How to Become CAC Accredited Agent

From its rapidly growing business environment, Nigeria has placed the Corporate Affairs Commission as a very important regulator of business operations. If you are thinking about becoming a CAC Accredited Agent, you are about to step into a great opportunity.

You will need to follow a particular prelaid requirements and procedures to become an accredited agent. Being recognized by the CAC as an accredited agent, enhances your credibility and makes your business customers believe in you more when trying to win their needs in services.

This article will be guiding you on How to become a CAC Agent is, the cost implication, how to register, and some other very important things.

Who is a CAC Accredited Agent?

The CAC Accredited Agent refers to a person so authorized by the Corporate Affairs Commission to act on behalf of either a person or company concerning business registration and any other related filings.

The agents, therefore, play the role of an intermediary between CAC and the public, facilitating business people’s compliance with the Nigerian laws governing business.

In simple terms, a CAC Agent helps individuals register their businesses, process name reservations, and file annual returns. They also assist in making amendments to existing company details and can even help with dissolving companies when necessary.

How much will it cost to become a CAC Accredited Agent?

Becoming a CAC-accredited agent requires an investment, but it is not expensive, as one may think. The cost usually covers two aspects: the application fee and the acquiring of documents.

For now, the registration fee charged by CAC goes from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000, depending on the different types of services you are applying for. You will also need to budget for the cost of getting your professional qualification and any other legal documents which are needed to support this application.

This includes an active email address, a valid means of identification such as a National ID, driver’s license, or international passport, and your professional certificate if you are a lawyer, accountant, or chartered secretary.

Note that these are just the initial costs. Once accredited, you might need to invest in tools like a reliable internet connection and a working laptop to access the CAC portal from time to time.

How do I become an accredited CAC agent?

Registration as a CAC Accredited Agent involves some quite simple processes, yet they require paying close attention to details. You have to visit the official CAC website, www.cac.gov.ng.

• Click on the “Accreditation” tab on the home page.
• You will be expected to create a profile by filling out an online form. The form requires your personal information such as your name, phone number, and email address.
• Upload a scanned copy of your means of identification and your professional certificate where applicable.
• After the form is filled out, you’ll pay the fee for accreditation using the CAC’s online payment system.
• After confirmation of payment, the application is submitted for review of the applicant’s credentials by the Commission. If all is well, the applicant will be issued an accreditation certificate, which grants him the legal right to act as a CAC Agent.

This may take some days or up to a couple of weeks, depending on how busy the commission is at the time of application.

How much does the CAC filing fee cost?

The CAC filing fee varies with the kind of service you are rendering as an agent. For example, if you’re registering a business name, the filing fee is quite affordable, usually between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000.

On the other hand, filing for company incorporation costs more, with fees starting from ₦20,000 and going higher depending on the company’s share capital.

Other services, including filing annual returns or amendments to company details, have different charges altogether. Annual returns cost ₦5,000 for small companies, whereas larger companies have to pay between ₦10,000 and ₦25,000. Amendments, including change of address of a company or directors attract additional fees.

It’s important to stay updated on these fees because they may change over time. As a CAC Accredited Agent, you’ll need to inform your clients of the applicable charges for their specific needs. Always ensure that payments are made through the official CAC platform to avoid issues with incomplete filings.

How long does it take to get a CAC certificate?

The time it takes to actually have your CAC certificate will depend on the type of registration for your business and how such is processed. Generally, if all documents are in order and error-free, it usually takes from 5 to 10 working days for CAC to process a Business Name Registration and issue its Certificate.

Depending on the factor of the company’s structure complexity, completeness of submitted documents, and the volume at the time of application, the period may further extend to 2-3 weeks for incorporation.

Note that this does not rule out possible delays, which may arise when there are errors in the application or poor uploading of supporting documents. Ensure your application is complete and double-check all entries before submitting.

How long does CAC agent accreditation take?

The process leading to becoming a CAC-accredited agent takes approximately 5 to 7 working days from the date of submission. However, this may vary depending on how busy the Corporate Affairs Commission is at the time of your application.

After submission of the application and payment for accreditation, CAC will proceed with the verification of your documents to ensure you meet their requirements. Upon success, you would be sent an accreditation certificate and your log-in details for the CAC online portal.

To speed up the process, make sure all the required documents are correctly uploaded, and your details are accurate. Any mistakes or incomplete information will delay or reject your application.

Can I do CAC registration myself?

Yes, you can register with the CAC yourself without going through any third-party agent or agency. The CAC has made it so easy through its portal that any person with basic computer knowledge can do it.

To start off, you need to access the CAC website to get a business name reservation. Subsequent steps include filling in all necessary forms, uploading your documents, and making the required payments on the website. When completed, you will get an e-certificate of registration from the CAC.

However, even though self-registrations are permissible, a few persons may feel it is somewhat overwhelming, and some even consider it complicated; hence the company incorporation and amendments can utilize the services of a CAC Accredited Agent, to have it done right and expedited.

FAQs

Conclusion

Becoming a CAC Accredited Agent is one of the most rewarding career paths and, at the same time, one sure way to contribute to the growing business landscape in Nigeria. You can follow the steps outlined in this article to go through the registration process smoothly and start helping others formalize their businesses.

It takes minimal investment and a learning curve for CAC operations. It is well worth it because the benefits far outweigh the costs. As a CAC Agent, you will be in a position to offer a worthy service, build professional relationships, and gain financial rewards.

References

• pre.cac.gov.ng/faq
• youtube.com/how to become a cac agent

selar.co/how to become a cac agent