OVERVIEW
Closing a company is a critical decision that requires following a systematic legal process. Whether due to insolvency, inactivity, or the completion of business objectives, it's essential to understand the steps, compliance requirements, and available methods for winding up a company.
DEFINITION
A company strike off refers to the process of removing a company from the official register, meaning it ceases to exist as a legal entity. This can be done voluntarily by the company or compulsorily by the authorities.
TYPES OF COMPANY STRIKE OFF
1. Voluntary Strike Off
- The company’s directors or shareholders apply for the company to be struck off.
- The company must have ceased trading and settled all liabilities.
- An application (e.g., Form STK-2 ) is filed with the relevant authority.
2. Compulsory Strike Off
- The government or regulatory authority removes the company from the register due to non-compliance (e.g., failure to file annual returns, non-payment of taxes).
- Creditors or interested parties may object if debts are outstanding.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE STRIKE OFF
1. Board Resolution and Extra ordinary General meeting
- Directors must pass a resolution approving the strike-off.
- The company must convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to pass a special resolution. A special resolution is required to initiate the strike-off process, and this requires the consent of at least 75% of shareholders in terms of paid-up capital.
2. No Business Activity
- The company fails or does not commence business within one year of incorporation
- The company is inoperative or does not carry out any business for two preceding financial years and has not filed an application within such period for getting the status of a dormant company under Section 455 of the Act.
3. No Outstanding Liabilities
- The company must settle all outstanding debts, including taxes, employee salaries, creditors, and other liabilities.
4. No Legal Proceedings
- The company should not be involved in any ongoing lawsuits or legal disputes.
5. Clearance from Tax Authorities
- Obtain tax clearance from the relevant tax authority, confirming that all taxes (corporate tax, VAT, etc.) have been paid.
6. Closure of Bank Accounts
- All corporate bank accounts should be closed before applying for strike-off.
7. No Assets or Liabilities
- The company should not have any remaining assets or liabilities at the time of the application.
8. Notice to Stakeholders
- Notify creditors, shareholders, employees, and any relevant authorities about the intention to strike off.
9. Filing of Final Returns
- Submit final financial statements, annual returns, and any other required documents to the regulatory authority.
10. Submission of Strike-Off Application
- File an application with the company registrar.
- Pay any applicable fees.
11. Public Notice Period
- Some jurisdictions require a public notice period (e.g., 30-90 days) before finalizing the strike-off.
12. Registrar Approval
- Once all requirements are met, the company registrar will approve the strike-off and remove the company from the register.