CAC Registration: How to Do-It-Yourself and Finding CAC Offices in Your State

This comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step approach to Do It Yourself (DIY) registration while also providing insights on locating CAC offices for personalized assistance.

Introduction

In a bid to combat the rising cases of Point-of-Sale (PoS) fraud, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has mandated all PoS operators and fintech merchants to register their businesses in accordance with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines.

Failure to comply with this directive by the deadline of July 7, 2024, may result in legal repercussions, including arrest by the police. To assist businesses in navigating this registration process, we present a detailed guide to the do-it-yourself approach and provide information on locating CAC offices across different states in Nigeria.

How to do it Yourself

Registering your business with the CAC can now be done conveniently from the comfort of your home using your mobile phone or computer. Follow these steps to initiate the registration process:

• Visit the CAC website: Begin by accessing the CAC website through your preferred web browser.
• Create an account: Register on the CAC platform by providing your phone number or National Identification Number (NIN) and following the prompts to create an account.
• Online registration: Once logged in, navigate to the “Online registration” section on the homepage.
• Reservation of business name: Conduct a public search to verify the availability of your desired business name. Reserve the name by completing a form and making a payment of ₦500 to obtain an Availability Code.
• Pre-incorporation: Utilize the Availability Code to complete your registration, providing essential details such as business name, address, proposed activities, and uploading necessary documents including means of identification, proof of address, and a business plan (optional for sole proprietorships).
• Payment of registration fee: Pay the registration fee of ₦10,000 using the available payment options.
• Submission of documents: Electronically submit your completed form and documents for verification by the CAC.
• Receipt of Certificate of Registration: Upon successful verification, expect to receive your Certificate of Registration via email within three to five days.

Additional Notes

• Tax Identification Number (TIN): Ensure your business obtains a TIN, which is mandatory. Visit the Joint Tax Board website to register for a TIN for free. In Lagos, the process can be completed through the LIRS website.
• CAC Registration Number for TIN application: During the TIN registration process, you’ll need your CAC Registration number, so ensure you have it readily available.

How to Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN)

Here’s a concise guide on how to register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for both individual and non-individual taxpayers;

Individual Taxpayer

• Select Date of Birth (Optional).
• Choose preferred search criteria from the Select Criteria Dropdown – TIN, BVN, or Registered Phone Number.
• Provide appropriate value based on selected search criteria.
• Confirm non-robot status by checking the reCAPTCHA Box.
• Click the Search button.

Non-Individual Taxpayer

• Select Organization’s Date of Incorporation (Optional).
• Choose preferred search criteria from the Select Criteria Dropdown – TIN, CAC Registration Number, or Registered Phone Number.
• Provide appropriate value based on selected search criteria.
• Confirm non-robot status by checking the reCAPTCHA Box.
• Click the Search button.

How to Locate CAC Offices in Your State

For those who prefer or require in-person assistance, finding the nearest CAC office in your state is very important. Here’s how you can locate CAC offices across various states in Nigeria:

• CAC Website: Visit the CAC website and navigate to the “Contact Us” or “Branch Locator” section for a list of CAC offices nationwide.
• Google Maps: Utilize Google Maps to search for CAC offices near your location by entering relevant keywords such as “CAC office” followed by your state name.
• Local Directories: Consult local business directories or government websites for contact information and addresses of CAC offices in your state.
• Government Offices: Visit government offices or agencies within your state and inquire about the location of nearby CAC offices.

Conclusion

Registering your business with the CAC is now more accessible than ever with the availability of online registration services. By following the outlined steps for the do-it-yourself approach, businesses can ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and operate within the confines of the law.

For those seeking personalized assistance or face-to-face interactions, locating CAC offices in their respective states provides a viable option. Embrace this opportunity to formalize your business operations and contribute to the growth and integrity of Nigeria’s business space.