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How to close your company

Guidance on how to voluntarily close your limited company down

Closing a company that is no longer needed is a formal process known as voluntary dissolution (also called “striking off”).

Is your company eligible?

Before applying for voluntary dissolution, your company must meet certain conditions. Generally, you can apply if your company:

  • Has not traded or sold off stock, or changed its name in the last 3 months
  • Is not subject to any legal proceedings, and has no agreements with creditors

 

Steps to voluntarily close your company

  1. Cease trading - make sure your company has stopped all business activity
  2. Prepare your company for closure - pay off outstanding debts, close your company bank accounts, and file final accounts and a Company Tax Return with HMRC
  3. Apply for strike off - submit a DS01 form to Companies House. This can be done online or by post
  4. Notify relevant parties - within 7 days of submitting your application, you must inform all relevant parties, including shareholders, creditors, and employees
  5. Wait for approval - Companies House will publish a notice in the Gazette. If no objections are raised within approximately 2 months, your company will be dissolved

Things to be aware of

  • Any assets left in the company at the time of dissolution may pass to the Crown
  • Dissolution does not protect you if you have outstanding debts or obligations
  • Creditors can object to the strike-off if they are owed money

Make it simple with 1st Formations

We offer a Company Dissolution Service designed to make closing your company simple. Our service includes:

  • Preparation and submission of your DS01 strike-off application
  • Guidance to ensure your company meets eligibility requirements
  • Ongoing support throughout the process

As an added benefit, you’ll also receive a free extension of your Registered Office Service and Service Address until the end of your company’s life, giving you peace of mind while the dissolution is being finalised.

Can I remove my information from the register after my company is dissolved?

No. The company will remain on the Companies House public register for 20 years from the date of dissolution.