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One of the most common mistakes Nigerian entrepreneurs make is assuming that filing ‘Annual Returns’ with the CAC covers their tax obligations. In 2026, these are two entirely different legal requirements handled by two different government bodies. Mixing them up can lead to your company being marked as ‘Inactive’ or facing heavy tax fines.
The Key Differences
| Feature | CAC Annual Returns | NRS Tax Returns (CIT/VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To confirm the company is still in existence. | To assess and pay tax on profits/sales. |
| Authority | Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) | Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) |
| Platform | CAC Post-Incorporation Portal | TaxPro Max Portal |
Even if your business made no money, you must file ‘No Activity’ returns with CAC and NIL returns with the NRS. For a full list of what to do after starting up, see our Post-Incorporation Guide. For professional filing assistance, visit CAC or NRS.
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