Turn this guide into your personal checklist.
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Online, physical or both?
Use the official online route
Sign in to the official CAC registration portal. Then open the applicable annual-return filing.
No mandatory physical visit is stated in the sources we currently use
The current sources for CAC annual returns do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
Find official offices/centres →If this specific process gets stuck
Use CAC's Company Registration Portal support/contact route with the entity name, application details and payment reference.
View agency guidance →Only authorised routes. We never present an unofficial agent, cybercafé or third-party payment page as an alternative unless the responsible agency authorises it.
Documents, details and prerequisites you need
This is the complete pre-start checklist from the verified guide. Each item below explains what it is for, where it enters the process and whether the official source actually specifies an original, copy or upload.
CAC entity name/registration number and access to the entity record in CRP
- Why you need it
- Used to locate the exact registered entity or application record.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 1: Sign in to the official CAC registration portal.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Return-year information and the entity-specific annual-return fields shown by CRP; the fields differ for companies, business names and incorporated trustees
- Why you need it
- This item is explicitly listed in the verified pre-start requirements for this service. Have it ready before beginning so the application is not interrupted.
- Where it is used
- Most directly connected to step 2: Open the applicable annual-return filing.
- Original, copy or upload?
- The official sources used for this guide do not specify original vs copy here. Follow the exact portal or office prompt instead of assuming.
Step-by-step instructions
Follow the process in order. Each step also shows what to have ready, what to check before continuing and what evidence to keep. Where the agency does not publish an extra requirement, this guide does not invent one.
Sign in to the official CAC registration portal.
- CAC entity name/registration number and access to the entity record in CRP
Use the official route linked on this guide and make sure you are working in the correct applicant/entity account before entering data.
Keep the entity/application reference shown in CAC's portal.
Open the applicable annual-return filing.
- Return-year information and the entity-specific annual-return fields shown by CRP; the fields differ for companies, business names and incorporated trustees
Use the official route linked on this guide and make sure you are working in the correct applicant/entity account before entering data.
Keep the entity/application reference shown in CAC's portal.
Complete the filing and pay the official fee shown in the portal.
- Return-year information and the entity-specific annual-return fields shown by CRP; the fields differ for companies, business names and incorporated trustees
Confirm the service, applicant/entity details and amount on the official payment screen before paying. Do not continue from an unsolicited payment link.
Keep the official receipt, payment reference or transaction ID.
What exactly happens next?
Keep the application/entity reference, payment evidence and every document generated in the CAC portal.
Complete the filing and pay the official fee shown in the portal.
CAC currently lists 24 working hours for company annual returns.
Use CAC's Company Registration Portal support/contact route with the entity name, application details and payment reference.
Important notes
- CAC's portal currently carries a public notice about annual returns for business names and ongoing system upgrades.
Common questions
These answers are generated from the verified requirements, route, fee, timeline and official-source notes for this specific service.
What should I prepare before I start?
Prepare before you begin by gathering every item below. The detailed checklist above explains why each one is needed, where it is used, and whether the official source specifies an original, copy or upload.
- CAC entity name/registration number and access to the entity record in CRP — Identity / account detail
- Return-year information and the entity-specific annual-return fields shown by CRP; the fields differ for companies, business names and incorporated trustees — Document
Can I do this online, or do I need to visit an office?
Mostly online. Sign in to the official CAC registration portal. Then open the applicable annual-return filing.
The current sources for CAC annual returns do not state a compulsory walk-in stage for the standard route.
How much does this service cost?
Fee varies by entity and filing.
Pay only through the responsible agency or the official payment channel linked in this guide.
How long should it take?
CAC currently lists 24 working hours for company annual returns.
Processing can still take longer where identity checks, document corrections, payment confirmation or manual review are required.
What happens after I submit or complete the main step?
Keep the evidence for CAC annual returns: Keep the application/entity reference, payment evidence and every document generated in the CAC portal.
Complete the final published step: Complete the filing and pay the official fee shown in the portal.
What should I do if the portal, payment or application gets stuck?
Use CAC's Company Registration Portal support/contact route with the entity name, application details and payment reference.
Keep any application number, receipt, acknowledgement, transaction reference or screenshot that can help the agency trace the request.
What should I be careful about?
- CAC's portal currently carries a public notice about annual returns for business names and ongoing system upgrades.
How do I verify that these instructions are current?
This guide was last checked on 2026-09-28. The official government or agency sources used to verify it are listed directly below this section.
Where an agency changes a fee, deadline or procedure, the official source takes priority over this independent guide.
Is MyNigeriaGuide the government website for this service?
No. MyNigeriaGuide is an independent information service. Applications, payments, approvals and final decisions remain with the responsible government agency.
Official sources
These are the government or agency pages used to verify this guide. Open them directly whenever you want to confirm the source.
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