Company Secretarial Services

Company Dissolution & Striking Off

We help small businesses in Cardiff and South Wales close their limited companies cleanly and compliantly. Whether you're winding down a dormant company or moving on to a new venture, we'll handle the paperwork, liaise with Companies House and HMRC, and make sure everything's done properly.

10
Years experience
3-5 months
Typical process time
£8-13
Companies House fee
Two professionals at a desk sign company dissolution paperwork while one holds a rubber stamp above documents; boxes and an empty shelf in the background suggest office closure.

Everything we handle for you

From checking eligibility and filing the DS01 form to closing down HMRC schemes and distributing assets, we manage every step of the dissolution process so you can move forward with confidence.

Eligibility Assessment

We check your company meets all the criteria for voluntary strike-off before you apply.

HMRC Closure & Final Returns

We close your PAYE and VAT schemes, file final accounts and tax returns, and settle outstanding liabilities.

DS01 Filing & Gazette Notice

We prepare and submit your strike-off application to Companies House and monitor the Gazette notices.

Asset Distribution & Aftercare

We help you distribute company assets properly and advise on bona vacantia rules if needed.

Closing a company the right way

Voluntary strike-off is the simplest, most cost-effective way to close a dormant limited company in the UK. It's designed for businesses that have stopped trading and have no outstanding debts or legal obligations. The process involves filing form DS01 with Companies House, publishing notices in the Gazette, and waiting for any objections before your company is formally dissolved and removed from the register.

We walk you through every step. First, we confirm your company is eligible: it must not have traded, changed name, or disposed of assets in the last three months, and it cannot be insolvent or subject to any creditor agreements. Then we help you tie up loose ends with HMRC, close payroll and VAT schemes if applicable, file final accounts and tax returns, and distribute any remaining assets to shareholders. Only then do we file the DS01 form on your behalf.

We make sure nothing's overlooked, so you don't face objections or delays down the line.

More information

Once Companies House processes your application, a first notice is published in the London, Edinburgh or Belfast Gazette inviting objections for around two to three months. If no creditors, directors or other interested parties object, a second notice is published and your company is struck off the register. The whole process typically takes three to five months if everything runs smoothly.

What happens to undistributed assets?

Any assets left in the company at dissolution become bona vacantia, meaning they pass to the Crown. That's why we help you distribute shares, cash and property to shareholders beforehand. If you later discover an asset was overlooked, the company can be restored by court application within a set window, but it's far simpler to get it right first time.

When strike-off isn't the right choice

If your company has significant assets or you want stronger protection from future claims, a Members' Voluntary Liquidation (MVL) may be a better option. MVL offers tax advantages and formal creditor protection, but it costs more and takes longer. We'll talk you through both routes during your free consultation so you can choose what suits your situation.

We work with sole traders, small businesses and growing firms across Cardiff, Barry, Penarth, Pontypridd and the wider South Wales area. Whether you're based in the city centre or further out in the Valleys, we're here to make sure your company closure is handled properly and without stress. If you're ready to move on, let's get the paperwork sorted.

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Use a Cardiff registered office address for your company. Official Companies House and HMRC post is received, logged and forwarded so your home address stays private.

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Before you apply

Here are the questions we hear most often about voluntary strike-off and company dissolution.

How long does it take to dissolve a company?
The full process typically takes three to five months from filing the DS01 form, assuming no objections are raised during the Gazette notice period.
Can I dissolve a company that's traded recently?
No. Your company must not have traded, changed its name, or disposed of assets in the three months before applying. If you've had any activity, you'll need to wait or consider formal liquidation instead.
What if someone objects to the strike-off?
Creditors, directors or shareholders can object during the Gazette notice period. If a valid objection is raised, the application will be suspended and you may need to withdraw it or resolve the issue first.
Do I need to file final accounts and a tax return?
Yes. You must close all HMRC schemes (PAYE, VAT, Corporation Tax), file final accounts and a company tax return, and settle any outstanding liabilities before applying for strike-off.
What happens to money or assets left in the company?
Any undistributed assets become bona vacantia and pass to the Crown. We help you distribute cash, shares and property to shareholders before dissolution so nothing is left behind.
How much does it cost?
The Companies House fee is currently between £8 and £13 depending on whether you file online or by post. Our professional fees depend on the complexity of your situation, and we'll give you a fixed quote upfront.
Can I restore a dissolved company later?
Yes, but only by court application and within a set time limit (usually six years). It's far simpler and cheaper to get everything right before you dissolve.
Is strike-off better than liquidation?
Strike-off is quicker and cheaper for dormant companies with no debts or significant assets. If your company has valuable assets or you want formal creditor protection, a Members' Voluntary Liquidation may be a better fit.

Let's talk about closing your company

Book a free consultation and we'll confirm your eligibility, explain the process, and give you a clear fixed-fee quote.

Book a free consultation