CAC ANNUAL RETURNS

CAC ANNUAL RETURNS- Call or Whatsapp 08130600192 to file your CAC Annual Returns

What are CAC Annual Returns?

Annual returns are statutory documents that companies and business names registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria must file every year. These filings show that a business is active, compliant, and provides updated information about its operations and structure.

Purpose of Annual Returns

To maintain an up-to-date record of the company with CAC.
To ensure the company complies with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
To avoid penalties, fines, or deregistration for non-compliance.
To demonstrate transparency and accountability, especially for investors or partners.

Entities Required to File Annual Returns

Type of Entity	Required to File?
Business Names	✅ Yes
Private Limited Liability Company (LTD)	✅ Yes
Public Limited Company (PLC)	✅ Yes
Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, Churches, etc.)	✅ Yes
Companies Limited by Guarantee	✅ Yes

Due Dates for Filing

Entity Type	Deadline for Annual Return
Business Names	Every year after the first 18 months from registration.
Companies	Every year (except the first year of incorporation).
Incorporated Trustees	Not later than 30 June every year.

Requirements for Filing

For Business Names:

CAC registration number.
Year of return.
Updated business address (if changed).
NIN or means of identification of proprietors (in some cases).
Evidence of payment (if required).

For Limited Liability Companies:

CAC registration number.
Status of shareholding (directors, shareholders).
Details of current company officers.
Financial statements (for large companies).
Statement of affairs (for small companies).
Company seal (for in-person filing, if applicable).

Filing Procedure

You can file annual returns in two ways:

1. Online Filing (through CAC Portal)

Step-by-step:

Go to https://pre.cac.gov.ng/
Log in with your account.
Select “Annual Return Filing”.
Choose your entity type (Business Name, Company, Trustee, etc.).
Fill in the required details.
Pay the prescribed fees online.
Upload any necessary supporting documents.
Submit for processing.

2. Manual Filing at a CAC Office

For some NGOs and older companies, manual filing may still be accepted:

Obtain and fill the annual return form.
Attach documents and payment evidence.
Submit at a CAC office in your state.

Cost of Filing

Entity Type	Cost Estimate (as of 2025)
Business Names	₦3,000 – ₦5,000
Private Companies (LTD)	₦5,000 – ₦10,000+
Incorporated Trustees	₦5,000 – ₦20,000+

Note: Penalties apply for late filings (₦5,000 to ₦25,000 or more depending on duration).

Penalty for Late Filing

Late filings attract monetary penalties and may also prevent the business from obtaining CAC services such as:
- Business name changes.
- Addition/removal of directors.
- Filing other post-incorporation documents.

Repeated failure to file annual returns can lead to:

De-listing from CAC’s active register.
Strike-off or deregistration.

Benefits of Filing Annual Returns

Keeps your business legally recognized.
Avoids penalties and fines.
Enhances corporate reputation.
Required when seeking loans, government contracts, or grants.
Essential for tax clearance, visa applications, or investor confidence.

Conclusion

Filing annual returns with CAC is a legal requirement and a sign that your business is active and compliant. Whether you run a small enterprise or a large corporation, ensure your returns are filed yearly to avoid unnecessary complications and maintain good standing with regulators.

For more inquires call or Whatsapp 08130600192