Both end your company. But the process, the timeline, and the implications are different.
Voluntary Strike-Off (DS01)
You ask Companies House to remove your company from the register. Requirements:
- Company has not traded or changed name in the last 3 months
- No outstanding debts or legal proceedings
- All employees informed
- Form DS01 filed with a £10 fee
- Company appears in the Gazette for 2 months, then dissolved
Members' Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)
A formal winding-up process managed by a licensed insolvency practitioner. Used when the company has assets worth distributing. Costs £2,000-£5,000+ but is tax-efficient for amounts over £25,000.
Which to Choose
- Company has no assets or debts: Strike-off (DS01). Simple, cheap, fast.
- Company has £25,000+ in assets: MVL. Distributions taxed as capital gains (lower rate).
- Company has debts: Speak to an insolvency practitioner. Neither option is appropriate.
Before closing, ensure all filings are up to date. See our compliance checklist.