Company Restoration: A Guide to Restoring Your Dissolved Company

Restoring Your Dissolved Company

Businesses can be dissolved for various reasons, but that doesn’t mean they have to remain closed forever. Whether it is voluntary or involuntary, Company Restoration offers a way to bring your business back to life. Restoring a dissolved company is essential if you need to recover assets, resume operations, or settle outstanding liabilities. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Company Restoration process, including administrative restoration and restoration by court order, and explains how professional services can help streamline this process.

Restoring a Company to the Register

Company Restoration is the legal process of reinstating a company that has been struck off or dissolved from the official Companies House register. Once a company is restored, it’s treated as though it had never been dissolved, allowing the business to resume operations, reclaim assets, or address outstanding legal matters. There are two main routes for restoring a company: administrative restoration and company restoration by court order.

Voluntary Strike-Off and Dissolution

A Voluntary Strike-Off and Dissolution occurs when a company’s directors decide to close the business voluntarily. This typically happens when the company is no longer trading or has fulfilled its purpose. While a voluntary dissolution is initiated by the directors, they must notify shareholders, creditors, and HMRC. If needed, the company can be restored later through the administrative restoration process, provided specific criteria are met.

Involuntary Strike-Off and Dissolution

An Involuntary Strike-Off and Dissolution happens when a company is removed from the Companies House register without the directors’ request. This can occur if the company fails to file its annual accounts or confirmation statement, or if HMRC requests its removal due to outstanding taxes. In these cases, company restoration by court order may be required to reinstate the company, as administrative restoration may not apply.

How to Restore a Dissolved Company

If your company has been dissolved, you may need to know how to restore a dissolved company. The method of restoration depends on how the company was dissolved:

• Administrative Restoration: If the company was dissolved voluntarily, it may be eligible for administrative restoration. This process involves filing the necessary documents and paying any outstanding fees or penalties.
• Company Restoration by Court Order: If the company was dissolved involuntarily, restoration may require a court order. This method is more complex and involves applying to the court, often with the help of Company Restoration Solicitors.

Both methods of restoring a company to the register result in the business being treated as though it had never been dissolved.

Administrative Restoration of a Company

Administrative Restoration of a company is a simpler process available to businesses that were dissolved voluntarily. To be eligible, the company must have been struck off within the last six years, and it must have been trading or carrying on business at the time of dissolution. Directors must submit a completed form to Companies House, alongside any outstanding documents (like annual accounts) and fees.

Administrative restoration is often the preferred option due to its speed and lower costs compared to restoration by court order. If your company qualifies, our Company Restoration services can guide you through the entire process, ensuring that all required paperwork is completed accurately and efficiently.

Company Restoration by Court Order

For companies dissolved involuntarily, company restoration by court order may be the only option. This process involves applying to the court to reinstate the company. The application must demonstrate a valid reason for the restoration, such as the need to recover assets or resolve legal issues.

Since court proceedings can be complex, working with experienced Company Restoration Solicitors is advisable. Our team can help prepare your application, represent you in court, and ensure the restoration process runs smoothly.

Applications for Discretionary Payments

During the restoration process, some stakeholders may be eligible to apply for discretionary payments. These payments are often granted to individuals who can demonstrate that they suffered financial loss due to the company’s dissolution. The process for applying can be complicated, requiring thorough documentation and evidence. Our Company Restoration services can assist you in preparing and submitting applications for discretionary payments, ensuring that your rights are protected.

Our Company Restoration Expertise

At Xact+ Accountants, we specialize in restoring a dissolved company through both administrative and court-ordered processes. Whether your company was struck off voluntarily or involuntarily, we can help with:

• Administrative Restoration

• Company Restoration by Court Order

• Guidance on reinstating assets and accounts

• Managing discretionary payment applications

Our team has years of experience handling company restoration cases and can streamline the entire process, saving you time and avoiding potential delays. We ensure your restoration is handled in compliance with Companies House regulations and court requirements.

Your Company Restoration Questions Answered

Restoring a company may seem complex, but knowing the answers to key questions can help ease the process:

How long does it take to restore a dissolved company?

Administrative restorations typically take around 1-4 months, while court-ordered restorations can take longer, depending on the case.

What is a closed company?

A closed company has ceased trading but has not yet been dissolved. If it is dissolved, it can potentially be restored.

Can a dissolved company be reinstated?

Yes, a dissolved company can be reinstated through either administrative restoration or by court order, provided certain conditions are met.

How Can We Help Reinstate a Dissolved Company?

If you’re looking to reinstate a dissolved company, our team at Xact+ Accountants can provide the expert guidance you need. We handle everything from preparing the necessary documents for administrative restoration to representing your case in court for more complex restorations. Our goal is to help you restore a dissolved company UK quickly and with minimal hassle, allowing you to get back to business or recover important assets.

Conclusion

Whether your company was dissolved voluntarily or involuntarily, Company Restoration is a process that can bring your business back to life, allowing you to recover assets, settle liabilities, or resume trading. With options like administrative restoration of a company or company restoration by court order, it’s important to choose the right method based on your specific situation. At Xact+ Accountants, we offer comprehensive Company Restoration services to guide you through the entire process smoothly.