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Legalities of Closing a Business

The legalities of closing a business will apply if you relinquish ownership of a company. This section lists the help and advice available any time you sell or close down a business. Key topics related to closing down a business include Capital Gains Tax liabilities and compulsory liquidation. The help guides also explain your obligations when selling a business or ending self employment.

EXITING A BUSINESS: There are legal requirements to consider if you exit your business. Some of your responsibilities will relate to:

  • Succession Planning: A smooth transition requires a formal, written succession plan. You may need an accountant and a lawyer to help you meet your legal and tax implications.
  • Selling a Business: You will need to get your business valued and then get it positioned for the sale.
  • Closing a Company: Dissolution means you will have legal obligations with various government agencies.
  • Bankruptcy: A trustee in bankruptcy will assist a bankrupt business.

There are several reasons why people relinquish their ownership in business. Some common reasons include selling it or passing it on to a family member.

In some cases, the intention may be closing the business for good. But, in others bankruptcy may be the only option available.

The information in this guide relates most to selling a business or closing it down. You can also find details on stopping self-employment. There is extra help and advice on winding up your business or liquidating a limited company.


Closing or Selling a Business: Help Guide

CGT for Business

Producing a profit (or gain) on company assets can create liabilities of Capital Gains Tax for business. An example could be selling or disposing of an asset that is part of the company.

Note: Claiming Business Asset Disposal Relief can reduce the amount of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) that you pay. It can lower it to 10% on all gains when you sell or dispose of qualifying shares.


Claiming Money or Property

Bona Vacantia

There are several ways of recovering assets from a company in dissolution. Find out how to claim money or property from a dissolved company.

Compulsory Liquidation

Winding up a company is usually the last resort to recover money owed to you. Check out how to serve a petition and what forms you need to wind up a company that owes you money.


Liquidate a Limited Company

Administration Explained

One of the rescue options for insolvent limited companies is entering administration. Learn how to put a company into administration what happens after appointing an administrator.

Company Voluntary Arrangements

A limited company with minor debt problems can use a Company Voluntary Arrangement to recover from insolvency. Check how to apply for a CVA and how the process may be an alternative to liquidation.

Winding Up a Limited Company

There are key aspects to consider if you liquidate your limited company. See how liquidation works, be it compulsory or voluntary, and the role of a director and a liquidator.


Selling Your Business

Closing Down

The legal responsibilities of selling a business or closing yours down are numerous. Check the duties you would have if you sell your company, sole trader business, or a partnership.

Ending Self-Employment

A limited company with minor debt problems can use a Company Voluntary Arrangement to recover from insolvency. Check how to apply for a CVA and how the process may be an alternative to liquidation.

Merger Regulation

The Competition and Markets Authority can investigate a business merger to ensure fairness. You can read CMA2 for further guidance on the merger control regime.


Legalities of Closing a Business in the United Kingdom