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How to Strike Off a Company in the UK (DS01 Guide)

Anderson Brookes Insolvency Practitioners help directors close limited companies quickly, legally and with expert guidance every step of the way.

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What is Form DS01 and Why is it Important?

Striking off your limited company with Form DS01 can seem straightforward, but even minor errors can lead to delays or legal complications. Anderson Brookes specialises in guiding small and medium-sized businesses through this process, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency from start to finish.

Form DS01 is the official document filed at Companies House to voluntarily dissolve a company. It’s a suitable route if your business has ceased trading, has no debts or assets, and is not involved in any ongoing legal disputes.

However, it’s critical to understand the eligibility criteria and process clearly:

  • The company must not have traded, sold assets, or changed its name within the last three months.

  • All debts, including taxes owed to HMRC, must be fully settled.

  • Creditors and shareholders must be notified correctly.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete and File Form DS01

To ensure your DS01 submission is processed without issue, follow these practical steps:

StepDetails
Check eligibilityConfirm no trading activity, debts, or name changes within the last 3 months.
Prepare your company recordsSettle all financial obligations, close bank accounts, and distribute remaining assets among shareholders.
Inform all relevant partiesNotify HMRC, creditors, employees, shareholders, and directors within 7 days of application submission.
Download and complete Form DS01Obtain the form from Companies House, accurately fill out your company’s name, number, and registered office address.
Secure director signaturesEnsure the majority of directors sign the form -original signatures required for postal submission.
Pay the fee and submitPay £33 online or £44 by post. Online submission via Companies House is quicker and recommended.
Monitor publicationCompanies House publishes your application in the Gazette, allowing 2 months for any objections.
Manage objections proactivelyIf any objections arise, address them promptly to avoid the dissolution being delayed or stopped.
Retain company recordsKeep copies of all DS01 documentation and communication for at least six years as required by law.

Why Directors Choose Anderson Brookes

With more than 25 years’ experience and thousands of directors helped, we’re trusted by business owners across the UK. You can speak directly with an expert insolvency practitioner and we’ll help you understand your options clearly and quickly. We specialise in working with small and medium businesses and we understand your perspective and priorities. 

Ready to
Move On?

If you’re ready to close your company, stop creditor pressure, or just want to understand your next steps, we’re here to talk. 

Call us now on 0800 1804 933 or request a call back - we’re here to help.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even small errors in the DS01 process can be costly. Here are practical ways to avoid common issues:

  • Incomplete information: Ensure all details, including company name, number, and addresses, match exactly what’s registered with Companies House.

  • Incorrect signatures: Only current directors’ signatures count – photocopies and digital signatures (for postal applications) are not valid.

  • Outstanding debts: Confirm all debts and tax obligations are settled beforehand to prevent objections from creditors or HMRC.

  • Notification errors: Provide formal notices to all relevant parties, ensuring accurate records of these communications are maintained.

 

Arrange Your Free Consultation Today

For immediate assistance or to discuss your company’s specific circumstances confidentially, contact our expert advisors today:

Let Anderson Brookes manage your DS01 filing professionally and efficiently, giving you peace of mind that your company closure is handled correctly.

Risks and Consequences of Improper Filing

Improper handling of the DS01 form can lead to significant complications:

  • Personal liability: Directors may become personally responsible for unresolved debts or misconduct.

  • Asset loss: Any remaining undistributed assets after strike-off become property of the Crown (bona vacantia).

  • Legal repercussions: Errors or omissions may result in penalties or even reinstatement of your dissolved company, leading to further liabilities.

Free Advice - Speak to us

Anderson Brookes: Specialist Help to Strike Off Your Company Quickly

At Anderson Brookes, our specialist focus on SMEs means we understand the pressures you face. We provide:

  • Rapid Service: We can place your company into liquidation or dissolution within as little as 8 days, ensuring minimal disruption.

  • Personalised Advice: We offer expert, tailored guidance, ensuring you choose the correct closure method for your unique situation.

  • Efficiency and Compliance: Our streamlined process ensures accurate filing, quick resolution of objections, and a smooth strike-off without unnecessary delays.

Testimonials

Our clients praise our professionalism, reliability, and the exceptional support we provide during challenging times, helping thousands of company directors through insolvency, liquidation, and business debt solutions.

