Company strike off (dissolution)
A company strike off, also called dissolution, removes a company from the Companies House register using form DS01, and costs just a small filing fee. It is the cheap, simple way to close a company, but only when the company is solvent or dormant with no significant debts. Crucially, striking off does not write off company debts. Companies House; Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act 2021
- How
- Form DS01 at Companies House, small filing fee
- Only suitable if
- The company is solvent or dormant with no real debts
- Creditors can
- Object and block the strike off (HMRC commonly does)
- Does it clear debts?
- No. Strike off does not write off company debts
- Since 2021
- Directors of dissolved companies can be investigated and disqualified
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Why a cheap strike off can be a false economy
If the company has debts, an attempted strike off is likely to be objected to by HMRC or another creditor, and you must notify creditors in any event. Since the Rating (Coronavirus) and Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act 2021 the Insolvency Service can investigate the conduct of directors of dissolved companies and seek disqualification, so using strike off to walk away from debts is risky and can backfire. Where there are real liabilities, a CVL is usually the proper and safer route. Our strike-off objection risk checker gives you a quick read on whether a DS01 is realistic, and the strike-off timeline sets out every objection and restoration deadline with the law behind it. Check with a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner before you file.
Directors now also have to verify their identity with Companies House, and a company cannot file its confirmation statement until every director has. See identity verification when your company is struggling or closing.
Related data
Our strike off objections guide: How an objection can block a strike off, and what to do about it. Every page on our data hub names its official source.
Where to go from here
- If you decide to speak to a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, choose your own: our practitioner directory lists every practitioner on the official Insolvency Service register, and how to choose an insolvency practitioner explains what to ask. Always confirm their entry on the official register before you instruct anyone.
Common questions
Can I strike off a company with debts?
You can apply, but creditors including HMRC can object and usually will, and it doesn't clear the debts. If the company is insolvent, a CVL is the proper route. Take advice before filing a DS01.
Can I be investigated after striking off?
Yes. Since 2021 the Insolvency Service can investigate directors of dissolved companies, including over misuse of Bounce Back Loans, and seek disqualification.
Can you reopen a company after it has been struck off?
Sometimes. A dissolved company can be restored to the register, either by an administrative restoration application to Companies House or by a court order, usually within six years of dissolution. Restoration is often sought by a creditor chasing a debt or to recover an asset that passed to the Crown as bona vacantia.
Is it bad if a company is struck off?
For a solvent, dormant company with no debts, a clean strike off is a normal, low-cost way to close. It becomes a problem when the company owes money, because creditors can object, the debts aren't cleared, and directors can be investigated. In that situation a CVL is the safer route.