How to File CAC Annual Returns, Avoid 'Inactive' Status, and Restore Good Standing
Over 100,000 Nigerian companies were delisted or marked 'INACTIVE' by the Corporate Affairs Commission for delinquent annual returns. Here is how to verify and maintain active status.
The Surge in CAC 'INACTIVE' Classifications
Under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, every registered Nigerian company, business name, and incorporated trustee is legally obligated to file Annual Returns with the Corporate Affairs Commission every single year.
In recent years, CAC has aggressively automated its public search portal (search.cac.gov.ng). Any company that fails to file its annual returns for two or more consecutive years is automatically stamped as 'INACTIVE' on the public database, preventing corporate bank operations, blocking contract awards, and initiating strike-off proceedings.
The Financial Institution Alert System
Nigerian commercial banks are integrated directly with CAC's API. When an account holder's corporate status flips to 'INACTIVE', banks frequently restrict transactions until a certified CAC Status Report showing 'ACTIVE' is uploaded.
When Are Annual Returns Due?
The statutory due dates vary based on entity registration type:
| Entity Type | First Filing Due Date | Subsequent Annual Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company (Ltd) | Exempt for first 18 months of incorporation | Within 42 days following the Annual General Meeting (AGM) |
| Business Name (Sole Proprietorship) | Due by June 30th of the year following registration | Every year by June 30th |
| Incorporated Trustees (NGO / Church) | Due by June 30th of the following year | Every year by June 30th accompanied by audited financial report |
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing CAC Annual Returns Online
Annual returns are filed directly on the CAC Companies Registration Portal (post.cac.gov.ng):
1. Log in to your CAC account or engage an accredited corporate secretary / legal practitioner.
2. Navigate to 'Post-Incorporation Services' and select 'Annual Returns Filing'.
3. Input the financial years being filed (e.g. 2024, 2025, 2026).
4. Attach simplified financial statements (Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Comprehensive Income) signed by two directors.
5. Complete the Remita electronic payment. The system generates an immediate filing receipt.
6. Once approved by CAC back-office examiners, your company status on the public portal automatically flips back to 'ACTIVE'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Founder Questions on Formation
What is the penalty for filing late CAC annual returns?▾
CAC charges a late filing penalty fee per defaulted year on top of the statutory filing fee. For small companies, late fees range from ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 per year of default depending on entity classification.
Can a dormant or pre-revenue company file Nil returns?▾
Yes. If your company conducted no commercial operations during the year, you submit a simplified Statement of Inactivity / Nil Return to fulfill statutory CAMA requirements.