Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Meeting with a Lawyer: Closing a Business

Also available in PDF | MS Word

If you are closing any form of business other than a sole proprietorship, you will probably want to retain an attorney to determine the appropriate procedure for notifying various state authorities and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your intentions. In addition to these required notifications, you also will want to contact business partners, customers, suppliers, and any other parties that will be affected by the shut down. Remember, problems can arise even after a business has closed down -- such as contract disputes or customer needs -- which is why doing it properly and with the help of an attorney is so important.

Due to the complexity of closing down a business entity, it's best to have the help of an experienced business attorney. But in order to best assist you, your attorney will need your cooperation and careful recordkeeping. At your first meeting with your attorney, you should be prepared to provide the following information:

Name of Business_________________________________________________________

Any other names under which the entity has done business_________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Business Address_________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Business Telephone number_________________________________________________

Business Fax_____________________________________________________________

Business E-Mail Address___________________________________________________

Person to be Contacted_____________________________________________________

Telephone Number of Contact Person_________________________________________

Business email of contact person_____________________________________________

Employer Identification Number_____________________________________________

Date of Incorporation (or the date that the state gave you permission to conduct business)

________________________________________________________________________

When and where you filed your articles of incorporation, registered your partnership, limited liability articles of organization, etc.

________________________________________________________________________

When and where you filed each certificate of trade name, fictitious name, assumed name

________________________________________________________________________

When and where you obtained a sales tax permit

________________________________________________________________________

When and where you obtained any licenses to conduct your business

________________________________________________________________________

When and where you filed your last tax return

________________________________________________________________________

Full names and addresses of all corporate officers, general partners, members, or any person who is likely to appear on documents that are filed with the state or taxing authorities.

Attach list

If you have already voted to dissolve:

·     The date dissolution was approved_________________________________________

·     The number of votes cast on the proposal to dissolve__________________________

·     The total numbers of votes cast for and against_______________________________

List any dissolution preparations that have already been made, e.g., tax forms filed, plans for liquidation

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

If the law firm will be notifying creditors of your dissolution, list the names and addresses of your creditors

Attach list

If the law firm will be collecting your assets, list all outstanding assets

Attach list

The name of your commercial insurance carrier_________________________________

Commercial insurance carrier agent's telephone number___________________________

The name and telephone number of the accountant who will be handling the liquidation or taxes issues

___________________________________________________

Find the Right Attorney to Help You Close Your Business

Since closing your business is not as simple as flipping the switch and walking away, you want to make sure you've done it both effeciently and legally. Even an honest mistake can result in liability long after the business has closed down. Find a business and commercial law attorney licensed in your state today.

Was this helpful?

Response sent, thank you

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps

Contact a qualified business attorney to help you tie up all loose ends when closing your business.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Meet FindLaw's trusted provider of business formation solutions:

'You want to get it right. ZenBusiness can help.' Mark Cuban, Spokesperson

Let's start your free LLC!

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees

Start My LLC

The #1 rated service by trusted experts

  • Forbes
  • Market Watch
  • Marc Cuban
  • Nerdwallet
  • Investopedia
Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options