Close your business with confidence in any state
Need to close your LLC, corporation, or nonprofit? We'll prepare and file your dissolution paperwork with the state, backed by our 100% Accurate Filing Guarantee.
Starts at $299 + filing fees.
To learn about our full service Business Dissolution Manager, call (877) 520-9256.
Choose a package that meets your needs
Choose a package for your needs
Standard Dissolution
We'll process your paperwork once you answer a few questions online.
Includes:
Includes:
View featuresHide features
Includes:
Includes:
Articles of Dissolution prepared and filed with your state
Filing instructions so you know exactly what to expect
Specialists available to answer questions about your filing
Expedited option available at checkout
Business Dissolution Manager
Get peace of mind with hands-on dissolution management from a trained, dedicated Business Dissolution Manager.
Everything in Standard Dissolution, plus:
Everything in Standard Dissolution, plus:
View featuresHide features
Everything in Standard Dissolution, plus:
Everything in Standard Dissolution, plus:
Hands-on management of your dissolution by a dedicated Business Manager
Management of all aspects of your dissolution filing, from research and planning to confirming official closure
All full-service solutions for closure, including outstanding annual reports and reinstatements, where required
Evaluation of your Secretary of State status to identify legal closure steps
Unlimited phone & email access to your Business Manager
Business Dissolution Manager + Rush Filing
Get expedited filing of your full-service dissolution, from start to finish, by your Business Manager for quick closure.
Everything in Business Dissolution Manager, plus:
Everything in Business Dissolution Manager, plus:
View featuresHide features
Everything in Business Dissolution Manager, plus:
Everything in Business Dissolution Manager, plus:
Priority handling of your dissolution process from start to finish by your assigned Business Manager
Expedited review, preparation, and submission of your dissolution paperwork to your state
Accelerated processing with your state for a faster turnaround time, where available
Delivery of your filed documents 2–3 business days after we receive them from the state
Unlimited phone & email access to your dedicated Business Manager for time-sensitive questions and support
100% Accurate Filing Guarantee
We're committed to the highest quality and accuracy. If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the government agency at no additional cost to you.
Why use LegalZoom to dissolve your business?
Why use LegalZoom to dissolve your business?
No requirements guesswork
No requirements guesswork
We flag state-specific requirements, including final annual reports, for a complete closure.
Guaranteed accuracy
Guaranteed accuracy
If your filing is rejected or incorrect due to our error, we'll correct it with the state at no charge.
Close with confidence
Close with confidence
With 276,000+ dissolutions filed and counting, LegalZoom knows how to do it right.
What does it mean to dissolve a business?
Dissolving a business officially ends its legal existence with the state. LLCs, nonprofits, and corporations must file articles of dissolution (or similar paperwork) with the state where the business was formed. Sole proprietorships generally don’t need to file formal dissolution documents, though they may still need to cancel licenses, permits, and tax registrations.
“One of the most common misconceptions is that you can simply stop operating and walk away. In reality, the business still exists on the state’s records until it’s formally dissolved, which can trigger ongoing tax obligations, fees, and potential liability.”
J.D., Senior Director of Product Counsel at LegalZoom
Why should you dissolve your business?
Why should you dissolve your business?
Dissolution is a normal part of a business’ lifecycle. Many owners choose to dissolve when they retire, reach their goals, or move on to new opportunities. Regardless of why you’re closing your business, formally dissolving with the state is important for several reasons.
Avoid fees and taxes
Avoid fees and taxes
The state may continue to charge annual fees and expect tax filings, even if you’ve stopped operating.
Limit future liability
Properly dissolving your business helps prevent new debts from being incurred in the company’s name.
Get what you're owed
Get what you're owed
After paying final bills, you can distribute any remaining assets to owners, partners, or shareholders.
Be compliant with the state
Be compliant with the state
Failing to properly dissolve an LLC, nonprofit, or corporation may lead to fines, penalties, or administrative dissolution according to your state’s rules.
Tie up loose ends
Tie up loose ends
If you're going to make a clean break by closing one company before starting another, do it the right way by dissolving your unneeded business.
Start my dissolution
How to dissolve your business
How to dissolve your business
While the exact requirements vary by state and entity type, most LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits follow similar steps when dissolving.
Approve the decision to dissolve
Approve the decision to dissolve
Follow your operating agreement or corporate bylaws to formally approve dissolution. This typically involves a vote by members (LLCs) or directors and shareholders (corporations), and documenting the decision.
Notify creditors and settle debts
Notify creditors and settle debts
Inform creditors of your intent to dissolve and pay outstanding obligations. Settling debts before filing helps limit future claims and legal issues.
Take care of taxes and licenses
Take care of taxes and licenses
File final federal, state, and local tax returns, pay any taxes owed, and deactivate your EIN if required. Cancel business licenses, permits, and registrations.
File dissolution paperwork
File dissolution paperwork
Submit articles of dissolution (sometimes called a certificate of dissolution) to the Secretary of State or appropriate agency. This officially ends your business’ legal existence.
Wind up remaining affairs
Wind up remaining affairs
Close bank accounts and credit lines, cancel contracts, distribute remaining assets, notify all relevant parties of your closure, and keep important records for your files.
Compare your options for dissolving your business
Compare your options for dissolving your business
We handle the state rules, forms, and deadlines so you can close your business with confidence.
We handle the state rules, forms, and deadlines so you can close your business with confidence.
Do it yourself
Do it yourself
Learn the rules
Learn the rules
Research what rules on dissolution apply to your business and in your state.
