Company Closure and Insolvency Forms Directory
If you’re closing a company, dealing with insolvency or trying to understand your options as a director, you may come across form codes such as DS01, DS02, RP1, RP2, RP14, a Statement of Affairs or a proof of debt form.
Some of these forms are straightforward company administration documents. Others are linked to formal insolvency, redundancy claims, creditor claims or company strike-off. The difficulty for directors is knowing which route applies, and whether using the wrong form could create problems later.
This directory explains the main company closure and insolvency forms in plain English, including what each form is used for, when it may be needed and when you should get advice before taking action.
If your company has debts, HMRC arrears, Bounce Back Loan issues, employees, creditors chasing, assets remaining in the business or concerns about director liability, it’s important to check your position before filing any closure or strike-off paperwork.
Need help understanding your company closure options?
Not sure which form applies? If your company has debts, HMRC arrears, employees, creditor pressure or Bounce Back Loan concerns, get advice before filing closure paperwork.
Before using company closure forms
Some forms are routine, but others can cause problems if they are used in the wrong situation. This is especially important if you are thinking about DS01, strike-off or closing a company with debts.
If any of these apply, speak to Anderson Brookes before filing. Strike-off may not be the right route, and liquidation or another formal process may need to be considered.
Find the right form or code
Choose the situation that best matches what you’re dealing with, then select a form or code to jump to the plain-English explanation.
Closing or striking off a company
Company debts or insolvency
Employees and redundancy
Closing or striking off a company
Forms, notices and company status updates linked to voluntary strike-off, compulsory strike-off and closure decisions.
DS01: Strike-off application by a company
What it is
DS01 is the form used to apply to strike a company off the Companies House register. It is commonly used when directors want to close a company voluntarily.
When it comes up
DS01 is usually considered when a company has stopped trading and the directors believe there are no unresolved debts, assets or employees to deal with.
Why directors need to be careful
DS01 may not be suitable if the company has HMRC debt, supplier debts, an unpaid Bounce Back Loan, employees, creditor pressure or remaining assets. Creditors may object to the strike-off, and the company can sometimes be restored to the register after dissolution.
When to get advice
Speak to Anderson Brookes before filing DS01 if you are not completely sure the company is debt-free and ready to close.
Check whether strike-off is the right route before you file.
DS02: Withdrawal of a strike-off application
What it is
DS02 is used to withdraw a voluntary strike-off application. In simple terms, it tells Companies House that the company no longer wants to continue with the strike-off process.
When it comes up
DS02 may be needed if directors have applied to strike off a company and then realise the process should not continue. This can happen if the company still owes money, HMRC or another creditor objects, the company still has assets, or the wrong closure route was started.
Why directors need to be careful
Withdrawing a strike-off application does not deal with the underlying issue. If the company has debts, creditor pressure, HMRC arrears or an unpaid Bounce Back Loan, the directors still need to decide how those issues should be handled.
When to get advice
If you need to withdraw a strike-off application because of debts or creditor concerns, it is sensible to get advice on the next step. In some cases, liquidation or another formal route may be more appropriate than trying to strike off the company again.
Check what should happen next if the company has debts, assets or creditor pressure.
First Gazette Notice for compulsory strike-off
What it is
A First Gazette Notice for compulsory strike-off is a public notice that Companies House intends to remove the company from the register. It is not a form completed by the director, but it is an important warning sign.
When it comes up
It may appear if Companies House believes the company is no longer active or has failed to meet filing requirements, such as overdue accounts or confirmation statements.
Why directors need to be careful
Ignoring a First Gazette Notice can be risky if the company still has debts, assets, employees, HMRC issues or other unresolved matters. Strike-off does not make every problem disappear.
When to get advice
If your company has received a First Gazette Notice and you are unsure whether strike-off should continue, get advice before the process moves further forward.
Check what it means and whether you need to take action.
Active proposal to strike off
What it is
“Active proposal to strike off” is a Companies House status showing that the company is in the strike-off process. This may be because the directors applied for strike-off or because Companies House started compulsory strike-off action.
When it comes up
You may see this status after filing DS01, after missed filing deadlines, or where Companies House believes the company may no longer be operating.
Why directors need to be careful
If the company has debts, HMRC arrears, assets, employees or a Bounce Back Loan, you should not assume the strike-off can safely continue. A creditor may object, and a different closure route may be needed.
