Free Advice for Company Directors After Strike Off Objection
Has your company strike-off application been suspended or objected to?
If you have submitted a DS01 form to close your company and Companies House has paused the application, it usually means an objection has been received.
This can come as a shock, especially if you believed the company was no longer trading and could simply be struck off the register.
At DCA Business Recovery, we help directors understand what has happened, what options are available, and whether voluntary liquidation may be a better route forward.
If your strike-off application has been objected to because of unpaid tax, you may need to deal with the HMRC arrears before the company can be closed. Read our guide to HMRC debt advice for limited company directors.
How a Strike-Off Application Can Lead to a Strike Off Objection
A strike-off application is often used when directors believe a company has stopped trading, has no remaining assets, and has no outstanding debts. However, if a creditor believes the company still owes money or should not be removed from the Companies House register, they may object to the application.
The process usually follows these key steps:
Why Has My DS01 Been Suspended?
A DS01 application can be suspended when a creditor or interested party objects to the company being struck off.
This does not always mean the company cannot ever be closed, but it does mean that the strike-off route may not be straightforward.
If the company owes money to HMRC, a bank, a Bounce Back Loan lender, trade creditors or another party, there is a risk that further strike-off applications could also be objected to.
For directors, the important question is not just why the objection happened, but what should be done next.
Should I Reapply After a Strike Off Objection?
Some directors wait for the objection period to end and then submit another DS01 application.
In some cases, this may be suitable. However, if the reason for the objection has not been dealt with, there is a risk that the same creditor may object again.
Repeated strike-off applications can leave the company stuck in the same position, while debts, correspondence and creditor pressure remain unresolved.
Before reapplying, directors should consider:
- Why the original application was objected to
- Whether the company has any unpaid debts
- Whether HMRC, a bank or another creditor is likely to object again
- Whether the company is solvent or insolvent
- Whether a formal closure process is more appropriate
Taking advice at this stage can help avoid further delays and uncertainty.
Is Strike-Off Still the Right Option?
Strike-off may still be suitable for some companies, particularly where the company has stopped trading, has no debts, has no assets and there are no unresolved matters.
However, strike-off may not be suitable where:
- The company is insolvent
- HMRC is owed money
- There is an outstanding Bounce Back Loan
- The company owes money to trade creditors
- The company has assets to deal with
- There are ongoing disputes
- Creditors have already objected
- The directors are unsure whether the company can be dissolved safely
If you are unsure, it is better to take advice before submitting another application.
When Voluntary Liquidation May Be a Better Route
If your strike-off application has been objected to, it is important not to ignore the position.
Directors should take care before making further decisions, particularly if the company owes money or may be insolvent.
You should consider:
- What debts remain unpaid
- Who may have objected
- Whether the company has any assets
- Whether the company has stopped trading
- Whether the company can pay its debts as they fall due
- Whether there is an overdrawn director’s loan account
- Whether any company money or assets have been moved
- Whether HMRC, bank debt or a Bounce Back Loan remains outstanding
Getting advice early can help directors understand their duties and avoid making the position more difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If your DS01 has been suspended, paused or objected to, it is sensible to take advice before reapplying, ignoring the objection or making further decisions.
It depends on the company’s position. If the company has no debts, no assets and no unresolved matters, strike-off may be suitable. If the company cannot pay its debts, voluntary liquidation may be a more appropriate way to close the company formally.
An outstanding Bounce Back Loan can result in a strike-off application being objected to, particularly if the lender or another party believes the company still has unpaid liabilities.
Yes. HMRC can object to a strike-off application if they believe tax remains outstanding or there are unresolved tax matters.
You may be able to apply again, but if the reason for the original objection has not been dealt with, there is a risk that the application will be objected to again.
If an objection is accepted, the strike-off application is suspended and the company remains active on the Companies House register. The company is not dissolved, and the directors remain responsible for dealing with the company’s position.
