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 All Business Entities in Nigeria
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 Business Name | From: NGN15,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Limited Partnership (LP) | From: NGN30,000 | |
| Annual Returns For Incorporated Trustees | From: NGN20,000 | |
| Annual Returns For Company | From: NGN20,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | From: 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 Are Annual Returns Important?
Annual Returns are vital because they keep your entity active, compliant, and in good standing with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Filing them ensures you meet the obligations set out in the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, confirming that your business is still operational and providing updated information about its address, owners, and financial status.
Submitting Annual Returns on time prevents your entity from being marked “Inactive” or being struck off the CAC register, which can limit your access to loans, grants, tenders, and other benefits. It also allows the CAC to process any post-registration changes, such as updates to your business address or changes in ownership or structure.
In short, Annual Returns help build trust and credibility with regulators, investors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders while safeguarding your entity’s legal standing and ability to operate smoothly.
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 or Partnership) must be filed by June 30th each year (except in the year of registration).
Failure to do so may attract penalties and cause the Business Name to be marked “Inactive” on the CAC register, limiting access to post‑registration changes such as a Change of Business Address.
Cost: ₦15,000 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: Full registered name, CAC Registration Number, registered office address, and nature of the business.
Proprietor/Partner Details: Surname, forename, nationality, date of birth, gender, phone number, email, ID number and type (e.g., NIN), occupation, and residential/service address.
Annual Return Details: Turnover and net assets for the year (can be zero for dormant businesses).
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.
Failure to do so may attract penalties and cause the entity to be marked “Inactive” on the CAC register, affecting its legal status and access to post‑registration changes.
Cost: ₦20,000 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
Trustee Details: Surname, forename, nationality, date of birth, gender, phone number, email, ID number and type (e.g., NIN), occupation, residential/service address.
Governing Council Details: Names, positions held, service addresses, email, and phone numbers.
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.
Audited Financial Statements: Signed by auditors.
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.
Late filings attract penalties and risk marking the Company as “Inactive” on the CAC portal.
Cost: Other Companies: ₦25,000 per year; Public Company: ₦30,000 per year.
Processing Time: 2–7 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: Name, CAC Registration Number, registered office address, date of incorporation, AGM date, principal activity, company type, and date of relevant resolution.
Governance Details: Directors, shareholders, secretary (if applicable), and Persons with Significant Control (PSC).
Annual Return Details: Annual turnover, total net assets, and details of indebtedness (mortgages or charges).
Share Capital Details: Total issued share capital, description of share types (e.g., ordinary, preference), and percentage allocation.
Financial Statements: Audited financial statements (Not compulsory for small companies).
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).
Failure to file may result in penalties and an “Inactive” status on the CAC portal.
Cost: ₦20,000 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: Name, CAC Registration Number, registered office address, and nature of business.
Partner Details: Full names, nationality, date of birth, gender, phone number, email, ID number and type (e.g., NIN), occupation, and residential address for general and limited partners.
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 within 60 days after the end of the financial year (typically by March 1st for a December 31st year‑end).
Late filing attracts penalties and may result in an “Inactive” status on the CAC portal.
Cost: ₦20,000 per year.
Processing Time: 2–7 working days.
Deadline: 60 days after the financial year‑end.
Late Filing Fee: 10,000 per year.
Late Filing Fee for Designated Partners: 10,000 naira per designated partner.
Requirements
Partnership Details: Name, CAC Registration Number, registered office address, and nature of business.
Partner Details: Full names, nationality, date of birth, gender, phone number, email, ID number and type (e.g., NIN), occupation, and residential address for all partners.
Annual Return Details: Annual turnover and net assets for the financial year being reported.
Why Choose SplashDict for CAC Annual Returns?
At SplashDict, we make the Annual Returns filing process seamless, transparent, and stress‑free for every registered entity in Nigeria.
With years of experience and a team of CAC‑accredited Chartered Secretaries, we help you stay compliant with the requirements of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, avoiding penalties, delays, and an “Inactive” status that can block post‑registration changes, financing, grants, or licensing.
- End‑to‑End Filing & Documentation: We file Annual Returns for every entity types.
- Official Acknowledgment Letter: You’ll receive a CAC‑stamped confirmation upon successful filing, keeping your records updated and valid.
- Transparent, All‑Inclusive Pricing: No hidden charges. Our service fees covers 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.
Annual Returns can be daunting, especially when dealing with penalties, late filings, or multi‑entity compliance requirements across Nigeria. Let SplashDict be your trusted partner, making sure your Business Name, Company, NGO, LP, or LLP stays active, credible, and fully compliant every year.
FAQs About CAC Annual Returns
1. When are Annual Returns due?
Business Name: By June 30th every year (Section 587, CAMA 2020).
Company: Within 42 days after the Annual General Meeting (AGM), or by December 31st for Small Companies (Section 417).
Limited Partnership (LP) & Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): Within 60 days after the financial year-end (e.g., by March 1st for a December 31st year-end).
Incorporated Trustees: Between June 30th and December 31st every year (Section 848).
2. Are Annual Returns required for dormant entities?
Yes. All registered entities must file Annual Returns every year, even if dormant, to maintain an “Active” status and remain in good standing with the CAC.
3. What happens if I miss the deadline?
Late filing attracts penalties (from ₦5,000–₦25,000 per year, plus daily fines where applicable), and may cause the entity to be marked “Inactive” (in red) on the CAC portal, blocking access to CAC services such as post‑registration changes and status verification.
4. Do Small Companies need to file audited financial statements?
No. Small Companies with an annual turnover of ≤ ₦100 million are exempt from submitting audited financial statements as per Section 417 of CAMA 2020.
5. 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.
6. What if I have multiple entities?
No problem! At SplashDict, we streamline Annual Returns filings for all entity types: Business Names, Companies, LLPs, LPs, and Incorporated Trustees, providing one platform, dedicated Chartered Secretaries, and a seamless, end‑to‑end service.
| Service | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Returns for Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | From: NGN20,000 | |
| Annual Returns For Incorporated Trustees | From: NGN20,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Business Name | From: NGN15,000 | |
| Annual Returns For Company | From: NGN20,000 | |
| Annual Returns for Limited Partnership (LP) | From: NGN30,000 |
