What Are Annual Returns? (The Legal Pulse of Your Company)
Annual returns are crucial filings that businesses must submit to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) every year. This filing ensures that the company is legally active, compliant, and maintaining proper documentation under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020).
The purpose of annual returns is to report any changes in the company’s status, structure, or operations over the past year. While tax returns (filed with the Federal Inland Revenue Service – FIRS) focus on a company’s income, annual returns are more about keeping your company in good legal standing. They help CAC track active and compliant businesses in Nigeria.
Who Is Required to File Annual Returns?
Not everyone is exempt from filing annual returns. The following entities must submit their annual returns to CAC:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): The most common business structure in Nigeria. LLCs must file annual returns, even if they have not generated any revenue.
- Incorporated Trustees: This includes NGOs, associations, churches, and other similar organizations.
- Business Names: Sole proprietorships and partnerships also have to file, but the requirements may differ slightly.
- Foreign-Owned Nigerian Companies: Companies with foreign ownership must also ensure compliance with this regulation.
📌 Even if your company did not actively trade, you must still file your annual return to avoid penalties.
When Are CAC Annual Returns Due?
Filing deadlines can differ depending on when your business was registered. Here’s a breakdown:
- First Filing for New Companies: The first filing is due within 18 months of registration, even if you haven’t started operations yet.
- Annual Deadlines for Each Business Structure: After the first filing, annual returns are due on the anniversary date of your company’s registration each year.
- Grace Periods & Late Filing Penalties: If you miss the deadline, there is a grace period (usually 30 days), after which penalties accrue.
⏰ Mark your calendar and ensure you don’t miss the deadline to avoid unnecessary fines—Or check out our compliance plans!
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Annual Returns with CAC
Filing annual returns might sound like a tedious task, but it’s straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC): Proving you are compliant with FIRS.
- Company records: This includes the company’s registration number and business activities.
Step 2: Verify Your Company Records on the CAC Portal
Before filing, log in to the CAC online portal to verify your company’s information and ensure everything is up to date.
Step 3: Complete the CAC Annual Returns Form
Fill out the CAC 10 form available on the portal. This form captures the status of your business for the past year.
Step 4: Pay the Prescribed Fee
Pay the CAC filing fee based on your business type (see fees section below). Payments can be made via the portal.
Step 5: Submit Online .
You can only file the form online or as the option of “visiting your nearest CAC office for manual submission” is no longer obtainable.
Step 6: Get Acknowledgment or Receipt
Once filed and approved, you will be notified of a Letter of Acknowledgement, this serves as a confirmation receipt from CAC. You are to download and keep this letter/receipt for your records.
Note: You have only seven (7) days after the approval to download the Acknowlegment letter or you will pay a penalty fee to download it at the expiration of the seven (7) days.
🗂️ Here’s a table to help you with the fees based on business type:
| Business Type | CAC Filing Fee | Late Penalty |
| Business Name | ₦3,000 | ₦5000 per Year (after deadline) |
| Limited Company | ₦5,000 | ₦5,000 per year + penalties |
| NGO/Trustee | ₦10,000 | ₦15,000 per year |
CAC Annual Returns Fees (2025 Official Rate)
It’s essential to know the official CAC fees for filing annual returns to plan accordingly:
- Business Name: ₦3,000
- Limited Liability Company: ₦5,000
- NGOs/Trustees: ₦5,000
Late penalties are also imposed, so avoid delays:
- ₦5000 per year for Business Names
- ₦5,000 per year for Limited Liability Companies
- ₦10,000 per year for NGOs/Trustees
What Happens If You Don’t File Annual Returns? (Spoiler: It’s Not Pretty)
Failing to file your annual returns can lead to severe consequences:
- CAC Penalties and Fines: You’ll incur daily fines once the filing deadline passes. These fines continue to accumulate.
- Risk of Company Being Struck Off the Register: If you don’t file for a prolonged period, CAC may strike your company off the register, rendering it legally non-existent.
- Inability to Access Company Documents: A non-compliant company can face issues accessing documents, licenses, and other important registrations.
- Delay in Getting Other Permits: If you need permits, such as a business permit or tax clearance, non-filing of annual returns can delay the process.
🚫 Don’t ghost CAC — they’ll ghost your business registration instead.
How to Fix Missed or Late Annual Return Filings
If you missed the deadline, here’s how to resolve it:
- Backdating Filings: If the delay is minor, you can backdate your filing and clear the penalty.
- Documents Needed for Late Return Clearance: Provide proof of payment and the required documents for the period you missed.
- When Legal Assistance is Required: If the penalties or complications are significant, you may need legal help to resolve the situation.
Filing for Different Business Types
Different business types have different requirements for filing. Here’s how they differ:
- Registered Business Names: Filing for sole proprietorships or partnerships is simpler but still mandatory.
- Limited Liability Companies: More detailed filing, especially when documenting changes in shareholders, directors, etc.
- Incorporated Trustees (NGOs): NGOs must file detailed documentation on their activities.
💡 Pro Tip: Your CAC filing needs are not one-size-fits-all. Each entity type has specific forms and requirements.
FAQs About Annual Returns in Nigeria
Is CAC annual return the same as FIRS tax filing?
No, CAC annual returns are focused on legal compliance, while FIRS tax filings focus on revenue and income.
What if my company didn’t operate last year?
You must still file your annual return. Inactivity doesn’t exempt you from the filing requirement.
Can I file annual returns online?
Yes, CAC allows online submission through their portal.
Can I get a waiver for penalties?
Penalties can sometimes be negotiated or waived, but only under certain circumstances.
Is SCUML affected by non-filing?
Yes, non-filing can affect your company’s SCUML (Special Control Unit for Money Laundering) compliance.
Stay Compliant, Stay in Business (Let’s Help You File Today)
📞 Call to Action: Book a free consultation with our compliance experts today to help with:
- Annual return filing for all company types
- Clearance of CAC penalties and backlogs
- Full CAC compliance audit and advisory
- Online + in-office filing support
✨ We’ve helped 300+ businesses beat deadlines and penalties — yours could be next.
