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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUSINESS DISSOLUTION

The Heritage Law Group May 5, 2022

Starting a new business venture is an exciting experience, but running the company can be quite tasking. Sometimes, things don't always turn out as anticipated. When you can no longer continue with business operations, dissolving the business is the formal way to close it down. In addition, business dissolution automatically ends any responsibility to pay taxes, handle debts, and other commitments. An experienced California business law attorney can enlighten you about the business dissolution process.

At The Heritage Law Group, we are dedicated to offering comprehensive legal guidance and reliable advocacy to clients in business law matters, including business formation, litigation, and dissolution. Whether you are trying to dissolve a corporation, LLC, or sole proprietorship, we can guide you through the business dissolution process and help you navigate key decisions. With offices in San Jose and Aliso Viejo, we proudly serve clients throughout Northern and Southern California.

Reasons for Dissolving a Business

Business dissolution can be described as the act of shutting down or dissolving a business entity legally. Dissolving a company legally is necessary to avoid potential taxes, fines, continued liability, or other fees. Below are some reasons for dissolving a business:

  • Bankruptcy

  • Low cash flow

  • Mismanagement of business operations

  • Negligent accounting practices

  • Disagreements between business partners

  • Excessive debts through loans

  • Failure of succession planning

  • Product liability

  • Failure to comply with mandates

  • Death or incapacitation of the business owner

The process for dissolving a business usually depends on the business structure. An experienced attorney can enlighten you about the dissolution process for your business entity.

Dissolving an LLC

Here are the steps to dissolve a limited liability company (LLC) in California:

Seek Approval From Members: Get approval from the LLC members through a formal vote to dissolve the company.

File a Certificate of Dissolution: Complete and file a Certificate of Dissolution with the California Secretary of State. The dissolution certificate must include your LLC's name and SOS file number. The certificate can be submitted by mail or in person.

Wind Up the Business: Some other important tasks to perform when winding up the business include:

  • Collect all known debts.

  • Pay all known debts.

  • Lease, sell, or transfer all property and assets belonging to the LLC.

  • Gather and distribute the remaining property and funds to LLC members.

Notify Creditors: Notify creditors and other claimants of the business dissolution. Under California law, all creditors and claimants must be notified through a properly written document.

Cancel Permits: Cancel all county, city, state, and regional business licenses and permits.

File Final Tax Returns: File your final tax returns with the tax authorities.

File for Cancellation: File for cancellation with the California Secretary of State using the Certificate of Cancellation.

A skilled business law attorney can guide you through the process and ensure that you do not miss any critical steps.

Dissolving a Corporation

To dissolve a corporation in California, here are the steps involved:

  • Schedule a meeting for the board of directors to create a resolution and vote to dissolve the corporation.

  • Hold a shareholders’ meeting to approve the motion to dissolve the corporation. The certificate must be executed by the shareholders.

  • Mail written notices to all known creditors and claimants that the corporation is winding up.

  • File a Certificate of Dissolution and other required documents with the California Secretary of State.

  • Settle any outstanding business debts, taxes, and administrative fees.

  • Distribute any remaining assets, property, and money.

  • Close all corporate bank accounts.

  • Cancel all business licenses and permits, including regional, state, city, and county licenses.

  • File a final franchise tax return for your corporation and cancel your tax accounts.

Failure to appropriately dissolve the corporation may lead to continued liability and expenses.

Dissolving a Sole Proprietorship

Here are the steps involved in dissolving a sole proprietorship in California:

  • Notify your employees and customers that you will be closing down voluntarily.

  • Stop all business operations.

  • Give final paychecks to employees.

  • Pay all outstanding business debts.

  • Cancel business permits with state and local authorities.

  • Cancel any occupational or professional licenses.

  • File your final tax returns.

  • File the necessary dissolution, surrender, or cancellation forms.

  • Closing any tax accounts connected to the business.

Additionally, it is important that each step is accurately performed to absolve the sole proprietor of ongoing accountability. An experienced attorney can walk you through every step involved in the business dissolution process and help protect your best interests.

How The Heritage Law Group Can Help

Closing your business formally in California often involves a lot of complicated processes. Depending on your business structure, there are critical steps that must be taken to dissolve the business legally and ensure that you are not liable for debts or other issues. An experienced business law attorney can help you understand the business dissolution process and offer you the detailed guidance you need.

At The Heritage Law Group, we have the resources, skills, and knowledge to advise and guide clients through the complexities of business dissolution. As your legal counsel, we can evaluate your unique situation, explore your possible legal options to close down your business, and determine the best course of action.

Also, our dedicated legal team can help you file the Certificate of Dissolution, file required taxes, notify creditors, pay all outstanding business debts, and cancel business licenses, permits, and tax accounts. We will craft a detailed checklist to guide and assist you through the business dissolution process and help you navigate crucial decisions every step of the way.

Contact The Heritage Law Group today to schedule a simple consultation with a knowledgeable business law attorney. Our skilled legal team can offer you the brilliant advocacy, assistance, and experienced legal guidance you need to shut down or dissolve your business legally. With offices in San Jose and Aliso Viejo, we proudly serve clients throughout Northern and Southern California.