Got an FBR Notice? Here's What to Do

Few things spike anxiety like an email or SMS from the FBR with the word “notice” in it. Take a breath. A notice is usually not a fine, an accusation, or trouble — it's most often a routine request to clarify or provide information. The worst thing you can do is ignore it; the best thing is to respond properly, on time. Here's how.

First: don't ignore it, don't panic

Notices come with a deadline to respond. The single most important thing is to engage before that date — even if it's just to ask for clarification or a short extension. Ignoring a notice is what turns a small, fixable matter into a real problem.

One reassurance: Filer.pk prepares returns and summaries to help you respond accurately, but we are not affiliated with the FBR and we don't represent you before them. For anything contentious, a qualified tax professional is worth every rupee.

Read it carefully and identify the type

Notices reference a section number that tells you what kind it is. You don't need to memorise the law, but knowing the category tells you how serious it is. Common ones include:

• “You haven't filed” notices — a reminder that the FBR believes you were required to file and didn't. The fix is usually to file the return. See our filing guide.
• Requests for information / clarification — the FBR wants documents or an explanation about something in your return (often the wealth statement). Provide what's asked, clearly.
• Discrepancy / reconciliation notices — the numbers don't add up, commonly an unexplained increase in wealth. You explain the gap with documents.
• Amendment / assessment notices — the FBR proposes to change your assessed tax. These are the most serious; consider professional help.

Gather your evidence

Most notices are resolved with documents you already have:

• Salary certificates and payslips
• Bank statements and profit certificates
• Withholding tax certificates
• Proof of asset purchases, gifts, inheritances, or remittances
• Your filed return and wealth statement

If the notice is about a wealth gap, the documents that explain the increase — remittance advices, a gift deed, sale proceeds — are exactly what resolves it.

Respond through the right channel

Replies to FBR notices are generally submitted through IRIS, the same portal you file on — not by informal email. Attach your supporting documents and a clear, short written explanation. Keep a copy of everything you submit, plus the acknowledgement.

When to get a professional

Handle simple notices yourself — a missed filing or a routine document request is usually straightforward. Bring in a tax professional when:

• The notice proposes to change your assessed tax or adds a penalty.
• There's a large or complex discrepancy you can't easily explain.
• You don't understand what's being asked, even after reading it twice.

The cost of advice is almost always smaller than the cost of mishandling an assessment.

Prevent the next one

Most notices trace back to two things: not filing, or a wealth statement that doesn't reconcile. You can prevent both:

• File on time, every year — watch the filing deadline.
• Declare all income, not just salary — our tax calculator covers every head.
• Keep your wealth statement reconciled and consistent year to year.
• Hold on to documents for past years in case you're asked.

A notice handled calmly and on time is rarely a big deal. Read it, gather your proof, respond through IRIS, and get help if it's an assessment. That's the whole game.