What Happens If Your Company Gets Struck Off Companies House Register?
Having your company struck off the Companies House register is serious. It means the company no longer exists as a legal entity. This can happen voluntarily if you apply to close it down, or compulsorily if Companies House forces it due to non-compliance. In either case, the effects are the same once dissolved.
Many directors overlook filings like confirmation statements or accounts, leading to compulsory strike off. In 2026, with stricter enforcement powers from recent laws, Companies House can act faster on issues like missed filings or suspicious activity.
Why Companies Get Struck Off
Voluntary strike off — You apply using form DS01 (or online) when the company has ceased trading, has no debts, and meets conditions (no trading in last 3 months, no name change, not in liquidation threat). It’s a clean way to dissolve if everything is settled. The fee is £13 digital from February 2026.
Compulsory strike off — Companies House starts this if the company seems inactive. Common triggers:
- Failure to file annual accounts or confirmation statements
- No response to warnings
- Other non-compliance
They publish a First Gazette Notice, giving 2 months (sometimes less) for objections. If none, the company dissolves.
What Happens After Strike Off and Dissolution
Once struck off and dissolved:
- The company ceases to exist legally. It cannot trade, enter contracts, or sue/be sued.
- Bank accounts freeze. You lose access to funds, and cannot send or receive money.
- Any remaining assets become “bona vacantia” – ownerless property passing to the Crown (or Duchy of Lancaster/Cornwall in some areas). This includes cash, property, or intellectual property. The Treasury Solicitor may claim them.
- Debts do not vanish. Creditors can object before dissolution or apply to restore the company to pursue claims.
- Directors may face personal liability if the company traded after notice or if improper (e.g., personal guarantees). In serious cases, disqualification up to 15 years or fines.
- Reputation hit – public record shows strike off, which can affect future business.
For compulsory cases, risks are higher: possible Insolvency Service investigation, director disqualification, or personal debt liability.
Can You Reverse It? Restoration Options
You can restore a dissolved company, but time limits apply (usually within 6 years).
Administrative restoration — For directors/shareholders if compulsorily struck off. File form RT01 with Companies House, pay fees, file overdue accounts/statements, and pay penalties. Company restores quickly if approved.
Court-ordered restoration — Needed for voluntary strike off or beyond 6 years. Apply to court with evidence (e.g., need to claim assets or settle debts). More complex, costly, and involves hearings.
Restoration revives the company as if never dissolved, but assets may need reclaiming from the Crown.
How to Avoid Strike Off
The best way is prevention:
- File confirmation statements and accounts on time.
- Respond to any Companies House warnings promptly.
- Keep your registered office and details current.
- Monitor your company’s status regularly on the public search page.
Quick checks help spot problems early. If you manage one or more companies, having fast access to filing history and deadlines prevents oversights. Companies House on the Go from Touch of Class searches public records instantly on your phone. Add companies to watch, see status changes, upcoming obligations, or strike off notices. Many find it useful for staying ahead without constant official site visits.
For practical monitoring of your company details, have a look at Companies on the Go.
Strike off sounds final, but understanding the process helps you act fast if needed or avoid it altogether. Check your company’s page now – a few minutes could save major hassle.
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