What Are CAC Annual Returns?
Annual Returns are a yearly filing that every business registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) must submit. Think of them as an annual check-in — you're telling CAC that your business still exists, who the current directors and shareholders are, and that your registered address is still valid.
It's not a tax filing. It's not a financial audit. It's simply a confirmation that the information CAC has on file about your business is still accurate.
Who Must File?
**Everyone.** Every business registered with CAC — Business Names, Private Limited Companies, Public Limited Companies, and Incorporated Trustees (NGOs) — must file annual returns.
There are no exemptions. Even if your business is dormant, not making money, or operating at a loss, you still need to file.
When Should You File?
For **companies (LTD/PLC)**, annual returns should be filed within 42 days of your Annual General Meeting (AGM). Your first AGM must be held within 18 months of incorporation, and then annually thereafter.
For **business names**, the requirement is simpler: you should file annual returns every year on the anniversary of your registration.
In practice, most businesses file their returns during the first quarter of each calendar year (January-March) to stay ahead of deadlines.
What Happens If You Don't File?
Here's where it gets serious. The penalties for failing to file annual returns are cumulative:
The penalty for each outstanding year can range from ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 per year for business names, and significantly more for companies depending on share capital. While individual penalties may seem small, they add up quickly — and the administrative hassle of reinstating a struck-off company is far worse than the fines.
What Information Do You Need to File?
To file your annual returns, you'll need:
How to File
You can file annual returns through the CAC portal at cac.gov.ng, or you can engage an accredited agent to file on your behalf.
Filing yourself requires:
1. Logging into your CAC portal account
2. Completing the annual returns form
3. Paying the filing fee
4. Submitting the form
If you don't have portal access or are unsure about the process, an accredited agent can handle everything for you. At JurisTech, we file annual returns for ₦15,000 per year, which includes the government fee.
Why Businesses Miss Their Returns
In our experience, businesses miss their annual returns for three main reasons:
1. **They didn't know they had to** — Many agents register the business and never explain ongoing compliance requirements
2. **They forgot** — Without reminders, it's easy to lose track of annual deadlines
3. **They think it doesn't matter** — Some business owners assume that if they're not actively trading, they don't need to file. This is incorrect.
What JurisTech Does Differently
When we register your business, we don't just hand you the certificate and disappear. We set up annual return reminders and provide ongoing compliance support. Our clients never miss a deadline because we track it for them.
We also offer an affordable annual returns filing service at ₦15,000 per year — no hidden fees, no surprises.