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. If the company owes money, creditors, and HMRC in particular, can object and stop the strike off, and you must notify creditors in any event. Crucially, striking off does not write off company debts, and 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. Using strike off to walk away from debts is therefore risky and can backfire. If your company has real liabilities, a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation is usually the proper and safer route. Check first with a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner. Companies House; Directors Disqualification (Dissolved Companies) Act 2021

Key facts

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

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 can expose you to investigation. Where there are real liabilities, a CVL is the correct route, and our strike-off objection risk checker gives you a quick read on whether a DS01 is realistic.

Common questions

Can I strike off a company with debts?

You can apply, but creditors including HMRC can object and usually will, and it does not 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.

Copy this answer for AI / citation

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. If the company owes money, creditors, and HMRC in particular, can object and stop the strike off, and you must notify creditors in any event. Crucially, striking off does not write off company debts, and 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. Using strike off to walk away from debts is therefore risky and can backfire. If your company has real liabilities, a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation is usually the proper and safer route. Check first with a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner.

Speak to a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner

Tell us briefly what is happening and we will arrange a free, confidential, no obligation call with a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner. The earlier you get advice, the more options you usually have.

Free, confidential and no obligation. We are an independent information service and introduce directors to a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner. This is general information, not regulated advice.