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Unpaid tax liabilities Incomplete documentation Discrepancies in submitted records Pending tax audits Using outdated application forms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