CAC Automatically Generate TIN. If you registered your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) lately, you’ve probably noticed your Tax Identification Number (TIN) now appears right on your certificate.
Sounds convenient, right? One less trip to the FIRS office.
But here’s the reality: that doesn’t mean you can skip getting a TIN certificate.
This post clears up the confusion – why CAC started auto-generating TINs, what that number means, and when a separate FIRS-issued certificate is still mandatory.
When CAC Started Auto-Generating TINs
Before 2021, registering your business and getting your TIN were two different stress levels. You’d complete your CAC registration, then go to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) (sometimes physically) to apply for a TIN.
That changed in 2021, when CAC and FIRS integrated their databases. Now, once you register a Business Name or Company, a valid TIN is automatically generated and displayed on your CAC certificate.
By 2022, this became standard for all online registrations. So if your certificate shows a TIN number, yes – it’s real and active on the FIRS database.
But that’s not the full story.
The Real Question: Do You Still Need a Separate TIN Certificate?
Short answer: Yes, in most cases.
Long answer: while CAC’s integration with FIRS means your TIN is valid, several regulatory and financial institutions still require the physical or digital TIN certificate issued directly by FIRS.
Let’s break down why.
When You’ll Still Need a TIN Certificate
1. For SCUML Registration
If your business deals in real estate, consultancy, hospitality, auto sales, or any “Designated Non-Financial Institution” (DNFI) sector, you’ll need to register with SCUML – the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.
And here’s the deal: SCUML doesn’t accept CAC certificates with TIN numbers printed on them. They specifically request a FIRS-issued TIN certificate.
Many business owners find out the hard way, applications get rejected because they upload only the CAC certificate.
👉 Read: How to Get SCUML Certificate Without Stress (2025 Update)
2. For Business Bank Accounts
Some banks still require the TIN certificate before approving certain account upgrades, forex operations, or business verifications.
Even if your CAC certificate shows the TIN, compliance teams often ask for the original certificate for KYC validation.
👉 See our Guide: How to Open a Business Account in Nigeria – Fast, Easy, and 100% Legal
3. For Tax Clearance and Compliance
When applying for a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) or registering for VAT, PAYE, or Company Income Tax, FIRS may request your TIN certificate for verification.
The CAC TIN number shows registration; the FIRS certificate proves tax activation. That difference matters when filing returns.
👉 Learn: Step-by-Step Guide to Get Your Tax Clearance Certificate in Nigeria
4. For Tenders and Government Contracts
Many procurement platforms, especially federal and state e-procurement portals, ask for your TIN certificate as a mandatory upload.
Your CAC certificate alone won’t cut it.
How to Confirm or Generate Your TIN on FIRS TaxPro Max
If your CAC certificate shows a TIN number but you don’t yet have the physical TIN certificate, you can confirm or request it directly via the official FIRS TaxPro Max portal.
Here’s how:
- Visit the official FIRS TaxPro Max website → https://taxpromax.firs.gov.ng
- Click “Register” or “Login” if you already have an account.
- Under the taxpayer registration section, you can search for your TIN using your RC or BN number.
- Once confirmed, contact your nearest FIRS tax office to obtain or print your TIN certificate.
This step is especially useful for those whose CAC certificates don’t display the TIN, or if your registration was completed before the CAC–FIRS integration in 2021.
Pro Tip: Always verify your business details (RC, BN, and email) on the FIRS database before submitting applications like SCUML or TCC.
A mismatch between CAC and FIRS records is one of the most common rejection reasons.
Why This Confusion Exists
Nigeria’s digital systems don’t sync perfectly.
Yes, CAC and FIRS share data, but the TIN certificate still sits in FIRS’s domain, not CAC’s.
So while CAC helps generate the number automatically, the FIRS certificate remains the official proof of your business tax registration.
Think of it this way:
CAC gives you the number.
FIRS gives you the authority behind it.
👉 Let’s help you register a new business registration and integration updates.
Expert Recommendation
Here’s the smart way to handle it (and what we advise clients at Qrafteq Brand Systems):
✅ Use your CAC certificate to start business immediately. The TIN printed there is valid and recognized.
✅ Still apply for your FIRS TIN certificate. It’s free and can be obtained through your local tax office or through the TaxPro Max portal.
✅ Store both digitally. You’ll need them for SCUML, TCC, or government filings.
✅ Don’t wait until an agency demands it. Get it early, it’s one of those small documents that can hold up bigger opportunities.
Expert Verdict
CAC’s automatic TIN generation is a win for ease of doing business, no doubt.
But the system isn’t yet unified enough to make the FIRS-issued TIN certificate obsolete.
If your goal is full compliance especially for regulated sectors or government-related business, get the certificate.
It’s the simplest way to prove your tax legitimacy and avoid delays later.
Quick FAQs (CAC Automatically Generate TIN)
Q1: Is my CAC-generated TIN valid for FIRS?
Yes. It’s valid and linked to your FIRS record. You can use it to pay taxes, register for VAT, or open a business account.
Q2: Can I print my TIN certificate online?
Currently, most FIRS offices issue it manually or by email. Visit your tax office or confirm on TaxPro Max.
Q3: Does SCUML accept CAC’s TIN number?
No. SCUML still requires the FIRS-issued certificate.
Q4: What’s the difference between CAC TIN and FIRS TIN certificate?
Same number, different purpose. CAC shows registration; FIRS confirms activation.
Q5: What if my CAC certificate doesn’t show a TIN number?
It means your registration was done before 2021 or the integration failed. Visit your nearest FIRS office or check TaxPro Max to request one.
