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Although related, RC number and CAC number are not the same. Registration Certificate (RC) number is a prefix assigned to companies registered through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria. CAC is the government agency responsible for company registration, and RC number is a component of the overall CAC registration.
If you’ve ever registered a business in Nigeria or tried to verify one, you’ve probably come across the terms RC number and CAC number and maybe even used them interchangeably. But are they really the same thing? Time to find out.
Why the Confusion Between RC and CAC Numbers Exists
The confusion between RC numbers and CAC numbers is widespread. The term CAC number is incorrectly used to refer to any registration number issued by the CAC, regardless of the entity type.
However, RC number specifically refers to the Registration Certificate number given to limited liability companies.
Upon successful business registration in Nigeria, the CAC assigns a unique identification number to each entity, depending on the type of business:
- RC Number – For Registered Company (Limited Liability Companies)
- BN Number – For Business Names (Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships)
- IT Number – For Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, churches, foundations)
- LP Number – For Limited Partnerships or Limited Liability Partnerships
These numbers serve as official proof of registration and are essential for tax identification, opening a corporate bank account, and engaging in formal business transactions.
So, because all these numbers are issued by the CAC, people often group them together under the incorrect label “CAC number,” which creates misunderstandings in official or financial dealings.
What the RC Number Represents
The RC Number, short for Registration Certificate Number, is a unique identifier assigned to limited liability companies in Nigeria upon successful incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This number serves as the official proof that a company has been legally registered and recognized by the Nigerian government.
The RC Number confirms that a business:
- Has been incorporated as a limited liability company
- Is recognized as a separate legal entity from its owners
- Is eligible to operate, own assets, sue or be sued under Nigerian law
- Has met the regulatory requirements of the Corporate Affairs Commission
The RC Number is required for:
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Filing taxes with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- Participating in contracts with government or corporate entities
- Engaging in formal business operations
Format and Structure of RC Numbers
RC Numbers follow a numeric format and are typically presented as:
- RC [6-digit number] (e.g., RC 123456)
- The number is assigned sequentially as new companies are registered
- It is usually displayed on the Certificate of Incorporation, official letterheads, and company documents
The RC number only applies to limited liability companies.
Debunking the Term "CAC Number"
The term “CAC number” is not an official designation recognized by the Corporate Affairs Commission. It is a general term people often use when referring to any type of business registration number issued by the CAC.
In practice, there is no such thing as a “CAC number.” Instead, the CAC issues different types of numbers based on the structure of the registered entity.
How “CAC Number” Is Commonly Misunderstood
Many people use the phrase “CAC number” to refer to:
- The number on their Certificate of Incorporation
- Any official registration number issued by the CAC
- A business identification number in general, regardless of business type
This misunderstanding is common because all these numbers originate from the CAC, but they are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.
What People Actually Mean When They Say “CAC Number”
When someone says “CAC number,” they are usually referring to one of the following:
- RC Number – For Limited Liability Companies
- BN Number – For Business Names (sole proprietors or partnerships)
- IT Number – For Incorporated Trustees (NGOs, religious organizations, foundations)
- LP Number – For Limited Partnerships or Limited Liability Partnerships
For Example:
- RC 123456 – XYZ Nigeria Ltd. (Limited liability company)
- BN 456789 – Ada's Fashion Hub (Business name/sole proprietorship)
Other Numbers Issued by CAC: Comparison Table
From Registration to Financial Control: What Comes Next?
Once your business is properly registered, whether with an RC, BN, IT, or LP number, the next critical step is managing your finances with structure and transparency. A registered business is only as strong as its financial foundation, and that starts with how you handle expenses, budgets, and accountability.
Whether you're running a limited liability company or a small sole proprietorship, having the right financial tools helps you stay compliant, track spending, and make smarter decisions. This is where Flex Finance, a robust expense management solution, becomes essential.
Scale Your Business with Flex Finance
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Operating your business with an expense account gives you full visibility and control over your business spending. It also helps maintain your budget.
Flex Finance offers the best expense management solution for your business in Nigeria. It is designed to simplify all aspects of your business spending. Once you sign up on Flex:
- Create your main business account (if not already done).
- Add dedicated expense accounts for each location, department, or budget category.
- Set budgets and permissions to limit overspending and maintain accountability.
- Review transactions in real time with Flex’s intuitive dashboard, exporting reports is hassle-free.
- Sync with your accounting software for end-to-end financial management and reconciliation.
Conclusion
The RC number is not what many call a “CAC number”. While the RC number specifically applies to limited liability companies, the term “CAC number” is inaccurate. It is a common but incorrect catch-all phrase for various registration numbers issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission.
For credibility and clarity in your business operations, always refer to your correct registration number, whether it’s an RC, BN, IT, or LP number. Also, ensure it matches your business structure.
Now that you know how RC numbers are different from other registration numbers, you need to manage your expenses excellently as you scale. Flex Finance helps you track spending, control budgets, and streamline expense approvals, all in one place.
Sign up now to start organizing your finances today!
FAQs
- Is an RC number the same as a CAC number?
No. An RC number is a specific type of registration number issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to limited liability companies. The term "CAC number" is an unofficial term people often use to refer to any registration number from the CAC, which includes RC, BN, IT, or LP numbers. - Who gets an RC number in Nigeria?
Only limited liability companies registered with the CAC receive an RC number. Sole proprietors, NGOs, and partnerships receive other types of numbers like BN (Business Name), IT (Incorporated Trustees), or LP (Limited Partnerships). - How can I check my RC or CAC number?
You can check your RC or other CAC-issued number using the CAC public search portal. Simply enter the business name or number to verify the company’s registration details. - Where is RC number located on the CAC certificate?
The RC number is typically located at the top right or center of the CAC Certificate of Incorporation, just below or beside the company name. It is usually labeled as “RC” followed by a six-digit number (e.g., RC 123456). This number serves as your company’s official registration identifier and should appear on all legal and financial documents. - What does BN mean on my CAC certificate?
BN stands for Business Name, and it's the identifier assigned to sole proprietorships or partnerships. It’s different from an RC number and shouldn't be used interchangeably.
Can I use my RC number to open a business bank account?
Yes. Your RC number is required when opening a corporate bank account for a limited liability company. It acts as proof that your business is legally registered with the CAC.
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