When Companies House dissolves a company, we must restrict the account immediately. We know this is stressful, but our team is here to help you sort it out. Your next steps depend on whether you want to resume trading or close permanently.
Option 1: You want to restore your company
You can apply to restore your business to the Companies House register.
If Companies House struck off your company, you can usually apply for administrative restoration using form RT01. You must apply within six years of dissolution and prove the company was trading. If you voluntarily closed the business with a DS01 form, you must obtain a court order instead.
Follow these steps to get back up and running:
Message our support team in the app so we can log your restoration attempt.
Submit form RT01 to Companies House with all overdue accounts, confirmation statements, and fees.
Send us your official restoration notice once Companies House marks your company as active.
We will verify your company status and guide you through regaining access to your money.
Option 2: You do not plan to restore your company
If you choose not to restore your business, the account will close permanently.
Under UK law, any remaining funds pass to the Crown under bona vacantia rules. You will need to contact the government office for your region to claim your money:
England and Wales: Contact the Bona Vacantia Division within the Government Legal Department.
Scotland: Contact the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer.
Northern Ireland: Contact the Crown Solicitor's Office.
You will still have access to the app where you can download a balance statement for your claim.
Managing urgent payments while your account is frozen
Your business cards, transfers, and direct debits stop working as soon as an account is restricted, so it's important that you arrange alternative payment methods right away.