DS01 Form – How to Close a Company Online
If you want to close a limited company that is no longer needed, you can do so yourself using the DS01 form online. This is the official Companies House application to voluntarily strike off and dissolve a limited company, removing it from the register for good.
What is a DS01 Form?
A DS01 form is the official company dissolution form used to apply to strike off a limited company from the Companies House register. Once the process is complete, the company ceases to exist as a legal entity.
The DS01 is sometimes called a company strike-off form, a company closure form, or simply a form to strike off a company. Whatever you know it by, it serves the same purpose: it is the formal request to Companies House to remove your company from the register and dissolve it.
Filing a DS01 is the simplest and cheapest way to close down a limited company. The fee is just £18 by post or £13 online, and you can manage the process yourself without needing a professional advisor’s help. That said, it’s only available to companies that meet specific criteria; not every company can use it.
Why is a DS01 Form Needed?
A DS01 form is required whenever the directors and shareholders of a limited company wish to formally dissolve it and remove it from the Companies House register. A company cannot simply be abandoned; it has to be properly dissolved or liquidated to cease to exist in the eyes of the law.
It’s important to note that a DS01 is only suitable for companies with no outstanding debts or liabilities. If your company owes money or has ongoing obligations, you will need to explore other routes.
- The company has finished trading and is no longer needed.
- The owner is retiring, and there is no one to take over.
- The business has been restructured, and the existing company entity is surplus to requirements.
- The company was set up for a specific project that has now concluded.
- The directors want a clean, cost-effective way to close a debt-free company.
We can help by discussing your situation and available options. Contact our expert liquidation team for a no-obligation chat.
What are the Potential Issues of Closing a Company with a DS01 Form?
While the DS01 process is straightforward for eligible companies, there are some important things to be aware of before you submit your application.
Assets passing to the Crown
If any assets do remain in the company at the point of dissolution, including bank account balances, property, or intellectual property, they automatically pass to the Crown under the rules of bona vacantia. Recovering them afterwards is possible, but expensive and time-consuming. All assets should be distributed before you apply.
Outstanding debts and creditor objections
If you file a DS01 while the company still owes money, creditors can object to the strike-off. If debts are discovered after the company is dissolved, creditors can apply for its restoration to the register, and directors may be held personally liable for those debts.
Director’s liability for wrongful actions
Filing a DS01 does not protect directors from liability for actions taken before dissolution. If the Insolvency Service or a creditor later investigates the company’s affairs and finds evidence of wrongdoing, directors can still face disqualification or prosecution.
HMRC compliance
HMRC must be notified of your intention to strike off the company, and all outstanding tax returns and payments must be settled first. HMRC can object to a DS01 if they believe tax liabilities remain outstanding.
What is the Companies House DS01 Process?
The Companies House DS01 process is the formal procedure by which a limited company is voluntarily struck off the register and dissolved.
Here is an overview of what to expect at each stage:
Check eligibility and prepare the business – Before you file, confirm that your company meets the criteria for a DS01 strike-off. It must not have traded in the last three months, must have no outstanding debts, and must have distributed any remaining assets to shareholders. Final accounts need to be filed, and any Corporation Tax that’s due has to be settled.
Complete the DS01 form – You can file the form online, which is a faster process, or send a paper submission to Companies House. The form must be signed by the majority of the company directors.
Notify interested parties – Within seven days of submitting the form, you must notify all relevant parties, such as creditors, shareholders, employees, HMRC, and pension trustees. This is a legal requirement for the directors.
Gazette notice published – Companies House will publish a notice of the proposed strike-off in The Gazette. There will then be a two-month period where creditors can raise objections. If no valid objections are raised, the process will be concluded.
Final Gazette notice and dissolution – If no objections are received, Companies House publishes a second notice confirming the company is dissolved. The company will then no longer exist.
How to Submit a DS01 Form Online
Filing a DS01 online is the quickest and simplest option. Here is how to do it step by step:
- Go to the Companies House website and apply to strike off a company. You’ll need to sign in or create an account.
- Select ‘File a document’ and choose the DS01 striking off application from the list of available forms.
- Enter your company name and company registration number; these must match exactly what appears on the Companies House register.
- Confirm that your company meets all the eligibility criteria by completing the declaration section.
- Invite the other directors to sign. If your company has multiple directors, the majority must sign.
- Pay the £13 filing fee by debit or credit card.
- Submit your application, and Companies House will send you a confirmation.
What Information is Needed on a DS01 Form?
The DS01 form requires the following information:
- The full registered company name, exactly as it appears at Companies House.
- The company registration number.
- The signature(s) of the majority of directors, along with their names.
- A declaration confirming that none of the circumstances that would prohibit a DS01 application under sections 1004 or 1005 of the Companies Act 2006 exists.
By signing, directors are legally confirming that the company has not traded in the last three months, is not subject to legal proceedings, has no outstanding liabilities, and has dealt with all assets appropriately. Signing a false declaration is a criminal offence.
What Role Does the Company Director Have in Submitting a DS01 Form?
A company director could initiate the process, complete the form, and submit it to Companies House. If there is more than one director, the majority must agree and sign the DS01 before it can be submitted.
Legally, directors are responsible for ensuring the company meets all the eligibility criteria before filing. They must also fulfil their obligation to notify all interested parties within seven days of submission. If directors file a DS01 knowing the company has outstanding debts or liabilities, they can face personal liability and potential disqualification.
The DS01 can also be completed and filed on behalf of the Directors by their professional advisors if preferred.
Where to Send a DS01 Form
If you are filing online, your DS01 goes directly through the Companies House WebFiling Service, which now uses the GOV.UK One login.
