Guide · updated 2026-10-18
Closing a company: strike off, dissolution and liquidation
Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
The difference between voluntary strike off (DS01), compulsory strike off and liquidation, and when each applies.
Three routes off the register
Voluntary strike off (form DS01, £33): for a solvent company that has stopped trading. Compulsory strike off: The registrar removes a company that has stopped filing. Liquidation: a licensed insolvency practitioner winds the company up, used when it has debts (creditors' voluntary liquidation) or substantial assets to distribute tax-efficiently (members' voluntary liquidation).
Voluntary strike off: the conditions
In the previous three months the company must not have traded, changed its name, or disposed of assets for value. All creditors, employees and shareholders must be told within 7 days of applying. The registrar publishes a notice in the Gazette; if nobody objects within 2 months, the company is dissolved.
What dissolution means
The company ceases to exist. Any assets it still owns — including money in the bank — pass to the Crown as bona vacantia. Empty the bank account and transfer assets before applying. Directors can be pursued personally for debts if they used strike off to avoid them.
Restoration
A dissolved company can be restored by court order (or administratively within 6 years if it was struck off compulsorily while still trading). It is slow and costly; do not treat strike off as reversible.
Common questions
What is form DS01?
The application a solvent company makes to be struck off the register voluntarily. Fee £33 online.
Can a company with debts be struck off?
Not properly — creditors can object, and directors can be pursued. Insolvent companies should use liquidation.
How long does strike off take?
Around 2–3 months after the Gazette notice if nobody objects.
General information for UK companies, correct at the date above. Not legal or tax advice; check gov.uk or an accountant for your situation.