Research what rules on dissolution apply to your business and in your state.
Prepare your documents
Prepare your documents
Track down the necessary forms from your state agency's website and prepare the necessary documents.
Track down the necessary forms from your state agency's website and prepare the necessary documents.
File & confirm
File & confirm
You'll need to make sure the paperwork is complete and accurate before filing—then follow up to confirm receipt.
You'll need to make sure the paperwork is complete and accurate before filing—then follow up to confirm receipt.
LegalZoom Standard Dissolution
LegalZoom Standard Dissolution
Share & we'll prepare
Share & we'll prepare
Simply answer some questions online, then we'll prepare your dissolution documents.
Simply answer some questions online, then we'll prepare your dissolution documents.
Check for errors & file
Check for errors & file
We'll check your articles of dissolution to be sure they’re complete before filing with the appropriate agency.
We'll check your articles of dissolution to be sure they’re complete before filing with the appropriate agency.
Get closure
Get closure
Receive your filed articles of dissolution and know you're officially closed for good.
Receive your filed articles of dissolution and know you're officially closed for good.
LegalZoom Business Dissolution Manager
LegalZoom Business Dissolution Manager
We handle everything
We handle everything
A dedicated Business Manager takes care of the entire dissolution filing process from start to finish.
A dedicated Business Manager takes care of the entire dissolution filing process from start to finish.
Full-service filing
Full-service filing
We handle any additional filings needed to dissolve your business, such as annual reports and reinstatements.
We handle any additional filings needed to dissolve your business, such as annual reports and reinstatements.
Confirmation & follow-up
Confirmation & follow-up
Your Business Manager communicates with the Secretary of State on your behalf, and confirms completion.
Your Business Manager communicates with the Secretary of State on your behalf, and confirms completion.
Want to view examples of dissolution documents?
Frequently asked questions
What are articles of dissolution?
Articles of dissolution are the documents you file with the state to officially end your LLC or corporation’s legal existence. Some states call this document a certificate of dissolution or certificate of cancellation. Regardless of the name, it reverses the formation filing (articles of organization or incorporation) that created your business.
How much does it cost to dissolve a business?
The exact cost depends on your state’s fees and whether you use a filing service. Dissolution filing fees vary by state, typically ranging from $0 to $200. California, Connecticut, and Georgia are a few states that have no fees for dissolving a business (whether an LLC or a corporation).
In comparison, states like Delaware charge at least $220 to file dissolution paperwork.
Why dissolve through LegalZoom instead of doing it myself?
Dissolving a business is more than filing one form. You need the paperwork completed correctly, filed with the right state office, and any outstanding requirements addressed so your company is properly and legally closed. Over 276,000 customers have trusted us to handle those details, including correct forms, the right office, and every requirement, so they could close with confidence.
What happens after your business is dissolved?
Once you dissolve your business, you free yourself from having to file future annual reports and pay the ongoing fees and taxes that come with owning a business. You can’t operate or conduct business other than doing what’s necessary to wind down operations.
What is the difference between dissolving and terminating an LLC?
The difference is simply that dissolution is the proper term used by states. If your LLC has an operating agreement, review it to discover what requirements you need to follow to properly dissolve your business.
What happens if I don’t dissolve my business?
If you don't dissolve and fail to follow legal closing procedures like filing reports and paying taxes, you may face potential fines, penalties, and the loss of your liability protection.
How long does the dissolution process take?
It depends on your state. Processing times vary by filing office and can range from a few days to several weeks. If timing matters, our Rush and Business Dissolution Manager options move your paperwork to the front of our queue and request priority state filing where available.
Do I need to notify the IRS of a dissolution?
Once you sign and file the dissolution forms with the state, you should next notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to inform the agency about your intended company dissolution and cancel any of its employer identification numbers (EINs). It's important to pay all taxes due.
How do I dissolve a 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Dissolving a 501(c)(3) nonprofit is similar to dissolving an LLC or corporation. You'll need to hold a formal vote, settle debts, and file dissolution documents with your state. Nonprofits must also transfer any remaining assets to another charitable entity, file a final IRS Form 990 to terminate their tax-exempt status, and notify the IRS that the EIN will no longer be used.
Should I close an unused LLC?
If you don't close an LLC that you're not using:
You may be responsible for filing future tax returns and annual report filings with your state.
You may still owe an annual LLC fee.
You may have to pay a penalty if your LLC does not file a local, state, or federal tax return.
What's the difference between Dissolution Standard and Business Dissolution Manager?
With Dissolution Standard, you answer a few questions online and we prepare and file your dissolution paperwork with the state—starting at $299 + state filing fees. With Business Dissolution Manager, starting at $799 + state filing fees, a dedicated Business Dissolution Manager handles the entire process for you: evaluating your Secretary of State status, identifying any gaps or outstanding filings, and managing everything through to a confirmed legal closure, plus unlimited phone and email support along the way.
Need it done faster? Business Dissolution Manager + Rush Filing adds expedited processing, with your filed documents delivered 2–3 business days after we receive them from the state.
Get your dissolution done the right way
Start my dissolution
I had accomplished my goal of closing my old business. I trust LegalZoom ... I have been with them for 2 years now.
— Debora H., dissolution customer
LegalZoom was quick, accurate, and attentive to detail and needs.
— Wallace G., LegalZoom customer
Legal Zoom is very patient and professional. Highly recommended.
— Sgroi C., LegalZoom customer
