment, and help you understand which one is the right choice for you.
What is FBR IRIS?
IRIS is the online portal launched by FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) to facilitate taxpayers in Pakistan. Through this portal, individuals and businesses can:
- Register for an NTN
- File income tax returns
- View tax history
- Receive notices from FBR
- And much more…
When you visit the FBR IRIS portal, you’ll notice two main options when trying to register:
- New Registration
- E-Enrollment
Let’s break down what each of these means.
1. New Registration – For First-Time Taxpayers
New Registration is for individuals or businesses who have never registered with FBR before and do not have an NTN.
By selecting this option, you are initiating the process of:
- Creating a new tax profile
- Getting issued a new NTN
- Getting access to IRIS login for the first time
This applies to:
- Salaried individuals
- Freelancers
- Business owners
- Associations of Persons (AOPs)
- Companies
- Any person/entity without a previous FBR registration
Use this option if:
- You don’t have an NTN yet
- You’ve never registered with FBR
- You want to start filing your taxes and become a registered taxpayer
What You’ll Need:
- CNIC number (for individuals)
- Valid mobile number and email (linked with CNIC)
- Address and personal details
- Business details (if registering a business)
2. E-Enrollment – For Existing NTN Holders
E-Enrollment is for those who already have an NTN, but have never used the IRIS online portal. This usually applies to people who got their NTN:
- Manually, or
- Through older registration systems (before IRIS was introduced)
E-Enrollment allows you to:
- Activate your existing NTN on the IRIS system
- Create your IRIS login and access your tax profile
- Start e-filing your returns and manage tax matters online
Use this option if:
- You already have an NTN (manually issued)
- You’ve never logged into IRIS before
- You want to shift from manual processes to online tax filing
What You’ll Need:
- Your NTN or CNIC number
- Registered mobile number and email (preferably the same as used in FBR records)
- Some basic verification through OTP
Also read: Income Tax Return Course in Pakistan
Quick Comparison: New Registration vs E-Enrollment
| Feature | New Registration | E-Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Have NTN already? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Creating NTN? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| For IRIS Login? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| For first-time users? | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Only if you already have NTN |
| Manual NTN Activation? | ❌ Not needed | ✅ Yes |
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between New Registration and E-Enrollment can save you time and avoid confusion. Always choose the right option based on your current status:
- If you are totally new to the tax system – go with New Registration.
- If you already have an NTN but have never logged into IRIS – choose E-Enrollment.
Registering as a taxpayer is not just a legal responsibility but also opens the door to various benefits, including being listed on the Active Taxpayer List (ATL), reduced tax rates, and more credibility in financial matters.
Need Help with FBR Registration?
If you are still unsure which option to choose or want help with the NTN registration process, or filing income tax return, feel free to contact us on our Facebook page or leave a comment below. We are here to make tax matters easier for you.
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