Practical Support for Company Strike-Off and Withdrawal
Closing a company requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the steps involved. We help you review whether voluntary strike-off is appropriate, organise the relevant information and prepare your application to Companies House. If circumstances change, we also assist with withdrawing an existing strike-off application.
Throughout the process, we help you identify outstanding administrative matters, coordinate documentation and understand the notifications required. Working alongside your professional advisers where needed, our practical support helps you manage the process accurately and bring your company’s affairs to an orderly close.
Forms covered
Deadlines and fees
- Copies of a DS01 must go to all notifiable parties within 7 days of applying.
- Anyone who becomes a notifiable party later must receive copies within 7 days.
- If the company stops being eligible before the application is dealt with, it must be withdrawn using DS02.
- DS01 costs £13 online or £18 on paper.
Key points
- DS01 is made under section 1003 of the Companies Act 2006 and can’t be used for LLPs.
- DS01 is signed by the sole director, both directors if there are two, or the majority if more.
- DS02 can be signed by any director.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a Striking Off Application Be Withdrawn?
Yes, you can withdraw a striking off application by filing form DS02 with Companies House. This is required if the company stops being eligible for strike-off before the application is finally dealt with. For example, if the company becomes involved in a new activity, the application must be withdrawn so that the company is not struck off by mistake.
Which Form Do I Use to Apply to Strike Off My Company?
You need to use form DS01, which is the Striking Off Application by a Company. It is made under section 1003 of the Companies Act 2006 and is used to ask Companies House to remove a company from the register. The form must be completed accurately, so it is a good idea to check that all of the details are correct before you submit it.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for Strike-Off?
The fee for a DS01 application is £13 if you apply online, or £18 if you apply on paper. Applying online is cheaper and is usually the more convenient option for most companies. You should make sure the fee is paid at the time of your application, so that Companies House can process it without delay.
Who Must Sign the DS01 Application?
The signing requirements depend on how many directors the company has. If there is a sole director, that director signs the form, and if there are two directors, both must sign. Where a company has more than two directors, the form must be signed by a majority of them, so it is important to check this before you apply.
Who Needs to Receive a Copy of the DS01?
Copies of the DS01 must be sent to all notifiable parties within 7 days of applying to Companies House. Notifiable parties usually include people with an interest in the company, such as members, creditors, employees and directors. If someone becomes a notifiable party after you apply, they must also receive a copy within 7 days.
Can an LLP Use Form DS01 to Be Struck Off?
No, form DS01 cannot be used by a limited liability partnership, because it is designed for companies under the Companies Act 2006. An LLP that wants to be removed from the register needs to follow the process that applies to LLPs instead. Checking that you are using the right process is important, as an incorrect application may be rejected.
Who Can Sign the DS02 Withdrawal Form?
Unlike the DS01 application, form DS02 can be signed by any director of the company. This means you do not need the whole board or a majority of directors to agree before you withdraw the application. Because the form can be signed by one director, it can be completed quickly if the situation changes.
What Should I Check Before Applying to Strike Off My Company?
Before you apply, you should review whether voluntary strike-off is the right option and whether your company is eligible. It is also important to identify any outstanding administrative matters, such as unresolved filings or records, so that nothing is left incomplete. You should prepare the list of people who must be notified in advance, as the 7-day deadline for sending copies starts as soon as you apply.