How to file your taxes in Pakistan: compare your options
There are four common ways to get your FBR return filed. Here’s an honest comparison of cost, effort and who each one suits — so you can choose with confidence.
| Option | Best for | Cost | Effort | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File yourself on FBR IRIS | Simple salaried returns, confident users | Free (FBR charges nothing) | High — you learn IRIS yourself | Depends on your knowledge |
| DIY online filing tool | Straightforward returns, self-service users | Low fixed fee | Medium — you still enter data | Good for standard cases |
| Local accountant / tax lawyer | Complex, business, overseas or notice cases | Higher, varies by professional | Low — they do the work | High with a qualified professional |
| FBR Return (connect with a registered professional) | Anyone who wants a vetted professional, no legwork | Free to connect; you agree the fee with the professional | Lowest — share 3 details, we call you | High — registered practitioners only |
File yourself on FBR IRIS
- + No service fee
- + Full control over your data
- + Good for very simple cases
- – Easy to make errors on wealth statement
- – No help with notices or refunds
- – Time-consuming for first-timers
DIY online filing tool
- + Simpler interface than raw IRIS
- + Cheaper than a full-service accountant
- + Fast for standard salaried returns
- – Limited human help on complex cases
- – You are responsible for what you enter
- – Less suited to business / overseas returns
Local accountant / tax lawyer
- + Expert handling of complex cases
- + Advice on planning and notices
- + Someone accountable for the work
- – Finding a trustworthy one is hard
- – Fees and quality vary widely
- – May require in-person visits
FBR Return (connect with a registered professional)
- + We match you to a registered practitioner, CA or lawyer
- + Works remotely, nationwide, including overseas
- + No searching or vetting on your part
- – We connect, we do not file in-house
- – Fee depends on your case complexity
Comparison FAQs
Is it cheaper to use a tax filing website or a local accountant in Pakistan?
A DIY website is usually cheaper for simple salaried returns, while an accountant costs more but handles complex, business or overseas cases and gives advice. FBR Return is free to connect and matches you to a registered professional whose fee suits your case.
Which tax filing option is best for overseas Pakistanis?
Overseas Pakistanis usually benefit from a professional who can file remotely, handle non-resident status, foreign remittance and property tax, and get them on the ATL before a purchase. FBR Return connects you with a registered professional who files from abroad.
Which option is best for freelancers?
Freelancers and IT exporters need someone who understands the concessional export rate, PSEB and foreign-earning documentation — areas DIY tools often miss. A registered professional maximises your benefit. FBR Return matches you to one experienced with freelance income.
Are Pakistani online tax filing services trustworthy?
Reputable services exist, but quality varies and you should never share your IRIS password carelessly. FBR Return only connects you with registered practitioners, chartered accountants and lawyers, so a qualified, accountable professional handles your return.
What is the best alternative to filing taxes yourself on FBR IRIS?
If IRIS feels complex, the best alternative is having a registered professional file for you — especially for business, overseas or notice cases. FBR Return connects you with one for free; you share only your name, phone and city.
Which service has the fastest turnaround in Pakistan?
Turnaround depends on how quickly your documents are ready. For a simple salaried return, a registered professional can often file the same day so you appear on the next ATL update. Request a callback and we prioritise urgent, deadline-driven cases.
Prefer the hassle-free option?
We connect you with a registered professional — free to request.