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Business · Nigeria

Register a business for tax (TIN & VAT)

Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) and register for VAT with the Federal Inland Revenue Service: CAC → TIN (often auto-issued at incorporation) → VAT.

3
steps
2
agencies involved
Who you will deal with
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
The steps
  1. 1Register the business with CAC
    Agency
    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
    What is required
    A TIN requires a CAC-registered entity (see the company-registration procedure). Since 2019 a TIN is frequently auto-issued at incorporation.
    Documents
    Certificate of Incorporation
    Typical timeline
    See CAC procedure
  2. 2Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
    Agency
    Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
    What is required
    Complete TIN registration (Form 001) at a FIRS office or online (TaxProMax). The TIN itself is free of charge.
    Documents
    CAC certificate; directors' IDs; board resolution; proof of business address
    Typical timeline
    ~2-5 working days
  3. 3Register for VAT and meet filing obligations
    Agency
    Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
    What is required
    VAT registration is mandatory once annual turnover exceeds ₦50m (can be done with the TIN). Charge 7.5% VAT on taxable supplies and file returns by the 21st of the following month.
    Documents
    Valid TIN; business & turnover details; directors' IDs
    Typical timeline
    VAT returns due monthly (21st)

Primary source: https://www.firs.gov.ng/businesses-and-organizations · confidence: high

Also in business
Certify a locally-made product (SON MANCAP)Comply with data protection (NDPA / NDPC)Hire a foreign worker (Expatriate Quota & CERPAC)Obtain an ISP / telecoms licence (NCC)Open a restaurant / food businessRegister a limited liability company (CAC)

The numbers behind the decision

Knowing the process is half of it. ONYX also tracks the operating environment you are entering — daily grid generation, official FX, state-level input prices and inflation, and sector output — each figure source-linked and dated.

ONYX publishes what the responsible agencies publish, with a link to each source. Requirements, fees and timelines change, and an officer's reading of a rule can differ from the published text. Verify against the linked source before you commit money — this is reference information, not legal advice.

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