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:
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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:
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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:
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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.
Here's why it's important to dissolve your business
Here's why it's important to dissolve your business
Operating agreements limit personal liability by establishing the LLC as separate from owners.
Avoid fees and taxes
Avoid fees and taxes
Until you dissolve your business, you're still on the hook for the fees and taxes that come with operating it.
Put creditors on notice
After settling your final bills, formally dissolving lets creditors know your business can't incur further debts.
Be compliant with the state
Be compliant with the state
If you're a business owner and winding down your company, you also need to dissolve it officially, following state law.
Get what you're owed
Get what you're owed
You and other shareholders or partners get the remaining assets and cash you're expecting after closure.
Face the future with certainty
Face the future with certainty
Pay your taxes and creditors, and issue your final payroll. Pay off and cancel company credit cards.
Tie up loose ends
Tie up loose ends
If you're going to make a clean break by closing one business before starting another, do it the right way by dissolving your unneeded business.
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How to use LegalZoom to dissolve your business in 3 easy steps
How to use LegalZoom to dissolve your business in 3 easy steps
LegalZoom will prepare and file articles of dissolution for you.
Answer a few questions online
Answer a few questions online
We’ll create and file your dissolution paperwork
We’ll create and file your dissolution paperwork
You’ll receive your filed articles of dissolution in the mail
You’ll receive your filed articles of dissolution in the mail
Want to view examples of dissolution documents?
Why should I officially dissolve my business?
Why should I officially dissolve my business?
Filing articles of dissolution when closing your business means you avoid future requirements, such as income tax liabilities, annual reports, and other ongoing duties with your state. Closing your business does not impact past liabilities. Once you close your business, you may feel a sense of closure.
What does it mean to dissolve a business?
What does it mean to dissolve a business?
The process of dissolving your business lets your state, creditors, employees, customers, and everyone know that your business closure is imminent. It's best to use articles of dissolution to do this. Filing articles is mandatory for most businesses except sole proprietorships.
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What happens when your business is dissolved?
What happens when 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 are articles of dissolution?
What are articles of dissolution?
If you’re a business owner in charge of a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, you would have filed either articles of organization or incorporation with the state. These articles establish your business as a separate legal entity. You use articles of dissolution to undo this process so your business no longer exists.
If you don't file articles of dissolution when you close a company, the state assumes your business is still operational, potentially leading to fines and penalties.
What is the difference between dissolving and terminating an LLC?
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.
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What steps do I need to take to wind down my business?
What steps do I need to take to wind down my business?
If you’re getting ready to close the doors of your business, consider these steps: 

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Vote to dissolve: If your bylaws or operating agreement require it, you must follow its rules for dissolution. This typically involves holding a vote.
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Notify creditors and customers: Pay off all your outstanding debts and accepted claims. Tell creditors the deadline for submitting any final claims. Collect outstanding payments from customers.
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Settle your state taxes: Pay and file all your outstanding state and local taxes. Ensure you meet your tax obligations.
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Make sure all taxes owed to the IRS are paid: File a final tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), report capital gains, and close your EIN account.
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Notify employees: Pay any employees' final wages, settle your last payroll tax bill, and file your last employment tax return.
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Cancel licenses and more: Cancel all business licenses and permits. Also, deregister fictitious business names (DBAs).
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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?
Should I close an unused LLC?
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.
•
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.
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How do I close an LLC?
How do I close an LLC?
To officially dissolve a limited liability company (LLC), consider these additional steps: 

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Hold a meeting of LLC members to vote on dissolution, making sure the vote follows state law and your LLC operating agreement.
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Properly submit LLC articles of dissolution to the state—or we can do this for you!
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Check that you’ve notified all parties: suppliers, customers, creditors, including a time frame for paying claims.
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Complete a Schedule K-1 for each member for personal tax purposes. File your final return, pay taxes due, and close your Employer Identification Number (EIN) account.
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Cancel your LLC bank accounts and insurance policies, licenses, and permits. Keep insurance until you’re sure you don’t need it.
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Distribute remaining assets to members in the manner agreed to in your operating agreement.
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Safely store LLC records for seven years (or until the statute of limitations expires) and property records until the limitation period expires.
How do I close a corporation?
How do I close a corporation?
Domestic corporations must file articles of dissolution, also known as a certificate of dissolution, to start the process. Consider these additional steps to voluntarily dissolve a C corporation:
•
Hold a board of directors meeting to vote on dissolution, then ask for shareholders' approval. Be sure to follow the rules laid out in the corporate bylaws.
•
File a certificate of dissolution from the Secretary of State. We can do this for you!
•
Inform the IRS and pay all due taxes to obtain "consent to dissolution" or a "tax clearance."
•
Cancel your corporate bank accounts and insurance policies, licenses, and permits. Keep insurance until you’re sure you don’t need it.
•
Distribute remaining assets to members in the manner agreed to in your bylaws.
•
Safely store corporate records for seven years (or until the statute of limitations expires) and property records until the limitation period expires.
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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
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What our customers are saying
What our customers are saying
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
