Why was my company struck off in the first instant?

If the accounts or annual returns have not been received by Companies House, the Registrar may take the view that the company is neither in business nor in operation and will strike the company off the register. The Registrar may also strike a company off the register if the mail sent to the company’s registered office is returned undelivered. Before striking a company off the register, the Registrar will send three notices to the company’s registered office.

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How is restoring the company different from setting up another company with exactly the same name?

When you incorporate a new company you will be setting up a new entity with a different company number to the one that was dissolved, though the company name of both companies may be the same. You will not be able to transfer assets of the old company into the new company because they are two different entities or "persons" in law. Nor will you be able to trade with the new company and pretend it is the old company as this is a criminal offence. Company restoration on the other hand brings back the "dead" company as if it had never been dissolved.

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Which type of company restoration is best for me?

Please read the guidance notes given on company restoration page.

Will the company be restored under the same name as before?

No, not necessarily. If the original name of your company has been taken up or if the name contravenes the recent legislations about the "same as" names which follow stricter rules about name similarities, then the Registrar will ask you to choose an alternative company name. In the event that you do not supply an alternative name, the Registrar will temporarily change the company name to the company number, for example, "6574819 Limited" and ask you to change the company name to a name of your choice at a later date.

Administrative Company Restoration

Who can Apply?

Only a director or former member of the Company may apply.

For company restorations through the High Court:

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Is there a time limit?

You must make the application within 6 years of the date of dissolution. 

Where is the application made?

An application is made to Companies House, having first obtained a "Waiver letter" from the Bona Vacantia department of the Treasury Solicitor.

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Can I strike off a company after it is restored?

Administrative company restorations are usually accepted on the basis that the company wishes to continue business or maintain itself on the Register as a non trading / dormant company. However, there is nothing in company law that will stop you from applying for a voluntary strike off action.

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Will I have to submit accounts and annual returns?

In order to qualify for administrative company restoration you have to file the outstanding accounts and annual returns in order to bring the Company's records up to date at Companies House.

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Will I have to pay any penalties?

Each annual return filed, will be subject to the Companies House filing fee of £30, but will not have any penalties attached to them. Late filing penalties will apply on outstanding accounts depending on the length of delay as shown in the table below. For accounts delivered on company restoration, the period during which the company was dissolved is normally disregarded.

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When do I pay the late filing penalties?

The late filing penalties and annual return filing fees have to be made at the time of application, made payable to Companies House.

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What is the cost?

Visit our main company restoration information page for details of the cost.

Can I trade with the company after it is restored?

Absolutely. There are no conditions attached.

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