When to get advice
If you have seen an active proposal to strike off and are not sure what caused it, speak to Anderson Brookes before the company is dissolved.
Find out what it means and what your options are.
Company debts or insolvency
Documents that may appear when a company cannot pay its debts, enters liquidation or needs to set out its financial position.
Statement of Affairs
What it is
A Statement of Affairs is a document that sets out the company’s financial position. It usually summarises the company’s assets, liabilities, creditors and expected shortfall.
When it comes up
A Statement of Affairs may be required when a company is entering or considering a formal insolvency process, such as Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation, compulsory liquidation or administration.
Why directors need to be careful
The information needs to be accurate and complete. It may include company assets, secured creditors, unsecured creditors, employees, HMRC debts and any expected deficiency.
When to get advice
If your company cannot pay its debts and you have been asked to prepare or review a Statement of Affairs, Anderson Brookes can help you understand what information is needed.
Get confidential advice before taking the next step.
Proof of debt form
What it is
A proof of debt form is used by a creditor to make a formal claim in an insolvency process. It gives the insolvency practitioner information about the amount being claimed and the reason for the debt.
When it comes up
Proof of debt forms usually come up when a company is insolvent and creditors need to claim money from the insolvent estate. They may also be relevant if creditors want to vote in an insolvency process.
Why directors need to understand it
Directors do not usually complete proof of debt forms for the company’s creditors. However, they should understand that creditor claims may need to be reviewed as part of the insolvency process.
When to get advice
If creditors are chasing and your company cannot pay what it owes, it may be time to consider whether the company is insolvent and what options are available.
Anderson Brookes can help you understand your options.
Declaration of solvency
What it is
A declaration of solvency is a formal declaration that the company can pay its debts in full, including interest, within the required period. It is most commonly associated with a Members’ Voluntary Liquidation.
When it comes up
It may be relevant where the company is solvent, the directors want to close it in an orderly way, and there are assets to distribute after all debts are paid.
Why directors need to be careful
A declaration of solvency should never be signed casually. Directors need to be confident that the company can pay its debts in full. If there is uncertainty about debts, HMRC liabilities, creditor claims or Bounce Back Loan issues, a different route may be needed.
When to get advice
If there is any doubt about the company’s ability to pay its debts, Anderson Brookes can help you understand whether the company is solvent or insolvent and what route may be suitable.
If you are unsure, get advice before choosing a closure route.
Employees and redundancy
Forms and reference numbers linked to employee redundancy claims when a company enters a formal insolvency process.
RP1: Redundancy payment claim form
Used for: Employee claims for redundancy-related payments after an employer becomes insolvent.
When it comes up: Usually when a company enters liquidation and employees need to claim money owed, such as redundancy pay, unpaid wages or holiday pay.
Why directors should understand it: Directors do not usually complete RP1 forms for employees, but employee claims can form part of the wider liquidation process.
RP2: Statutory notice pay claim form
Used for: Statutory notice pay claims after an employer becomes insolvent.
When it comes up: Usually after employees have been made redundant through liquidation or another insolvency process.
Why directors should understand it: Staff may ask about notice pay, redundancy claims and what they can recover. Early advice can help directors communicate clearly.
RP14 and RP14A: Employee information forms
Used for: Providing employee information during an insolvency process.
When it comes up: Usually where employees need to make redundancy-related claims after company liquidation.
Why directors should understand it: Payroll, employment and company records may be needed to support employee claims.
CN number: Redundancy claim reference
Used for: Identifying a redundancy claim linked to an insolvent employer.
When it comes up: Employees may need a CN number when claiming redundancy-related payments through the Redundancy Payments Service.
Why directors should understand it: Employees may ask about the CN number once a formal insolvency process starts.
If staff may be affected by liquidation, Anderson Brookes can help you understand the process, employee claims and what information may be needed.
Company records and admin
Common Companies House forms that may matter when company records, directors, addresses, charges or share details need to be checked before closure.
CS01: Confirmation statement
Used for: Confirming that key company information held by Companies House is up to date.
When it comes up: It may become relevant if company filings are overdue, Companies House has started strike-off action, or records need to be updated before closure.
Why directors should understand it: Overdue confirmation statements can contribute to Companies House action. If the company is also struggling with debt, there may be a wider issue to address.
