Business Isn’t Official Until It’s Linked. Here’s How to Do It Right
When a business is born, it must breathe into three systems:
- The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- The Nigerian banking system
But in 2025, these bodies don’t work in isolation anymore.
They are now connected, and your business must be, too.
If you fail to link your CAC to the tax portal and your business bank account, your company may face:
- Banking restrictions
- Delayed tax recognition
- Rejection for tenders or grants
This guide offers you the clearest, fastest, and most actionable roadmap to stay compliant, especially if you’ve just incorporated a foreign company in Nigeria or registered a local business.
Let’s link your growth to the right systems, starting today.
Why Linking Your CAC Is No Longer Optional (2025 Update)
In late 2024, the FIRS introduced mandatory cross-platform integration:
“All registered entities must validate CAC details before tax registration and banking access.” Official circular, FIRS (November 2024)
This initiative aims to:
- Reduce tax evasion
- Curb identity fraud
- Streamline business onboarding
Banks have joined the enforcement. No CAC match? No business account.
Who Needs to Link CAC?
Whether you are:
- A new entrepreneur launching a side hustle
- A small business seeking contracts
- A founder who wants to incorporate a foreign company in Nigeria
- A vendor registering for corporate banking
…then you must link your CAC to both FIRS and your business bank.
What You Need Before You Begin
To start the process, you must have the following:
|
Requirement |
Use |
|
CAC Certificate (RC or BN number) |
Identity Verification |
|
CAC Status Report |
Confirms registration details |
|
Company Email Address |
For digital validation |
|
TIN (if pre-generated) |
Needed for the tax portal |
|
Bank Verification Number (for directors) |
Used by banks and the IRS |
Tip: Want faster processing? Use accredited business support like All-In-One Nigeria.
Step-by-Step: How to Link Your CAC to the Tax Portal
Step 1: Visit the FIRS TIN Registration Portal
Go to https://tinregistration.firs.gov.ng
Click on “Register with CAC.”
Step 2: Enter Your RC or BN Number
Use the exact format on your certificate. E.g., “RC1234567” or “BN1234567.”
Click “Validate.”
The portal will fetch your business name, address, and structure.
Step 3: Fill in Additional Details
Provide the following:
- Business Email
- Contact Number
- Tax Office (select your state)
Upload scanned CAC documents.
Step 4: Submit and Await Confirmation
Within 24–72 hours, you’ll receive:
- A new TIN (if not already issued)
- A tax profile link
- A validation confirmation email
Once approved, your business is now active on the FIRS portal.
Step-by-Step: How to Link CAC to Your Business Bank Account
Step 1: Open a Corporate Account
Visit your preferred Nigerian bank or open online (e.g., GTB, Access, Kuda Business).
Step 2: Submit CAC Certificate and TIN
You’ll need to provide:
- RC/BN number
- CAC Status Report
- TIN
- Director’s valid ID and BVN
- Utility bill (not older than 3 months)
Step 3: Fill Corporate Account Opening Form
Complete the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) profile. Choose account type:
- Current
- Business Savings
- Domiciliary (for foreign transactions)
Step 4: Bank Cross-Validates with CAC and FIRS
Most banks use the Corporate Registration Verification Portal (CRVP).
If your data matches, your account is activated within 48–72 hours.
Warning: Mismatched names, addresses, or typos can delay approval.
What If You Registered Before 2024?
If your business was registered before 2024, you still need to link your CAC.
Options:
- Log in to FIRS: Use existing TIN to update profile
- Visit Bank: Request for CAC linkage update
Failure to do this may block access to e-filing, tax clearance, or banking rights.
How to Link as a Foreign Company in Nigeria
Foreign entities now require local alignment to access the FIRS and banks.
Required Documents:
- Business Permit (via NIPC)
- Local representative ID
- Foreign shareholder passport
- Incorporation Certificate
You must register your TIN via a local tax office or agent.
All-In-One Nigeria provides full support for foreign CAC integration.
Tools That Can Help You
- FIRS CAC-TIN Portal
- CAC CRP Portal
- CBN Approved Banks List
- All-In-One Nigeria CAC Services
Use tools. Avoid stress.
Mistakes That Could Delay Your Linking
Incorrect RC Format: Always type “RC1234567”, not just the number.
No CAC Status Report: This is different from your certificate and is required for validation.
Typo in Business Name: Must match exactly with CAC and FIRS records.
No TIN (or duplicate request): Use the TIN verification portal before reapplying.
Real Use Case: Linking Saved Me from Bank Rejection
David, a Lagos-based entrepreneur, applied for a business loan.
But his CAC wasn’t linked to FIRS, and the bank blocked his account.
He turned to All-In-One Nigeria. Within 3 days, they:
- Retrieved his CAC
- Registered TIN
- Synced both to the tax portal and bank
His business was approved for funding in under a week.
FAQs: Linking CAC to Tax and Bank Systems
- Is TIN the same as RC?
No. TIN is issued by FIRS for tax; RC is your CAC registration number.
- Can I do everything online?
Mostly, yes. But banks may still request a physical ID or in-branch sign-off.
- What is a CAC Status Report?
It is a downloadable file showing full registration details. It’s not your certificate.
- Can a foreign business open a Nigerian bank account?
Yes, with proper permits and CAC registration. All-In-One Nigeria can help with the setup.
- What happens if I don’t link my CAC?
You may face banking issues, tax registration failure, or delayed government compliance.
Conclusion: Start Right, Link Fast, and Stay Compliant
Linking your CAC to the tax portal and bank isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s a strategic move.
It builds trust.
It opens doors.
It keeps your business visible, valid, and verifiable.
Whether you’re a hustler turning formal, a founder seeking funding, or an investor who wants to incorporate a foreign company in Nigeria, get your systems in sync.
Call to Action
Need help with CAC, tax linking, or banking setup?
Visit our website: www.allinonenigeria.com
Email: projects@allinonenigeria.com
All-In-One Nigeria is your partner for seamless business compliance in 2025.
Link your growth. Secure your future.
