Articles of dissolution are the official documents filed with your state to legally end your LLC, corporation, or nonprofit's existence. Filing them stops future state fees, taxes, and annual report obligations, and protects owners from ongoing liability.
Provide the information your state requires to dissolve the company. Our dynamic form tailors to your state.
We prepare and file your articles of dissolution with the state on your behalf
After the state has processed your paperwork, we will deliver any confirmation or documentation that we receive directly to you.
Filing articles of dissolution stops the state from continuing to treat your business as active, which means an end to future state fees, franchise taxes, and annual report obligations you'd otherwise keep accumulating.
It also protects you personally: generally once the dissolution is filed, owners are shielded from liability for the company's future obligations, and creditors receive formal notice that starts the window for resolving any outstanding claims.
What are articles of dissolution?
Articles of dissolution are the legal documents you file with your state to officially end your LLC, corporation, or nonprofit's existence. Filing them notifies the state, tax agencies, and creditors that your business has closed. Some states use the term "certificate of dissolution" or "certificate of cancellation" instead, but the purpose is the same.
How do I dissolve my LLC or corporation?
The general process involves holding a formal vote to approve the dissolution, notifying creditors, resolving outstanding taxes and debts, and filing your articles of dissolution with the state. The exact requirements and required approvals vary by entity type and state.
What happens if I don't file articles of dissolution?
If you stop operating your business without formally dissolving it, your state will generally continue to treat it as active. This can mean ongoing annual fees, franchise taxes, and reporting obligations, and in some cases, personal liability for owners that formal dissolution would have limited.
Do I need to notify the IRS when I dissolve my business?
Yes. You'll generally need to file a final tax return for your business and check the box indicating it's a final return. Nonprofits have an additional requirement to file a final Form 990. Consult a tax professional to confirm the specific forms your entity needs.
Can I dissolve a business that has outstanding debts?
In most cases, you'll need to address outstanding debts and liabilities, or make documented arrangements to do so, as part of the dissolution process. Some states require a tax clearance certificate confirming all state taxes are paid before they'll accept your dissolution filing.
What's the difference between articles of dissolution and a certificate of dissolution?
In most cases, these terms refer to the same document and are used interchangeably depending on the state. A handful of states also use "certificate of cancellation," particularly for LLCs.
