Meeting with a Lawyer: Closing a Business
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last updated June 20, 2016
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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.
Next Steps
Contact a qualified business attorney to help you tie up all loose ends when closing your business.