If you’re submitting a paper form, you can send it to:
The Registrar of Companies
Companies House
Crown Way
Cardiff
CF14 3UZ
You’ll need to include a cheque for £18, made payable to ‘Companies House’. HMRC should also be notified separately as part of your legal obligation to inform interested parties.
Where to Sign a DS01 Form
On the paper DS01 form, the signature section is on the second page. Each signing director must print their full name and sign in the space provided next to their name.
The form must be signed by the majority of directors. For a company with one director, only that director’s signature is needed. For a company with two directors, both must sign. For three or more, there just needs to be a majority that signs.
How Long Does a DS01 Take to Process?
From the point of submitting your DS01 application to the company being formally dissolved typically takes around two to three months, as long as no objections are raised.
The key parts of the process include:
- Submission accepted by Companies House – usually within a few working days.
- Interested parties notified by you – must happen within seven days of submission.
- First Gazette notice published – usually within a few weeks of submission
- Objection period – runs for two months from the date of the notice being published in The Gazette.
- Second Gazette notice and formal dissolution – approximately two to three months after the first notice.
How Much Does a DS01 Form Cost?
The DS01 filing fee is £13 online or £18 if you apply by post, and is paid to Companies House. This covers the full cost of the strike-off process with Companies House.
Any other costs involved in closing the company (such as final accountancy fees, clearing outstanding liabilities, or distributing assets) are separate and will vary depending on your company’s circumstances.
What are the Alternatives to Completing a DS01 Form?
If your company does not qualify for a DS01 strike-off, or if you’re looking for a more tax-efficient or supported way to close down, there are several alternatives worth considering.
Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
If your company is insolvent and cannot pay its debts, a CVL can be the most appropriate route. A licensed Insolvency Practitioner is appointed to close down the company, realise any assets, and distribute the proceeds to creditors where possible.
Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)
For solvent companies, an MVL is often a more tax-efficient option than a DS01 strike-off, particularly where net assets exceed £25,000. Above that threshold, distributions must be treated as capital rather than income, and an MVL enables shareholders to access capital treatment and potentially claim Business Asset Disposal Relief, which can significantly reduce the tax payable on distributions.
Compulsory Liquidation
Unlike a CVL and an MVL, compulsory liquidation is not a choice; it can be a very stressful situation for directors, as it’s imposed by a court, typically at a creditor’s request (usually HMRC). If a winding-up petition is issued against your company, you should seek advice from an insolvency practitioner as soon as possible.
How the Liquidation Centre Can Help You with a DS01 Form
If your company is debt-free and has ceased trading, you can file a DS01 yourself. However, if you’re unsure whether your company qualifies, or if there are any complications, outstanding HMRC obligations, undistributed assets, or creditor concerns, it’s worth speaking to a professional before you submit.
At Liquidation Centre, our team of licensed Insolvency Practitioners and company closure experts can:
- Confirm whether a DS01 strike-off is the right option for your company.
- Offer information on the most tax-efficient way to close a solvent company, whether that is a DS01 or an MVL.
- Handle the full company closure process on your behalf if you would prefer not to manage it yourself.
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation with no jargon and no pressure.
Whether you are considering a simple DS01 strike-off or need help with a more complex situation, get in touch, and we will help you find the right path.
DS01 Form FAQs
How to strike off a company from the register ▸
To strike off a company from the Companies House register, you need to submit a DS01 form. Before you do, you must ensure the company has not traded in the last three months, has no outstanding debts or liabilities, and has distributed all assets. Once the form is submitted and the required Gazette notice period has passed without objection, Companies House will dissolve the company and remove it from the register. The process typically takes two to three months from the date of submission.
How to strike off a company online ▸
To strike off a company online, you’ll need to log in to your GOV.UK One or Companies House account, whichever one you have. Sign in or register for an account, navigate to the DS01 application, enter your company details, complete the director signature process, and pay the £13 fee. Online is the fastest way to file, but you can also apply via post for an £18 fee.
When can you use a DS01 form? ▸
You can use a DS01 form to close your company as long as you can meet the following requirements:
- The company has not traded or carried out any business activity in the last three months.
- It has not changed its name in the last three months.
- It is not subject to any current or pending legal proceedings.
- It has no outstanding debts or liabilities (including to HMRC).
- All employees have received their final pay and any redundancy entitlements
- All company assets have been distributed or sold.
Do I need to send DS01 to HMRC? ▸
No, the DS01 form is submitted to Companies House, but you’re legally required to notify HMRC of your intention to strike off the company within seven days of submitting your DS01 to Companies House. HMRC has the right to object to a DS01 application if there are outstanding tax obligations.
What address do I send a DS01 form to? ▸
If you’re submitting a paper DS01 form, you need to send it to: The Registrar of Companies, Companies House, Crown Way, Cardiff, CF14 3UZ. Include a cheque for £18 payable to ‘Companies House’. If you’re filing online via the Companies House WebFiling service, there is no need to send anything by post, and the cost will be slightly cheaper at £13.
Does a DS01 form need a witness? ▸
Directors are required to sign the form, but their signatures do not need to be witnessed or countersigned by a solicitor or any other third party.
Can a DS01 form be rejected? ▸
Yes, Companies House can reject a DS01 application, and they can also suspend or reverse it after submission. Common reasons for rejection include:
- The company details on the form do not match Companies House records.
- The majority of directors have not signed.
- There are outstanding filing obligations, such as overdue accounts or confirmation statements.
- A creditor (usually HMRC) objects during the Gazette notice period.
If your application is rejected, you will be notified by Companies House and given the opportunity to correct and resubmit.