Company dissolution

Voluntary strike-off is a relatively simple route for closing a solvent company that is no longer needed. The directors submit form DS01. Companies House then publishes notice of the proposed strike-off in The Gazette, giving creditors and other interested parties an opportunity to object. If there is no valid objection, a later notice confirms dissolution.

Submitting the application does not instantly close the company. The process commonly takes several months, and objections can delay it. Directors must send a copy of the application to relevant people such as shareholders, creditors and employees within the required period.

A company generally cannot use this route if, during the preceding three months, it traded or carried on business, changed its name, or disposed of property held for disposal in the normal course of trading. Limited actions needed to conclude the company's affairs may still be permitted.

The company should be able to settle its liabilities. HMRC, banks, suppliers, employees or other creditors can object if money or filings remain outstanding. Strike-off is not a substitute for formal insolvency where the company cannot pay its debts. We check the standard conditions, but directors remain responsible for full disclosure and for ensuring the route is appropriate.

Any property left in the company when it is dissolved can pass to the Crown as bona vacantia. That may include money in a bank account, equipment, intellectual property, domain names and amounts owed to the company. Recovering property after dissolution may require restoration and can cost far more than dealing with it first.

Close or transfer bank balances, collect debts, settle creditors and decide how remaining value will be distributed before the company disappears. Distributions can have tax consequences, particularly where the amount is substantial. Tax advice or a formal liquidation may be more suitable in some cases and is outside this package.

The company should bring its accounts, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE and other obligations up to date as relevant. Tell HMRC that trading has ceased, submit final returns and pay liabilities. Closing a bank account or stopping invoices does not automatically close tax registrations.

Directors should retain company records for the required periods after dissolution. If an objection is raised, it normally needs to be resolved before the process can continue. Our fixed fee covers the initial eligibility review and application, not clearing historic tax issues or responding to disputed objections.