Staying compliant with government regulations is essential for every business, no matter how big or small. One of the latest changes introduced by Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue via the e-invoicing regulation 2025 is the mandatory use of e-invoicing for businesses. This means that traditional paper invoices will no longer be acceptable, and companies must integrate their invoicing systems directly with the FBR’s digital portal. While the transition to digital invoicing may seem like a daunting task, it’s crucial for avoiding penalties and ensuring that your business remains compliant with FBR regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of integrating your invoicing system with the FBR portal, step by step, so you can get it done without stress.
1. Register on the FBR IRIS Portal
Before you can start integrating your invoicing system with FBR’s portal, you first need to register your business on the FBR IRIS portal. This registration is the key to gaining access to the FBR’s digital systems and ensures that your company can submit invoices for validation. The FBR IRIS portal is where all tax-related activities, including e-invoicing, are managed. Without registering, your business won’t be able to generate or submit invoices through the system.
How to Register: A Simple Process
- Visit the FBR IRIS Portal: Go to the official FBR IRIS portal website (www.iris.fbr.gov.pk).
- Create an Account: If your business is already registered with the FBR, you’ll need your National Tax Number (NTN) and Sales Tax Registration Number (STRN). If you’re a new business, you’ll need to apply for these numbers before proceeding with the registration.
- Submit Required Documents: The portal will ask for various business details, such as your business name, address, and contact information. You’ll also need to provide your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and a few other documents to verify your identity and business status.
- Wait for Approval: After submitting the necessary information, FBR will review your registration. Once approved, you’ll receive access to your IRIS account, which allows you to start the invoicing process.
2. Choose an FBR-Compliant Invoicing Solution
Not all invoicing software will be compatible with the FBR’s digital invoicing requirements. It’s essential to choose an invoicing solution that integrates directly with the FBR’s system through its DI (Digital Invoicing) API. When choosing your software, make sure it meets the following requirements:
- Standardized Format: The software must generate invoices in a structured, standardized format such as JSON (JavaScript Object Notation). This format ensures that all the necessary details, including the buyer and seller information, itemized descriptions, tax calculations, and the mandatory QR code, are included in the invoice.
- Real-time Submission: The solution should allow invoices to be submitted in real-time to FBR's IMS, which will then validate the data and issue an Invoice Reference Number (IRN).
- Compliance Features: Look for invoicing software that ensures your business remains compliant with FBR regulations. Features like automatic tax calculations, data validation, and tax submission can help you stay compliant.
3. Obtain API Credentials from FBR
After choosing an integrator, the next step is to obtain your API credentials from FBR. These credentials allow your invoicing system to securely connect with FBR’s platform and enable real-time invoice submission.
What Are API Credentials?
Once you’ve selected and set up your invoicing solution, the next step is to obtain your API credentials from FBR. These credentials allow your invoicing system to securely connect with FBR’s platform and enable real-time submission of invoices.
How to Obtain API Credentials
- Log in to FBR IRIS: Go to the FBR IRIS portal and log in with your business’s credentials.
- Navigate to API Management: Look for the ‘API Management’ section in the portal.
- Request API Access: Follow the instructions to apply for your API credentials. FBR will ask for your business details and confirm that a licensed integrator is assisting you.
- Receive API Credentials: Once approved, you will receive the API key, username, password, and other necessary tokens.
- Security Tip: Keep your API credentials secure. Only share them with your licensed integrator or authorized personnel.
4. Digital Invoicing Integration with FBR Portal
With your API credentials in hand, the next step is to integrate your invoicing system with FBR’s portal. This is where the expertise of a digital invoicing solution integrator becomes crucial to ensure a smooth, secure, and seamless connection between your invoicing system and FBR’s portal.
Key Steps of E-Invoicing Solution Integration
- API Setup: The integrator will set up your system to interface with FBR’s API, making sure that the connection is both secure and seamless.
- Data Formatting: Your invoicing system needs to generate invoices in a format that FBR accepts (typically JSON or XML). The integrator will handle this and ensure that the data is correctly formatted.
- Testing: Before going live, the integrator will test the integration of your invoicing system in FBR’s sandbox environment to catch any potential issues and ensure everything is functioning as expected.
5. Go Live and Monitor Integration
Once the integration is tested and ready, it's time to go live. Your invoicing system is now connected to the FBR portal, and you can start submitting invoices for validation.
Monitoring the Integration
Even after going live, it’s important to keep an eye on the system:
- Regular Monitoring: Ensure that invoices are being submitted correctly and are validated in real-time.
- Error Handling: If an invoice fails to validate, the integrator should be able to troubleshoot and fix the issue quickly.
- Ongoing Support: Your licensed integrator will continue to provide support and address any issues that arise post-integration.
FBR Invoicing Integration: Common Challenges and Solutions
While integrating your invoicing system with FBR’s portal is essential for compliance, it can come with a few common challenges. Let’s explore the challenges you can face during digital invoicing solution integration with the FBR portal and how an expert e-invoicing solution provider can resolve them:
- Data Formatting Issues: Invoices must adhere to FBR’s strict format. An integrator will ensure that your invoices are properly formatted to prevent errors.
- API Connectivity Problems: Any issues with the API connection between your system and FBR’s platform can cause delays. Your integrator will quickly resolve these issues to avoid disruptions in business operations.
- Security Concerns: The integrator ensures that the communication between your system and FBR’s portal is secure, safeguarding sensitive business and tax information.
Wrapping Up
Integrating your invoicing system with FBR’s portal doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right steps and the right integrator, it can be a smooth process. However, following this guide will help your business stay compliant, avoid penalties, and streamline invoicing.
How Synavos Can Help
At Synavos, we understand that adopting FBR’s e-invoicing requirements can be a challenge. We make sure your system is fully aligned with FBR’s digital invoicing regulations, whether you’re using SAP, Odoo, MS Dynamics, QuickBooks, Zoho Books, or a custom solution. Furthermore, our expert team offers complete e-invoicing integration services to businesses of all sizes, so you can concentrate on running your business without the fear of penalties or disruptions.
Get in touch with us today for the FBR-compliant digital invoicing solution and feel confident that you're on the path to compliance.
