This document provides instructions on how to close a limited company through voluntary strike off. It explains that a company can apply for strike off if it is no longer needed, such as if the directors want to retire and there is no successor, or if the company is dormant. The steps include informing creditors and employees, ensuring the company has not traded in 3 months, closing bank accounts, and notifying offices such as HMRC. To apply, the directors must complete form DS01 and submit it to Companies House along with a £10 fee.

1. HOW TO CLOSE A LIMITED COMPANY

2. WHY STRIKE OFFYOUR COMPANY?
 Some companies may apply to the registrar to be struck off the register and
dissolved.The company can do this if it is no longer needed. For example, the
directors may wish to retire and there is no one to take over from them; or it is a
subsidiary whose name is no longer needed; or it was set up to exploit an idea that
turned out not to be feasible.
 Also companies who are dormant or non trading choose to apply for strike off. If
you have decided that you no longer want to retain your company and wish to
have it struck off, the registrar will not normally pursue any outstanding late filing
penalties unless you restore the company to the register at a later stage.

3. STEPSTOTAKE BEFORE APPLYING FOR A
VOLUNTARY STRIKE OFF
 Inform all creditors, members and employees
 Ensure the company has not traded in the previous three months
 Ensure you close your business bank account as the account will be frozen and any
remaining balance will be passed to the Crown
 Transfer any domain names
 Notify appropriate offices such as HMRC

4. STRIKING A COMPANY OFF
 An application for voluntary striking off can only be made by the company, and
must be made on the company's behalf by its directors or a majority of them.The
Company can only apply for strike off if it has settled trading or business debts in
the previous 3 months.
 A company cannot apply to be struck off if it is the subject, or proposed subject,
of:
- Any insolvency proceedings such as liquidation
- A sections 895 scheme (that is a compromise or arrangement between a company
and its creditors or members)
 The dissolution method known as “voluntary strike off” can be followed and the
directors simply need to follow the Companies House prescribed process.The
company directors will need to complete and sign form DS01.

5. STRIKING A COMPANY OFF
 Once the form is completed it must be posted to Companies House at the address
provided along with a cheque for £10. Companies House will not refund the fee if
you withdraw the application after they have registered it.
 If you need help with closing your limited company or if you would like more
information, contact a member of our team will be happy to assist you.