Company Dissolution Checker & Instant Quote

If your company has stopped trading and has little or no debt, company dissolution (also known as striking off) can be a simple and cost-effective way to close a limited company.

However, dissolution is only suitable in certain circumstances. If your company has outstanding debts, owes HMRC, or creditors are likely to object, a formal insolvency procedure such as a Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) may be more appropriate.

At Parker Walsh, we can help you understand whether dissolution is the right option and guide you towards the most suitable way of closing your company.

Free Dissolution Eligibility Checker & Instant Quote

Complete our free online checker to receive an quote and instant indication of whether striking off may be appropriate for your circumstances.

Reviewed by Molly Monks F.I.P.A.

Every assessment submitted through our calculators is personally reviewed by Molly Monks, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and Director of Parker Walsh. With more than 20 years' experience advising company directors across the UK, Molly takes the time to understand your individual circumstances before providing clear, practical guidance on the options available to you.

Molly is a Fellow of the Insolvency Practitioners Association (F.I.P.A.) - one of the highest professional distinctions within the insolvency industry and is also a member of the Regulatory, External Affairs and Member Services Committee at the Insolvency Practitioners Association, helping to shape professional standards and best practice across the UK

As a recognised insolvency expert, Molly is regularly featured in the national press, providing commentary and analysis for publications including the Daily Mail, The Sun, Liverpool Echo, Manchester Evening News, MSN, Daily Express and many other national and regional media outlets. Journalists frequently turn to her for expert insight into company insolvency, business recovery, retail failures and the wider UK economy

If you'd prefer to discuss your situation directly, you can use the booking form to arrange a free, confidential consultation with Molly at a time that suits you. There's no obligation, just straightforward advice from a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner who will explain your options clearly and honestly.

What Is Company Dissolution?

Company dissolution is the legal process of removing a limited company from the Companies House register.

Once dissolved:

The company ceases to exist.
Directors' legal responsibilities end.
The business can no longer trade.
Any remaining company assets pass to the Crown unless dealt with beforehand.

Unlike liquidation, dissolution does not involve appointing an Insolvency Practitioner. Instead, directors apply directly to Companies House to have the company struck off.

Who Can Apply for Dissolution?

Dissolution is generally suitable where a company:

Has stopped trading.
Has no outstanding liabilities or only very minor obligations that will be settled before closure.
Has not traded or changed its name within the previous three months.
Is not subject to legal action or insolvency proceedings.
Has distributed or dealt with all company assets before applying.

If these conditions are not met, dissolution may not be appropriate.

When Is Dissolution Not Suitable?

Company dissolution should not normally be used where:

The company owes HMRC.
Creditors remain unpaid.
There are Bounce Back Loans or other outstanding borrowing.
The company owns valuable assets.
Legal claims are ongoing or expected.
The business is insolvent.

In these situations, creditors can object to the dissolution, and Companies House may suspend or reject the application.

Where a company cannot pay its debts, a Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) is often the correct legal solution.

What Happens to Company Debts?

Dissolution does not write off company debts.

If creditors discover the company is attempting to dissolve while debts remain outstanding, they can object to Companies House and prevent the company from being struck off.

In some cases, a dissolved company can even be restored to the register so creditors can pursue recovery action.

For this reason, directors should always seek advice before applying if any liabilities remain.

What Happens to Company Assets?

Before a company is dissolved, all assets should be dealt with appropriately.

This may include:

Closing company bank accounts.
Distributing retained profits.
Selling equipment or vehicles.
Transferring remaining assets where appropriate.

If assets remain after dissolution, they generally become bona vacantia, meaning ownership passes to the Crown.

How Long Does Company Dissolution Take?

The process usually takes around three to six months, although timings can vary depending on whether any objections are received.

Once the application is submitted:

Companies House publishes a notice in The Gazette.
Interested parties have an opportunity to object.
If no valid objections are received, the company is dissolved.
The company is removed from the Companies House register.

Is Dissolution the Cheapest Way to Close a Company?

For solvent companies with no outstanding liabilities, dissolution is often the simplest and least expensive closure method.

However, choosing dissolution simply because it appears cheaper can be costly if the company is actually insolvent or creditors later object.

Taking advice first can help avoid delays, complications and potential director issues.