At Faturoti Taiwo and Co., we help businesses and individuals across Nigeria navigate tax compliance effortlessly. One question we frequently hear is: “Do I really need a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)?” The short answer is yes – and here’s everything you need to know about obtaining one.
What is a Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)?
A TCC is an official document issued by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) or State Tax Authorities that confirms you’ve met all tax obligations for a given period. It’s essentially your proof of being tax-compliant in Nigeria.
Who Needs a TCC in Nigeria?
✅ Businesses bidding for government contracts
✅ Individuals applying for visas or loans
✅ Companies registering with CAC or renewing licenses
✅ Professionals seeking employment in certain sectors
✅ Entrepreneurs importing goods or applying for permits
*”Last year, 72% of our clients needed TCCs for contract bids – many didn’t realize processing takes 2-4 weeks.”*
— Faturoti Taiwo, Lead Consultant
Types of Tax Clearance Certificates
- Individual TCC (For employees, self-employed persons)
- Corporate TCC (For registered businesses)
- Up-to-date TCC (Covers current tax year)
- Three-Year TCC (Shows compliance history)
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Your TCC
For Individuals:
- Ensure all taxes are paid (PAYE, Capital Gains, etc.)
- Gather documents:
- Valid ID (National ID, Passport, Driver’s License)
- Utility bill (not older than 3 months)
- Evidence of tax payments (e.g., PAYE receipts)
- Complete Form 001 (Available at tax offices)
- Submit application to your state tax office or FIRS
- Verification process (Typically 10-15 working days)
For Companies:
- Confirm all tax filings (CIT, VAT, WHT) are current
- Prepare documents:
- CAC registration documents
- Audited financial statements
- Tax identification number (TIN)
- Evidence of tax payments
- Complete Form 002
- Submit at FIRS office covering your business location
- Await approval (Corporate TCCs take longer – up to 4 weeks)
Common Reasons for TCC Application Rejection
❌ Unpaid tax liabilities
❌ Incomplete documentation
❌ Discrepancies in submitted records
❌ Pending tax audits
❌ Using outdated application forms
Pro Tip: We recommend our TCC pre-application review service to identify potential issues before submission.
How Long is a TCC Valid?
- Standard TCC: 1 year from issue date
- Three-Year TCC: Valid for specific purposes like major contracts
Cost of Obtaining a TCC
- Official fee: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- Professional fees: ₦15,000 – ₦50,000 (for assistance)
Note: FIRS waives fees for pensioners and minimum wage earners.
Why Choose Faturoti Taiwo and Co. for Your TCC?
✔ Fast-track processing (We average 7-10 days)
✔ Document verification before submission
✔ FIRS/LIRS liaison services
✔ Tax compliance cleanup if you have back taxes
✔ Corporate package deals for ongoing needs
TCC FAQs
Q: Can I get a TCC if I just started my business?
A: Yes, but only for the period you’ve been operational. New businesses get “Provisional TCCs.”
Q: How can I verify a TCC’s authenticity?
A: Use FIRS’ TCC verification portal or WhatsApp verification (yes, really!).
Q: What’s the penalty for using an expired TCC?
A: Up to ₦50,000 fine and contract disqualification.
Need Your Tax Clearance Certificate Fast?
Our TCC Express Service guarantees:
- Error-free application
- Priority processing
- Direct FIRS/LIRS follow-up
- Electronic copy before physical issuance
📞 Call (+234) 701-272-5021
📧 thomas@faturotitaiwoandco.com
🌐 Start TCC Application Online
“Faturoti Taiwo’s team secured our ₦280m contract by fixing tax issues and getting our TCC in 5 days!”
— Construction Company CEO, Lagos