How to Inform HMRC of Company Strike Off

If you are planning to close your limited company using the voluntary strike-off process, one of the key steps is informing HMRC. While Companies House handles the legal removal of the company from the register, HMRC must be told separately to ensure your tax records are updated and no further correspondence or penalties are issued.

When closing a limited company, informing HMRC properly is just as important as filing the strike off form with Companies House. Missing this step can result in unnecessary tax reminders, penalties, or even formal investigations. Our limited company accountants provide expert guidance through every stage of the closure process, from finalising your Corporation Tax position to drafting the correct notification letter to HMRC. We will help you prepare your last accounts, file any outstanding returns, and ensure your company’s records are brought to a close cleanly and professionally.

In this article, we explain how to inform HMRC of a company strike off, what information to include, and what happens after you notify them.

What Is a Company Strike Off?

A company strike off is the formal process of closing a limited company that is no longer trading. It involves submitting form DS01 to Companies House, which removes the company from the official register.

However, this process only deals with the legal status of the company. You must also deal with the tax side, which means informing HMRC that your company is no longer trading and will be struck off.

Why Do You Need to Tell HMRC?

HMRC keeps its own records separate from Companies House. If they are not notified of the strike off, they will continue to issue tax return reminders, Corporation Tax notices and late filing penalties, even after the company has ceased trading.

Telling HMRC helps avoid unnecessary paperwork and potential fines. It also allows HMRC to close your company’s tax file properly and confirm that no further tax is due.

When to Inform HMRC

You should notify HMRC as soon as you decide to close the company and before submitting the DS01 form to Companies House. Ideally, you will have already:

• Ceased all trading activities

• Closed business bank accounts

• Paid outstanding taxes and liabilities

• Filed final Corporation Tax and VAT returns

• Deregistered for VAT and PAYE (if applicable)

This ensures that your company has no ongoing obligations before it is removed from the register.

How to Inform HMRC of a Strike Off

There is no specific form to notify HMRC of a company strike off. You should write a letter to your local Corporation Tax office. The letter should include:

• Your company name

• Company number

• Your name and role (e.g. director or accountant)

• A clear statement that you are applying to strike off the company

• The date the company ceased trading

• Confirmation that all final returns have been submitted and taxes paid

• A request to close the Corporation Tax record

If you are unsure of the correct HMRC address, you can use the one provided in your last Corporation Tax notice or log in to your HMRC business account to check.

What About VAT and PAYE?

If your company is registered for VAT or operates a PAYE scheme, you must also inform HMRC that you want to deregister.

• To cancel VAT, use your online VAT account and complete the cancellation form

• To close a PAYE scheme, write to HMRC or complete the online form via your PAYE account

Make sure all final returns are submitted and payments cleared before cancelling.

What Happens After You Notify HMRC?

HMRC will update your records and may send a letter confirming that your company’s tax file has been closed. If anything is outstanding, such as Corporation Tax or PAYE, they may request further returns or payment before finalising the closure.

Once everything is resolved, HMRC will stop sending letters or reminders, and you will not need to file anything further for that company.

Final Thoughts

Informing HMRC of a company strike off is an essential part of closing a limited company properly. It ensures your tax records are accurate, prevents late filing penalties, and allows HMRC to close the company’s file without issue. While there is no official form, sending a clear letter with all the necessary details helps avoid delays and keeps the process simple.

If you are unsure about how to handle your final accounts or need help with tax clearance, working with an accountant can ensure everything is filed correctly before the company is struck off. For smaller companies and sole directors, the process of striking off can seem overwhelming, especially when HMRC expects final submissions and formal notice. Our small company accountant service is designed to make this process simple and stress-free. We handle all communication with HMRC on your behalf, make sure you meet your final tax obligations, and guide you through the correct steps to close your company without delays or errors. Whether your company is dormant or no longer needed, we will take care of the admin so you can move on with confidence.

Unsure what to file, when to file it or how to stay compliant? Our Companies House Help hub walks you through it all.

You might also be interested in how do i close a company at companies house or want to read more about what is a dormant company on companies house.