To register a Nigerian company for tax: 1) Obtain CAC certificate. 2) Prepare documents (CAC cert, directors' IDs, business address proof). 3) Complete TIN Form 001 at FIRS office or online (sigtas.firs.gov.ng). 4) Submit and receive TIN in 2-5 days. 5) Register for VAT if turnover exceeds ₦25M. Registration is free. Companies must register for CIT, VAT (if applicable), PAYE (if employees), and WHT (automatic).
Company Tax Registration in Nigeria
Register your business for CIT, VAT, PAYE, and WHT—complete guide with requirements and timelines
How do I register my Nigerian company for tax?
Register your company for tax at any FIRS office or online (sigtas.firs.gov.ng). You'll need: CAC certificate, directors' IDs, board resolution, and proof of business address. Submit TIN Form 001 and receive your Tax Identification Number in 2-5 working days. Registration is free. If turnover exceeds ₦25M, also register for VAT.
Registration Process
Obtain CAC Certificate
Gather Required Documents
Complete TIN Application
Submit to FIRS
Receive TIN Certificate
Register for VAT (if applicable)
Required Documents
For TIN Registration
- CAC Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board Resolution (authorizing TIN application)
- Valid ID of Directors (passport, driver's license, NIN)
- Proof of Business Address (utility bill)
- Completed TIN Form 001
Additional for VAT Registration
- Completed VAT Registration Form
- Evidence of business activity
- Bank account details
- Estimated monthly turnover
- Nature of products/services
VAT registration is mandatory if annual turnover exceeds ₦50 million. Small companies (≤₦100M turnover + ≤₦250M assets) are exempt from charging VAT.
Taxes Companies Must Register For
Company Income Tax (CIT)
Mandatory for all companies
Rates: 0% (turnover ≤₦25M), 20% (₦25M-₦100M), 30% (above ₦100M)
Value Added Tax (VAT)
If turnover exceeds ₦25M
Rate: 7.5% on taxable goods/services. Monthly filing required.
PAYE (Pay As You Earn)
If you have employees
Deduct tax from employee salaries and remit monthly to State IRS.
Withholding Tax (WHT)
Automatic with CIT registration
Deduct WHT on payments to vendors (5-10%) and remit to FIRS.
Expected Timeline
Penalties for Non-Registration
- • ₦50,000 penalty for operating without TIN
- • Ineligibility for government contracts
- • Bank account restrictions
- • Difficulty obtaining business permits and licenses
- • Personal liability for directors
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register my company for tax in Nigeria?
Register for tax by applying at any FIRS office with your CAC certificate, proof of address, directors' IDs, and completed TIN application form. You can also apply online via FIRS e-Tax portal. Processing takes 2-5 working days.
What taxes must Nigerian companies register for?
All companies must register for Company Income Tax (CIT). If turnover exceeds ₦25M, you must also register for VAT. Companies with employees must register as PAYE agents. WHT registration is automatic with CIT.
How much does company tax registration cost?
TIN registration is free at FIRS. VAT registration is also free. You may incur costs for document certification, transportation, or using a tax agent (typically ₦20,000-₦50,000).
Can I operate without tax registration?
No, operating without tax registration is illegal. Penalties include ₦50,000 fine, inability to access government contracts, banking restrictions, and potential prosecution.
How long is a TIN valid?
A TIN is valid for life and doesn't expire. However, you must update your records if company details change (address, directors, etc.).
Manage Your Company Taxes Easily
Track income, expenses, and tax obligations all in one place