How I Discovered the TIN Number on CAC Certificates, And How You Can Verify Yours

A few weeks ago, I received a new CAC certificate for one of our clients at Qrafteq. Nothing unusual, or so I thought, until I took a closer look at the document, saw the TIN Number on CAC Certificates.

There it was, right below the usual details: Company Name, RC Number, Date of Registration… and a new line – TIN Number.

At first, I paused. TIN number? On a CAC certificate?

This wasn’t something we used to see before. Typically, the Tax Identification Number (TIN) was issued separately by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) after a company had been registered. You’d complete your CAC registration, get your certificate, and then proceed to the tax office or the FIRS portal to obtain a TIN.

But now, CAC certificates are being issued with the TIN already included.

That got me curious.

So, I did what any careful professional would do – I decided to verify it.

How I Discovered the TIN Number on CAC Certificates

Why the TIN Matters More Than You Think

Before we go into the steps, it’s worth understanding why this change is important.

The Tax Identification Number (TIN) is what connects your business to Nigeria’s tax system. It’s how the FIRS and other authorities recognize you when filing taxes, opening a corporate bank account, bidding for contracts, or applying for government permits.

In the past, many businesses ignored getting their TIN because it was a separate process — until they needed it urgently. So, integrating it into CAC certificates is actually a good thing. It simplifies the process and makes every registered company automatically tax-identifiable.

But here’s the catch: not every TIN printed on a certificate is always active or valid immediately. Some may not yet reflect on the FIRS database, and that’s why verification is key.

The Verification Journey (My Personal Experience)

I wanted to be sure that the TIN printed on our client’s CAC certificate was real and valid. So, I began the verification process.

At first, I tried the old FIRS website. It didn’t lead me anywhere useful — just links that looked official but didn’t load correctly. Then, I remembered that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) had launched a centralized TIN verification system. That was my next stop.

This is exactly what I did, step by step:

1. I opened the official FIRS TIN verification portal:
   https://apps.firs.gov.ng/tinverification
2. On the portal, there’s a simple dropdown that lets you verify using either:
   • The TIN number, or
   • The Business/Company registration number (RC or BN).
3. I entered the TIN exactly as it appeared on the CAC certificate.
   (Tip: Don’t add spaces or extra characters, enter it exactly as printed.)
4. I clicked “Search.”

After a few seconds, the system returned the result.
The company name, RC number, and TIN matched perfectly with what was on the certificate.

That was my confirmation, the TIN was valid and correctly linked.

What Happens If Your TIN Doesn’t Show Up

Now, not everyone’s result will be instant. Some newly issued certificates may not reflect immediately on the FIRS or JTB portal. This delay can happen for a few reasons:

• The CAC data hasn’t yet synced with the FIRS system.
• The company registration is brand new (within days or weeks).
• The TIN was printed in anticipation but not yet activated.

If you search and get “No record found,” don’t panic.

Wait a few days, then try again. If it persists, it’s best to reach out to the nearest FIRS office or contact CAC to confirm synchronization.

You can also reach out to us at Qrafteq, and we’ll help you check if it’s a sync delay or a data issue.

Key Things to Check When Verifying Your TIN

When you verify your TIN, make sure you confirm the following:

1. Business Name: The name returned should exactly match the one on your CAC certificate.
2. RC or BN Number: Ensure the registration number aligns perfectly.
3. TIN: The digits should be the same as the one printed.
4. Status: A valid TIN should show as “Active” or “Registered.”

If any of these don’t match, take it seriously — there may be an error or mix-up in your company’s record.

What This Means Going Forward

For me, this experience was eye-opening.
I realized that Nigeria’s business registration ecosystem is quietly becoming more integrated — CAC, FIRS, and JTB are sharing data more effectively. That’s a huge step forward for entrepreneurs, accountants, and corporate service providers like us.

No more running from CAC to FIRS just to get a TIN.
No more waiting weeks for a number that should have been automatic.

But with convenience also comes responsibility: you must always verify what’s printed. Whether you’re registering a company or receiving your certificate from a third party, take two minutes to confirm that TIN.

Need Help Verifying Yours?

If you’ve recently gotten a CAC certificate with a TIN number and you’re unsure whether it’s valid, don’t stress over it.

At Qrafteq, we help businesses confirm the authenticity of their registration details, from CAC data to FIRS and tax status.

You can reach out to us through qrafteq.com, and we’ll help you verify it properly, free of guesswork, and with expert clarity.

Final Thought: The next time you receive a CAC certificate, don’t just file it away. Look closely. That TIN number is your business’s fingerprint in Nigeria’s tax system, make sure it’s real, active, and verifiable.