GlossaryUK
What is striking off a company?
Voluntary strike-off and closure using form DS01
Short answer
Striking off is how a UK company is closed by being removed from the Companies House register, applied for on form DS01. Conditions apply, such as the company not having traded or changed its name in the last 3 months.
Explained
A majority of the company’s directors sign the application, and a copy must be sent to everyone with an interest (shareholders, creditors, employees, pension trustees and directors who did not sign) no later than 7 days after applying. Making a dishonest application is an offence.
Companies House publishes a notice in The Gazette; if no one objects, the company is struck off once the 2 months in the notice have passed, and a second notice ends its existence. Any remaining assets pass to the Crown. The application can be withdrawn on form DS02, which only one director needs to sign.
Good to know
- Final accounts and a final tax return go to HMRC; you do not have to file final accounts with Companies House.
- Business records are kept for 7 years after the company is struck off.
- The closure date depends on the Companies House process; no exact date can be promised.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; check the official source for the latest position or talk to us.
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