Filing a DS01 form is one of the most important steps in strike-off. It’s the legal trigger for Companies House to remove your company from its register. It can seem straightforward, but you could face serious issues if you don’t carry out the right DS01 checks in time.
Small errors, trading too recently, or unpaid returns can lead to objections from HMRC or creditors. Assets left in the company can pass to the Crown. If there are debts, a strike off may not be the safest route. Taking a moment to check your position first can save months of delay.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key checks, the timeline, and today’s fees. We’ll also help you to determine whether strike off is right for you, and explain alternatives if you need to choose a different path.
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DS01 Explained
Form DS01 is how you ask Companies House to remove your limited company from the register so it is legally dissolved. It is used for a voluntary strike-off when the company has stopped trading and has no outstanding matters that would block dissolution. You can apply online or by post, and there is a filing fee.
You should only use DS01 if you meet the strike-off eligibility criteria. In short, you must not have traded in the last three months, changed the company name in that period, or disposed of stock or other assets outside normal winding-down steps. Certain activities, like settling debts and completing statutory filings, are still allowed.
If the company has debts, disputes, or ongoing investigations, DS01 is unlikely to be suitable and creditors can object. In that case, explore safer routes before you try to strike off a company.
Check 1: Confirm Eligibility
Make sure you meet the legal rules for a voluntary strike off before you go any further. Your company must not have traded or sold stock in the last three months, must not have changed its name in that period, must not be threatened with liquidation, and must have no agreement with creditors such as a CVA.
Only limited “wrap-up” activity is allowed, such as taking advice, paying the DS01 fee, settling remaining debts, and meeting statutory duties. Disposals “for value” of trading stock in that three-month window are not allowed, but selling assets used by the business (for example a delivery van) can be acceptable. It’s an offence to apply if you’re not eligible.
Check 2: No Unpaid Debts or Active Disputes
If money is owed or a dispute is brewing, a DS01 application can stall. Creditors, including HMRC and lenders, can object during the notice period. Objections are common where tax returns are missing, time to pay has been broken, or a claim is unresolved.
List what is owed and to whom. Include HMRC, suppliers, landlords, utilities, and any loans or guarantees. Speak to each party and try to agree a position in writing. Keep copies of emails and letters.
If you have overdue debts, a voluntary strike off may not be appropriate. An objection can pause the strike off or lead to action against the company.
Check 3: Know Where You Stand with HMRC
Sort your tax position before you apply. File final statutory accounts and a Company Tax Return (CT600), mark them as final, and pay anything due. Resolve any other open items with HMRC before you apply. HMRC cannot issue refunds to a dissolved company, and unresolved matters often lead to objections.
Check 4: Payroll and VAT
If you’ve had employees, finish payroll cleanly. Send your final Full Payment Submission (FPS) on or before the last payday, then submit an Employer Payment Summary (EPS) to mark the scheme as ceased. Pay any tax and NIC due and keep year-end records. Finally, tell HMRC you’ve stopped employing people so the PAYE scheme can be closed.
If you’re VAT-registered, submit your final return, settle the balance, and complete VAT deregistration at the right time.
Check 5: Employees and Contracts
Tie off anything that could lead to an objection later. If you’ve had staff, finish payroll, give proper notice, and pay any statutory entitlements. Review leases, finance agreements, subscriptions, utilities and insurance. Close open orders, tell customers the company is winding down, and agree how any unfinished jobs will be handled.
Check 6: Remaining Assets
Move or distribute anything the company still owns before you apply. That includes bank balances, cash in transit, vehicles, tools, stock, domain names, websites, trademarks and any refunds that are due. If assets are left in the company when it’s dissolved, they can pass to the Crown as “bona vacantia,” and you may need to restore the company to get them back.
Close bank accounts only after final payments are made and you’ve transferred any surplus to shareholders in line with the company’s articles. Keep a clear paper trail: closing statements, asset transfer notes and board minutes.
Review less obvious items. Check deposits held by landlords or utilities, cashback or supplier rebates, online wallet balances, and any customer prepayments that must be returned. Make decisions on intellectual property and data retention. Where you sell an asset, agree a fair value and document it.
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We support company directors in every sector, from construction firms and logistics companies to pubs, cafés, restaurants, hotels, retailers and manufacturers. Our advice is always clear, confidential and shaped by real experience in your industry. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid tax, supplier pressure or falling income, our team understands the challenges and will guide you through the best next steps.
Check 7: Final Accounts and CT600
Prepare and submit your final statutory accounts and Company Tax Return (CT600) to HMRC. Mark them as final. You do not need to file final accounts with Companies House for a strike off.
Keep good records in case HMRC or a creditor asks questions later. As a guide, keep company and accounting records for at least six years from the end of the financial year they relate to. Digital copies are fine if they’re complete and legible.
