What You Need to Know About Tax Returns (CAC Annual Returns Filing) in Nigeria
Written by: Admin Posted On: 2025-09-15 15:11:18
Whether you're running a small business, registered as an enterprise, or managing a limited liability company in Nigeria, understanding your tax and compliance obligations is essential. One of the most overlooked yet critical requirements for business owners is the filing of Annual Returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
In this blog post, we’ll break down what CAC Annual Returns are, why they matter, who needs to file, and how to go about it.
What Are CAC Annual Returns?
CAC Annual Returns are not tax payments. Rather, they are a statutory declaration of your company’s current status (including its directors, shareholders, and registered office) submitted to the Corporate Affairs Commission annually.
Think of it as the government’s way of making sure your business is still active, compliant, and up-to-date in its records.
Why Is Filing Annual Returns Important?
Filing annual returns:
Keeps your business in good standing with the CAC
Prevents late penalty fees and deregistration
Maintains transparency and accountability in the business environment
Ensures your records are accurate and updated on CAC’s public portal
Failing to file your annual returns could result in fines, loss of access to official documents, and in some cases, your business name or company could be struck off the register.
Who Is Required to File Annual Returns?
All registered business entities in Nigeria are required to file Annual Returns:
Business names (Enterprises): File once every year starting from the second year of registration.
Limited Liability Companies (LLC): File every year starting 18 months after incorporation.
Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, churches, foundations): File within 30 days of holding their annual general meeting.
When Should You File?
Annual returns are due not later than 30th of June each year, although companies can file anytime before the deadline. Failing to file attracts penalties that increase over time.
What Is Required to File?
To file your annual returns, you typically need:
Your CAC Registration Number (RC/BN)
Details of current directors or proprietors
Company address
Statement of share capital (for companies)
AGM reports (for NGOs and Incorporated Trustees)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing tax returns (FIRS) with CAC annual returns
Not updating changes in your business (e.g., change of address or directors)
Ignoring reminders or notices from CAC
Thinking newly registered businesses don’t need to file – most do after 12–18 months
Annual Returns filing is more than just a compliance checkbox – it reflects your business’s credibility and operational health. If you’re unsure how to proceed or have been defaulting, now is a good time to take action.
Need help filing your annual returns or checking your business status? Contact us directly for support