File your CAC annual returns — stay “Active” and avoid penalties
Annual returns filing for business names, limited companies and incorporated trustees anywhere in Nigeria. From ₦20,000 per year including the CAC fee, filed in 1–3 working days.
Every business registered with CAC must file annual returns — a yearly declaration that the business still exists and its records are correct. Skip it and your business shows as Inactive on the CAC portal, penalties pile up for every missed year, and CAC will refuse any other filing until you clear them.
Topweb Technologies checks your filing status, calculates the fees and penalties due, files all outstanding years, and sends you the CAC acknowledgement. We also remind you before next year’s deadline.
- Business name annual returns
- Private limited company annual returns
- Incorporated trustees (NGO / church) annual returns
- Multiple outstanding years filed together
- Penalty calculation and payment
- Reactivation of inactive companies
- Free deadline reminders
CAC annual returns fee and our price
| What you need | Official CAC fee | Topweb all-in price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business name — per year | ₦3,000 + ₦5,000 penalty per late year | from ₦20,000 | 1–3 working days |
| Small private company — per year | ₦5,000 + ₦10,000 penalty per late year | from ₦20,000 | 1–3 working days |
| Incorporated trustees — per year | ₦5,000 + penalty per late year | from ₦20,000 | 1–3 working days |
| Multiple years outstanding | Fees + penalties for each year | Discounted bundle — quoted | 2–5 working days |
Penalties are set by CAC per year of default and can change. We check your exact liability on the portal before quoting.
What we need to file your annual returns
- RC or BN number
- Confirmation that address, directors/proprietors and shareholders are unchanged (or the new details)
- For companies: year-end date and a brief statement of affairs (we prepare the form)
- For incorporated trustees: names of current trustees
- Payment — we pay CAC on your behalf
Annual returns filing in 4 steps
Send your RC/BN number
We look up your filing status and outstanding years on the CAC portal.
We quote exactly
CAC fee + penalties + our fee, itemised, for every year due.
We file & pay
Forms prepared, CAC fees paid, filed the same day.
Acknowledgement sent
You receive the CAC acknowledgement and your status flips back to Active.
Annual returns — frequently asked questions
What are CAC annual returns?
Annual returns are a yearly filing that confirms your business or company is still operating and that its records (address, directors, shareholders, trustees) are up to date. It is not a tax return — it is a CAC compliance filing. Every registered business name, company and incorporated trustee must file.
When are annual returns due?
Your first annual return is due 18 months after registration. After that, business names file by 30 June each year; companies file within 42 days of their annual general meeting (in practice, once a year). Missing the date attracts a penalty for every year missed.
What is the CAC annual returns fee?
The CAC fee is ₦3,000 per year for a business name and ₦5,000 per year for a small private company (higher for larger companies and incorporated trustees), plus a late-filing penalty for each year missed. Topweb’s all-in price is from ₦20,000 per year including the CAC fee.
What happens if I don’t file annual returns?
Your company shows as “Inactive” on the CAC public search, penalties accumulate every year, CAC will not process any other filing (status report, change of directors, etc.), banks and tender boards may reject you, and after long non-compliance CAC can strike the company off the register.
Can I file annual returns for several years at once?
Yes. We file all outstanding years together and pay the accumulated fees and penalties in one go, then reactivate your status.
Can I file annual returns myself?
Since 2024, annual returns are filed through the CAC post-incorporation portal, which is accessible to accredited agents. Most owners now use an agent. We file, pay and send you the acknowledgement.
Do I need to file annual returns if my company didn’t trade?
Yes. Annual returns are required whether or not the company made money. A dormant company still files.
File your annual returns now
Send your RC or BN number on WhatsApp and we’ll tell you exactly what is outstanding — free.