Annual Returns are a statutory obligation under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, required for every registered entity in Nigeria, from Business Names and Incorporated Trustees to Limited Partnerships (LP), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), and Companies (Ltd, PLC, Ltd/Gte).
Filing Annual Returns is more than a formality: it’s a crucial requirement for maintaining your entity’s active status with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), preserving its legal standing, and ensuring access to grants, loans, and other vital benefits.
Annual Returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC): The Complete Guide for Business Names, Companies, Partnerships, and Incorporated Trustees
This guide covers everything you need to know about Annual Returns for every entity type, including requirements, deadlines, penalties, and why SplashDict is your trusted partner for seamless compliance.
| Service | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Returns for Limited Partnership (LP) | NGN20,000 | |
| Bi-Annual Statement Of Affairs Of Incorporated Trustee | NGN25,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Business Name | NGN15,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Company | NGN20,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Incorporated Trustees | NGN20,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | NGN20,000 |
What Are CAC Annual Returns?
Annual Returns are mandatory filings submitted to the CAC to confirm your entity’s active status, compliance with CAMA 2020, and updated details, such as address, ownership, and financials. They provide a transparent snapshot of your entity’s operations and governance, ensuring accountability to regulators, banks, investors, and stakeholders.
Unlike taxes paid to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or State Inland Revenue Service (SIRS), Annual Returns are a fixed-fee compliance requirement with the CAC, mandatory for all entities, whether active or dormant.
Failure to file risks an “Inactive” status (marked red on the CAC portal), penalties, or even dissolution, limiting access to critical services.
Why File Annual Returns with CAC?
Annual Returns are a mandatory and crucial compliance requirement for all entities registered with the CAC, including Business Names, Limited Liability Companies, Incorporated Trustees, and Partnerships. These filings serve as a yearly health check for your business, providing the CAC with updated information on your entity's status, ownership, and financial standing.
Beyond mere compliance, timely filing is a fundamental practice that demonstrates your entity's commitment to transparency and accountability, building trust with regulators, financial institutions, and potential partners.
Failure to file your annual returns can lead to severe consequences that threaten the very existence of your business. The CAC can mark your entity as "Inactive," which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to conduct routine business operations such as opening or maintaining corporate bank accounts, securing loans, or bidding on contracts.
Furthermore, continued non-compliance may lead to significant monetary penalties that accrue over time and could ultimately result in the entity's name being struck off the CAC register, leading to its dissolution.
Before Filing
After Filing
After Approval
Active Status Restored
What Happens After Filing Annual Returns?
Once your Annual Returns have been submitted and the filing fees are paid, the process moves to the CAC for verification. After a successful submission, you will receive an official acknowledgment letter from the CAC (Usually within 1-5 days). This document is a critical piece of evidence that confirms your returns for the specific financial year have been received and accepted.
The CAC will then process your filing and update your entity's status on its portal. This typically takes a few working days (2-7 working days from approval). You can verify your updated status through a public search on the CAC portal. It is important to note that the acknowledgement letter itself serves as sufficient proof of compliance for most purposes while you await the status update on the portal.
After your filing is approved and your status is updated, you have maintained your legal standing and can continue to access all of your post-incorporation services, such as requesting a Certified True Copy (CTC) of your documents or making other structural changes to your business. Also, your subsequent Status Report will reflect your current standing.
CAC Annual Returns Acknowledgement Letter
Annual Returns for Each Entity Type: Requirements, Deadlines, and Costs
Each entity type has unique filing requirements, deadlines, and forms. Below, we break down the details for Business Name, Company, LP, LLP, and Incorporated Trustees, with SplashDict’s expert filing services.
Annual Returns for Business Name
Annual Returns Business Name (Sole Proprietorship and Partnership) must be filed by June 30th each year (except in the year of registration).
Cost: ₦5,000 per year.
Processing Time: 1–7 working days.
Deadline: June 30th each year (except the year of registration).
Late Filing Fee: ₦5,000 per year.
Requirements
Business Name Details
Proprietor/Partner Details
Annual Return Details: Turnover and net assets for the year.
Annual Returns for Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, Churches, Associations)
Annual Returns for Incorporated Trustees, such as NGOs, charities, churches, and associations, must be filed between June 30th and December 31st each year.
Cost: ₦10,000 per year.
Processing Time: 1–7 working days.
Deadline: Between June 30th and December 31st each year.
Late Filing Fee: ₦10,000 per year.
Requirements
Association Details
Trustee Details
Governing Council Details
- Audited Financial Statements: Signed by auditors (optional).
