How do I dissolve a limited company in the UK?
To dissolve a limited company, the directors must pass a board resolution agreeing to the dissolution, complete form DS01 (the strike-off application), and file it with Companies House. All directors - or a majority if there are more than two - must sign the form. You must also notify shareholders, creditors, HMRC, and employees within 7 days of filing. Companies House will then process the application and publish a notice in the Gazette before officially striking the company off the register.
What is a DS01 form and how do I file it?
Form DS01 is the official application to strike off a limited company from the Companies House register. It must be signed by the sole director, both directors if there are two, or a majority of directors if there are more than two. Once signed, it is filed electronically with Companies House. Mint Formations prepares and files the DS01 on your behalf.
How long does it take to dissolve a company at Companies House?
Companies House typically takes 2–3 months to officially dissolve a company after receiving the DS01 application. You will receive confirmation from Companies House when the application is received and again when the company is formally struck off the register.
How much does it cost to dissolve a company in the UK?
Mint Formations charges a fixed fee of £89 + VAT, which includes the Companies House filing fee, DS01 preparation, board minutes, and all documents sent for signing. There is nothing to pay on top.
Can I dissolve my company if it still has debts?
No. Voluntary dissolution is only available to solvent companies with no outstanding debts, legal proceedings, or creditor arrangements. If your company has debts it cannot pay, you will need to consider a formal insolvency process such as creditors' voluntary liquidation (CVL) instead. Dissolution of a company with debts can expose directors to personal liability.
What are the eligibility requirements for voluntary company dissolution in the UK?
To apply for voluntary dissolution, your company must not have traded or sold any assets in the last 3 months, must not have changed its name in the last 3 months, must not be subject to any legal proceedings, must not be threatened with liquidation, and must not have entered into a credit arrangement such as a CVA. If any of these conditions apply, the DS01 will be rejected.
Do I need to inform HMRC when dissolving a company?
Yes. HMRC is not automatically notified when a company dissolution application is filed with Companies House. You must contact HMRC directly to close your Corporation Tax record, submit your final company tax return, and settle any outstanding tax liabilities. You should also deregister for VAT and PAYE if applicable before the company is dissolved.
What happens to money in a company bank account when it is dissolved?
Any funds remaining in a company bank account at the point of dissolution automatically pass to the Crown - a legal concept known as bona vacantia. The same applies to any other company assets not distributed before dissolution. It is important to close your company bank account and distribute any remaining funds to shareholders before applying for dissolution.
What is the difference between company dissolution and liquidation?
Company dissolution - also called voluntary strike-off - is a straightforward process for closing a solvent company with no debts or legal obligations outstanding. Liquidation is a formal insolvency process used when a company cannot pay its debts. Dissolution is simpler, faster, and significantly less expensive than liquidation, but it is only available to companies that meet the eligibility criteria.
Can a dissolved company be restored after it has been struck off?
Yes. A dissolved company can be restored to the Companies House register, either through administrative restoration (within 6 years, if Companies House initiated the dissolution) or by court order (within 20 years). Restoration may be required to recover company assets, resolve legal disputes, or resume trading. Mint Formations offers a company restoration service if you need to reinstate a dissolved company.