"We had the unpleasant, highly stressful experience of being the Directors of a business that was beyond help, despite our best efforts. Jon was absolutely brilliant, going way above and beyond. Not only was Jon a professional, knowledgeable person helping us go through the process of a liquidation, but he was also a safe pair of hands, and an empathetic voice to discuss even the tiniest detail with. He never rushed us, he used language that we understood and he was an excellent communicator. Jon made a very stressful, upsetting time feel manageable and in control."
Madeleine Cole
"It has become very unfortunate that the company has had to go into administration. Anderson Brookes have bee efficient, reactive to our needs and totally communicate every step of the way. The experience whilst personally been painful to have to make such a decision, the company dealing with these affairs have acted professionally and been responsive to our questions."
Derek Clarke
"Fantastic service and company from start to finish. Isabel Cross looked after my case she was very informative, professional, reassuring and reliable. I cannot thank you enough!"
Marianne YatesCEO
"From the first call I received from Anderson Brookes I was very impressed with how friendly and professional they were. I agreed to take them on to liquidate my company and very pleased with my decision. All done and dusted in very quick order."
Lynne BullCEO
"First Class Company, Friendly, Knowledgeable, Caring, Most Helpful And Give Great Peace Of Mind. They Took All The Worry And Weight Off My Shoulders And Gave Me Great Peace Of Mind To Let GoOf My Problem. Thank You Ever So Much Rebecca Marsden And Her Team.
Ray Gowrie
"Amazing company who conducted our liquidation very thoroughly and professionally, I was fortunate enough to have Jon Rudd as my case manager who helped me every step of the way. Highly recommended and a big thank you to you Jon!"
Lewis Beaumont
"With the help of Anderson Brookes I now have a massive weight of my shoulders. They were very helpful from start to finish."
Andrew Colley
"Great service. I wish I got in touch earlier. I'm finally getting some proper sleep. Thank you to Emmie and the team 🙏"
Vie Sidibe
"I used Anderson Brookes when I got into bother with my ltd company. After getting other prices and talking with different companies I felt happiest with these. Great service helped throughout and any questions I had (I had a lot) they were more than happy to answer and put my worries at ease. Top marks thank you to everyone that has helped"
Luke Singleton
"I was assisted every step of the way by Rebecca and her team. Eddy was very helpful through the entire process. I would highly recommend Anderson Brookes to anyone going through a similar situation to me."
James Cockney

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Steven Kendall-Torry
Steven Kendall-Torry
Having to shut down your business is a very emotional and scary journey and although you think you’ve done everything correctly there’s always something you get wrong , small print , and rules one is unaware of which can surprise bite you on the bum and ruin your day ! We were fortunate to have Laura , Katie and the background Riki who considering they have a fairly thankless job to do they were always polite , very patient , and as helpful as they could be considering they generally were giving bad news which was rarely expected or welcome. Altogether they were good listeners and helpful we had to understand they still had to follow rules and a job to do and they managed the balancing act extremely well. Many thanks
Madeleine Cole
Madeleine Cole
We had the unpleasant, highly stressful experience of being the Directors of a business that was beyond help, despite our best efforts. Jon was absolutely brilliant, going way above and beyond. Not only was Jon a professional, knowledgeable person helping us go through the process of a liquidation, but he was also a safe pair of hands, and an empathetic voice to discuss even the tiniest detail with. He never rushed us, he used language that we understood and he was an excellent communicator. Jon made a very stressful, upsetting time feel manageable and in control.
Harvey J
Harvey J
Efficient and Professional Experience Two words to describe the experience: efficient and professional. No doubt you can appreciate that it’s a very stressful time for directors, but from my initial telephone conversation with Mike, and the decision to enter into a CVL, the process from start to finish was completed within two weeks. In addition to Mike, I would also like to mention the professionalism of the two other members of the AB team, Steve and Emmy. Worth mentioning as well that, where it was possible, the lines of communication were via WhatsApp which again massively improved and streamlined the whole process.
Derek Clarke
Derek Clarke
It has become very unfortunate that the company has had to go into administration. Anderson Brookes have bee efficient, reactive to our needs and totally communicate every step of the way. The experience whilst personally been painful to have to make such a decision, the company dealing with these affairs have acted professionally and been responsive to our questions.
Vie Sidibe
Vie Sidibe
Great service. I wish I got in touch earlier. I'm finally getting some proper sleep. Thank you to Emmie and the team 🙏
Andrew Colley
Andrew Colley
With the help of Anderson Brookes I now have a massive weight of my shoulders. They were very helpful from start to finish.
Lynne Bull
Lynne Bull
From the first call I received from Anderson Brookes I was very impressed with how friendly and professional they were. I agreed to take them on to liquidate my company and very pleased with my decision. All done and dusted in very quick order.
Ray Gowrie
Ray Gowrie
First Class Company,Friendly, Knowledgeable, Caring, Most Helpful And Give Great Peace Of Mind. They Took All The Worry And Weight Off My Shoulders And Gave Me Great Peace Of Mind To Let GoOf My Problem. thank You Ever So Much Rebecca Marsden And Her Team.
Andrew P
Andrew P
They are amazing in what they do, affordable fees compairing to other brookers, helped me with a LTD insolvency, i am over the moon with their services, would highly recommend. They are really knowledgable and straight forward.
Lewis Beaumont
Lewis Beaumont
Amazing company who conducted our liquidation very thoroughly and professionally, I was fortunate enough to have Jon Rudd as my case manager who helped me every step of the way. Highly recommended and a big thank you to you Jon!
Jaspreet Singh
Jaspreet Singh
Mr Rikki Burton and team are very professional, efficient and patient. The work conducted was very smooth and the transition Was without any hiccups. They gave time to put evidences upfront to support the liquidation. Great communication and highly recommended.
Luke Singleton
Luke Singleton
I used Anderson Brookes when I got into bother with my ltd company. After getting other prices and talking with different companies I felt happiest with these. Great service helped throughout and any questions I had (I had a lot) they were more than happy to answer and put my worries at ease. Top marks thank you to everyone that has helped
James Cockney
James Cockney
I was assisted every step of the way by Rebecca and her team. Eddy was very helpful through the entire process. I would highly recommend Anderson Brookes to anyone going through a similar situation to me.

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As licensed insolvency practitioners, we provide regulated business debt advice and support for company directors.