What to keep handy:
- Final accounts and CT600 with computations and acknowledgements
- Bank statements, sales and purchase invoices, receipts and credit notes
- VAT returns, VAT deregistration letter and working papers (if registered)
- Payroll records, RTI submissions and PAYE closure confirmation (if relevant)
- Contracts, leases, board minutes and any correspondence about debts or disputes
Check 8: Notify Creditors and Stakeholders
Tell everyone who could be affected by your application, in writing, within 7 days of sending DS01 to Companies House. This includes shareholders, creditors (including HMRC), employees, landlords, banks, pension trustees and any director who did not sign. Keep a record of when and how you notified each party. Failing to do this can lead to objections and may be an offence.
Be clear and practical. State that you intend to apply for voluntary strike off, include the company name and number, the date you applied, and a contact point for questions or objections. Send by post or email to the last known address and keep copies.
To meet your legal duties, make sure you notify creditors that you’re striking off the company
within the deadline and keep evidence of those notices. If you need expert advice, contact us for advice.
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.
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Check 9: Approvals and Signatures
Make sure the board has formally agreed to apply. Record the decision in minutes or a written resolution. A majority of directors must authorise the application and sign the form. If there is only one director, they sign alone.
Check the details match the register. Use the exact company name and number. Directors should sign in the correct capacity and on the latest version of the form. For a paper application, use original signatures and keep a copy. For a digital submission, follow the authentication steps when you file DS01 online.
Check 10: Understand the Gazette Timeline and Objections Window
After your application is accepted, Companies House will place a notice in the Gazette. If there’s no reason to delay, the registrar will strike off the company not less than two months after that notice, and a second notice will confirm the dissolution.
During this window, anyone with a valid reason can object. The Gazette notice states the deadline, which is usually two months from the date in the notice, but in some cases it can be 28 days. If an objection is received, Companies House will suspend the strike-off while the issue is resolved.
Stay proactive: watch for the Gazette entry, check for Companies House emails, and keep HMRC and creditors informed. If a concern is raised, deal with it quickly and keep evidence, then ask for the suspension to be lifted once resolved.
Check 11: Is Strike-Off the Right Route?
If there are debts, live creditor pressure, or a risk of objection, strike off may not be the safest option. Consider a CVL. It’s a director-led liquidation that closes the company in an orderly way, deals with unsecured debts, and protects creditors fairly. A licensed liquidator handles creditor claims, asset sales and statutory reporting, which reduces the personal risk of filing a DS01 where liabilities remain. Where the business is viable but needs breathing space to deal with arrears, a CVA can let you repay a portion of debts over time while continuing to trade. If the company needs protection from immediate action while a turnaround plan is put in place, administration can help you rescue your business by stopping creditor enforcement and creating space to restructure or sell.Not sure which route fits? We’ll talk you through each option in plain English and help you choose a safe path. Speak to us about strike-off or call 0800 1804 935.
DS01 Checks Completed? How to Submit the Right Way
Once you’re sure that you’ve carried out all DS01 checks, it’s time to apply. You can do this online or by post. Online is the faster route, comes with built-in checks, and instantly confirms that your payment has been received. The fees are also lower: £33 for an online submission versus £44 by post. Paper applications also take longer, with payment made by cheque or postal order.
What You’ll Need
- Company name and number exactly as shown on the register
- Majority director approval and the correct signatures
- Your Companies House authentication code for a digital application
- A debit or credit card for the fee (online applications)
Steps
- Log in to your Companies House account and choose the service to strike off a company online.
- Complete the DS01 questions carefully. The system will flag common errors before you submit.
- Pay the fee and submit. You’ll receive an email acknowledgement.
- To file by post, download DS01, sign with original signatures, include the fee, and post to Companies House.
FAQs
Can you file a DS01 if the company owes money?
You can submit the form, but creditors (including HMRC) can object during the Gazette window if money is owed or returns are outstanding. An objection pauses the strike off until the issue is resolved.
How long does voluntary strike off take?
After Companies House accepts your application, a notice is placed in the Gazette. If no valid objection is received, the registrar will strike off the company not less than two months after that first notice, then publish a final notice confirming dissolution.
What happens if someone objects?
Companies House can suspend the strike off. You’ll need to resolve the reason for the objection (for example, settle a debt or file missing returns) before asking for the strike off to proceed. Creditors can object online.
Can you change your mind after applying?
Yes. If circumstances change, you can withdraw the application using form DS02 (online or by post).
Do directors all need to sign?
A majority of directors must authorise the application. If there’s only one director, they sign alone.
Why Choose Anderson Brookes?
Anderson Brookes has helped thousands of company directors and businesses through liquidation, rescue and strike-off decisions. Our licensed insolvency practitioners are here to help you to navigate the process of closing down your company. We offer advice tailored to your situation, and can help you to choose the safest closure route. Our team can help you to determine if you’re eligible to close via DS01, and can review red flags that could trigger objections. When you call us, you’ll speak to a friendly specialist who understands real-world pressure from HMRC, landlords and lenders. Everything is confidential and judgement-free. We act quickly, keep you informed, and provide clear next steps after every call.Need help before filing? We can help you with your DS01 checks. Simply get in touch with us today.