AD01: Registered office change
Used for: Changing a company’s registered office address at Companies House.
When it comes up: It may be relevant if the company has moved address, is no longer receiving post, or needs to update where official notices are sent.
Why directors should understand it: Missed notices can mean directors do not realise that creditors, HMRC or Companies House are taking action.
TM01: Director resignation
Used for: Notifying Companies House that a director has resigned or been removed from the company record.
When it comes up: It may come up when a director leaves the business, company control changes, or a company is being tidied up before closure.
Why directors should understand it: Resigning as a director does not automatically remove responsibility for decisions made while you were acting as a director.
MR01: Registration of a company charge
Used for: Registering a charge against a company, usually linked to secured borrowing.
When it comes up: It may be relevant where the company has taken secured finance, asset-based lending, a business loan or another facility secured against company property or assets.
Why directors should understand it: If a company with secured debts is insolvent or considering closure, the position of secured creditors needs to be understood before assets are sold, transferred or distributed.
SH01: Return of allotment of shares
Used for: Notifying Companies House when a company has allotted new shares.
When it comes up: It may be relevant where company ownership, share capital or shareholder records have changed before closure or liquidation.
Why directors should understand it: If the company is being closed, records around shareholders, shares and distributions may need to be accurate.
RP07: Disputed registered office address
Used for: Applying to change a company’s disputed registered office address or certain service addresses on the Companies House record.
When it comes up: It may be relevant if a company is using an address without permission, official correspondence is going to the wrong place, or address records need to be challenged.
Why directors should understand it: Address issues can cause missed notices, Companies House problems and confusion with creditors.
If filing issues, address problems, director changes or secured debts are linked to company debt, get advice before choosing strike-off or liquidation.
Not sure which company closure route applies?
If you are looking at company closure forms because the business has debts, HMRC arrears, creditor pressure, employees, remaining assets or Bounce Back Loan concerns, it is worth checking your position before filing anything with Companies House.
Some companies can be closed through strike-off. Others need a formal liquidation process. The right route depends on whether the company is solvent, who is owed money and whether there are any risks for directors.
Anderson Brookes can help you understand your options confidentially before you take the next step.
Get help today
Free confidential advice. No obligation. No pressure. Speak to a licensed insolvency practitioner about your options.Company closure and insolvency forms FAQs
Is DS01 the right form to close a company?
DS01 is used to apply to strike a company off the Companies House register, but it is not suitable for every company. If the company has debts, HMRC arrears, an unpaid Bounce Back Loan, employees, creditor pressure or remaining assets, you should get advice before filing DS01.
What form do I need if my company has debts?
There is not one simple Companies House form that deals with company debts. If the company cannot pay what it owes, strike-off may not be appropriate and a formal insolvency process, such as Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation, may need to be considered.
What happens if HMRC objects to strike-off?
If HMRC objects to strike-off, the company will usually remain on the Companies House register while the issue is unresolved. This often happens where there are outstanding tax returns, unpaid VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax or other HMRC concerns.
What is the difference between strike-off and liquidation?
Strike-off removes a company from the Companies House register, usually where the company is no longer needed and has no unresolved debts or assets. Liquidation is a formal insolvency or closure process used to deal with company assets, debts, creditors and, where relevant, employees.
Do directors need to complete redundancy forms?
Directors do not usually complete employee redundancy claim forms such as RP1 or RP2 on behalf of staff. However, if the company enters liquidation and has employees, the insolvency practitioner may need payroll and employment information so employee claims can be handled properly.
What is a Statement of Affairs?
A Statement of Affairs sets out the company’s financial position, including assets, debts, creditors and any expected shortfall. It is usually used in formal insolvency processes, such as liquidation or administration.
Should I file company forms myself or speak to an insolvency practitioner first?
Routine company admin forms may be straightforward, but closure and insolvency-related forms can create problems if the company has debts or unresolved issues. If you are unsure whether the company is solvent, whether creditors are involved or whether directors could be affected personally, speak to an insolvency practitioner first.
Need help with company closure forms?
If you are unsure which form applies, or whether strike-off, liquidation or another route is suitable, Anderson Brookes can help you understand your options.
We provide confidential advice for directors dealing with company closure, HMRC debt, creditor pressure, Bounce Back Loan concerns, employee issues and insolvency.