Annual Return Details: Year of return, financial year start and end, gross assets, net assets, sources of income, bankers, bank balances, and trustees’ benefits for the year.
Annual Returns for Company (Private, Public, Limited by Guarantee)
Annual Returns are a mandatory requirement for all registered Companies (Private Limited, Public Limited, and Company Limited by Guarantee) and must be filed within 42 days after the Annual General Meeting (AGM), or by December 31st for Small Companies, covering the preceding financial year.
Cost: Other Companies: ₦10,000 per year; Public Company: ₦15,000 per year.
Processing Time: 1–7 working days.
Deadline: 42 days post‑AGM or December 31st for Small Companies.
Late Filing Fee: Small Companies: ₦5,000 per year; Private (other than Small) & Company Limited by Guarantee: ₦10,000 per year; Public Company: ₦25,000 per year.
Requirements
Company Details
Governance Details
Share Capital Details
Financial Statements: Audited financial statements (Not compulsory for small companies).
- Annual Return Details: Annual turnover, total net assets, and details of indebtedness (mortgages or charges).
Annual Returns for Limited Partnership (LP)
Annual Returns for Limited Partnerships (LP) must be filed within 60 days after the end of the financial year (typically by March 1st for a December 31st year‑end).
Cost: ₦10,000 per year.
Processing Time: 1–7 working days.
Deadline: 60 days after the financial year‑end.
Late Filing Fee: ₦10,000 per year.
Requirements
Partnership Details
Partner Details
Annual Return Details: Annual turnover and net assets for the financial year being reported.
Annual Returns for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Annual Returns for Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) must be filed on or before December 31st each year, covering the preceding financial year.
Cost: ₦10,000 per year.
Processing Time: 1–7 working days.
Deadline: December 31st.
Late Filing Fee: 10,000 per year.
Late Filing Fee for Designated Partners: 10,000 naira per designated partner.
Requirements
Partnership Details
Partner Details
Annual Return Details: Annual turnover and net assets for the financial year being reported.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CAC Annual Returns
1. Do I still need to file if my business is not operating, dormant, or not making a profit?
Yes, you do. Filing annual returns is a mandatory legal requirement for all registered entities in Nigeria, regardless of their operational status or profitability. Even if your business has been dormant or hasn't generated any income, you are still required to file what is known as a "nil" return.
This filing confirms to the CAC that your business is still in existence and ensures its active status on the corporate register, helping you avoid penalties and other legal complications.
2. What happens if I miss the deadline?
Missing a deadline can lead to several consequences, including late filing penalties that can accumulate over time. The CAC may also mark your business as "Inactive" on its public register, which can hinder your ability to open bank accounts, secure loans, or bid for contracts.
Continued non-compliance can even lead to your business's name being struck off the register entirely.
3. Are annual returns the same as tax returns?
No, they are not. Annual returns are filings submitted to the CAC to update your company's information and confirm its continued existence. Tax returns are filings submitted to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to report your business's income and calculate its tax liability. Both are separate, mandatory requirements.
4. How fast can SplashDict process my Annual Returns?
We process Annual Returns within 1–7 working days, subject to CAC approval, ensuring your entity quickly regains or maintains its “Active” status.
5. How often do I file Annual Returns?
Annually — once every year. For Incorporated Trustees, a bi-annual statement of affairs is also required.
Why Choose SplashDict for CAC Annual Returns Filing?
At SplashDict, we make the Annual Returns filing process seamless, transparent, and stress‑free for every registered entity in Nigeria. Our team of CAC-accredited experts handles your filing, ensuring accuracy and peace of mind.
We offer all-inclusive transparent pricing (no hidden charges), cover all entity types (Business Names, Companies, NGOs, Partnerships), and provide a fast turnaround with updates delivered directly to you.
Beyond filing, we provide ongoing compliance support, so you never miss a deadline, face penalties, or risk your entity being marked inactive. With SplashDict, you stay compliant, credible, and in good standing with regulators, banks, and investors.
- Official Acknowledgment Letter: You’ll receive a CAC Acknowledgment Letter confirming Annual Returns Filing.
- Transparent, All‑Inclusive Pricing: No hidden charges. Our service fees cover CAC fees, penalties (if applicable), and professional handling.
- Fast & Reliable Service: Returns are filed within 1–7 working days, subject to CAC approval.
- Ongoing Support from Experts: Our Chartered Secretary and corporate services team provide ongoing expert help for regulatory and statutory needs.
CAC Annual Returns Filing in Nigeria
At SplashDict, we handle your annual returns filing end-to-end, ensuring fast, accurate, and stress-free compliance.
