How to close a limited company: step by step
Closing a limited company properly is mostly about choosing the right route for your situation and then following the steps in order. The single most important factor is whether the company can pay its debts. A solvent, debt-free company can be closed cheaply by strike off, or tax-efficiently through a Members Voluntary Liquidation if it has retained profit. An insolvent company should be closed through a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation handled by a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, which deals with creditors and employees properly and protects directors who act responsibly. The wrong route is not just inefficient: striking off a company that owes money usually fails and can expose directors to investigation. This guide walks through the decision and the steps for each route, so you close the company cleanly rather than leaving loose ends that come back to you. If you are unsure whether the company is solvent, start with the insolvency tests. Companies House; gov.uk
Step 1: Is the company solvent?
Apply the insolvency tests. This single answer drives everything. If the company cannot pay its debts, do not attempt a simple strike off.
Step 2: Choose the route
Solvent and debt-free: strike off. Solvent with retained profit: MVL. Insolvent: CVL. Our route chooser confirms which fits.
Step 3: Deal with assets, staff and tax
Settle or account for creditors, handle employees (who can claim from the Redundancy Payments Service), file final accounts and tax, and clear or plan for any overdrawn director loan account.
Step 4: Complete the chosen process
For strike off, file form DS01 and notify creditors. For a CVL or MVL, a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner runs the process. The company is dissolved at the end.
Common questions
Can I just stop trading and let the company close itself?
No. You still have filing duties, and an insolvent company left to drift can be wound up by a creditor and your conduct investigated. Close it properly through the right route.
How long does it take to close a company?
A strike off typically takes around two to three months once filed. A CVL usually starts within weeks but can take months to a couple of years to fully complete, depending on assets and claims.
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