The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has made it mandatory for registered businesses in Pakistan to issue electronic invoices and post them directly to the IRIS portal. This regulation, introduced under SRO 709(I)/2025 and SRO 69(I)/2025, applies to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and large retailers.
To comply, businesses must use FBR-approved digital invoicing software integrated through PRAL — the Pakistan Revenue Automation (Pvt.) Ltd. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to post invoices to IRIS via PRAL in a simple, step-by-step format.
What Is PRAL?
PRAL (Pakistan Revenue Automation Pvt. Ltd.) is the official IT infrastructure provider for the FBR. It serves as the secure communication gateway between your invoicing software and the FBR’s tax system (IRIS).
When a business issues a digital invoice, it must be submitted to the IRIS portal via PRAL’s API (Application Programming Interface) to be legally recognized and compliant.
Step-by-Step Guide to Post Invoices to IRIS via PRAL
Step 1: Register for Sales Tax or FED
Before posting digital invoices, your business must be registered with FBR for Sales Tax or Federal Excise Duty. You can verify your registration and view your e-invoicing status through FBR’s Taxpayer Profile section on the IRIS portal.
Step 2: Choose an FBR-Integrated Invoicing Software
To post invoices via PRAL, you’ll need a reliable invoicing software solution that is officially integrated with FBR. One such platform is Splendid Accounts – FBR Digital Invoicing Software, which offers:
- Real-time invoice posting to IRIS
- Full PRAL & FBR integration
- Automated compliance with SRO 709/69
Step 3: Generate an Invoice in JSON Format
Invoices must be created in a standardized JSON format as per FBR’s guidelines. Your invoicing software should automatically format invoices correctly and include:
- Invoice number and date
- Buyer and seller details
- Itemized description with quantities and values
- Tax breakdowns
Step 4: Submit the Invoice via PRAL
Once the invoice is ready, your software will send it to PRAL, which validates and forwards it to FBR’s IRIS system. Upon successful submission, IRIS issues a unique Invoice Reference Number (IRN) and logs the transaction.
In PRAL-integrated software like Splendid Accounts, this entire process is automatic and occurs in real-time.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation and Archive the Invoice
After submission, your system should display:
- Confirmation of invoice acceptance
- IRN from IRIS
- Status logs (accepted/rejected)
- QR code verification
FBR requires businesses to retain invoice records for a minimum of six years. Ensure your software provides secure digital archiving and a searchable audit trail.
Can You Post Invoices Offline?
Yes. If internet connectivity is temporarily unavailable, the system should queue invoices locally and automatically submit them once a connection is restored — within the 24-hour window allowed by FBR. Splendid Accounts supports this functionality to ensure compliance, even during downtime.
Avoid Common Posting Errors
Some of the most common issues when posting invoices to IRIS include:
- Missing or incorrect buyer NTN
- Wrong invoice format
- Absence of digital signature or QR code
- Duplicate invoice numbers
Using FBR-approved software significantly reduces these errors by validating data before submission.
Final Thoughts
Posting invoices to IRIS via PRAL is no longer optional for registered businesses in Pakistan. With strict penalties for non-compliance, it’s essential to use reliable, FBR-approved software that handles the technical side of compliance seamlessly.
If you’re looking for a robust solution that meets all regulatory requirements and integrates easily with your existing business systems, try Splendid Accounts – FBR Digital Invoicing Software.