Voluntary strike-off is the simplest and most cost-effective way to close a solvent Irish limited company. This guide covers every step — from board resolution to CRO confirmation.
3–6
Months total
€245
From + VAT
€15
CRO filing fee
6,727
VSOs in 2024
What Is Voluntary Strike-Off in Ireland?
Voluntary strike-off is the process of formally closing a solvent Irish limited company by applying to the Companies Registration Office (CRO) to remove it from the register. It takes 3–6 months, costs from €245 + VAT, and requires a Revenue letter of no objection and a national newspaper notice. It is only available to companies with no debts, no litigation, and assets or liabilities not exceeding €150.
Under Section 731 of the Companies Act 2014, directors of a solvent company can apply to the Registrar of Companies to have the company voluntarily struck off the register. Once struck off, the company ceases to exist as a legal entity.
Voluntary strike-off is distinct from liquidation. Liquidation involves appointing a liquidator to wind up the company's affairs — it is used when there are assets to distribute or liabilities to resolve. Strike-off is simpler, faster, and cheaper: it is the right choice when the company has ceased trading and has no outstanding debts or assets.
Are You Eligible for Voluntary Strike-Off?
Before applying, your company must meet all of the following conditions:
- The company has ceased trading (or never traded)
- All CRO annual returns are filed and late filing penalties paid
- All Revenue tax returns are filed up to the cessation date
- All tax liabilities are cleared across all tax heads (VAT, PAYE, CT)
- Total liabilities and assets do not exceed €150
- No ongoing or pending litigation
- The company has not changed its name in the last 3 months
- All company bank accounts are closed
Outstanding returns? You can still strike off.
If your company has outstanding CRO or Revenue filings, you need to bring it into compliance before the H15 can be filed. Our Non-Compliant Company package (from €899 + VAT) handles this as part of the process.
Irish companies used voluntary strike-off in 2024 — 3.7× more popular than Members' Voluntary Liquidation (1,826 MVLs). It is by far the most common way to close a solvent Irish company.
CRO data via formations.ie, 2024
How Much Does Voluntary Strike-Off Cost in Ireland?
The main costs are the national newspaper notice and the CRO filing fee. Professional fees cover preparation and coordination.
| Item | DIY | Good Company |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue letter of no objection | Free | Included |
| National newspaper notice | €200–€300 | Included |
| CRO Form H15 filing fee | €15 | Included |
| Document preparation & coordination | Your time | Included |
| Total | €215–€315 + your time | €245 + VAT |
How to Apply for Voluntary Strike-Off — Step by Step
Pass a Board Resolution
Directors convene a board meeting (in person or remotely) to vote on closing the company. Shareholder approval is also required. This must happen at least three months before applying to the CRO.
Clear Debts and Close Bank Accounts
Pay all outstanding creditors. Distribute any remaining assets to shareholders. Close the company bank account — any funds left at dissolution vest automatically in the Irish State.
File All Outstanding CRO Annual Returns
All annual returns (Form B1) must be filed and any late filing penalties paid. The CRO will not process an H15 if returns are outstanding.
Notify Revenue and Clear All Tax Heads
Submit all outstanding tax returns to Revenue via ROS up to the cessation date. Deregister the company for VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax. All tax liabilities must be cleared.
Apply for Revenue Letter of No Objection
Apply via MyEnquiries on ROS. Revenue will issue a letter confirming no objection to the strike-off. The letter is valid for 3 months only — timing matters.
Place Newspaper Notice and File Form H15
Place a notice in a national daily newspaper (within 30 days before H15 filing). Then submit Form H15 electronically via CORE with the Revenue letter and newspaper clipping. CRO filing fee: €15. All directors must sign.
What Is Form H15?
Form H15 is the official CRO application form for voluntary strike-off. It must be:
- Signed by all directors of the company (not just a majority)
- Filed electronically via the CORE system on the CRO website
- Submitted with the Revenue letter of no objection (must be dated within 3 months)
- Submitted with a copy of the national newspaper notice (published within 30 days)
- Accompanied by the €15 CRO filing fee
How Do You Get a Revenue Letter of No Objection?
Apply via MyEnquiries on ROS (Revenue Online Service). An active director must make the application — or authorise an agent via a signed letter of consent.
Revenue will only issue the letter if all tax returns are filed and all liabilities cleared across every tax head (Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE, PRSI). Incomplete applications are returned without processing.
Timing matters
The Revenue letter is valid for only 3 months. Apply for it before placing the newspaper notice — if there are delays, the letter can expire before you file the H15, and you'll need a fresh one.
What Happens If You Leave a Dormant Company on the Register?
Many directors assume a dormant company can simply be left and forgotten. It cannot. An Irish limited company must file annual returns and accounts every year regardless of whether it traded — and the CRO actively enforces this.
Costs of keeping a dormant company on the register typically run €600–€900+ per year in compliance fees (annual return €299, accounts preparation €599).
Involuntary strike-off risk — August 2025 update
In August 2025, the CRO fully recommenced its involuntary strike-off enforcement process after a 5-year suspension (paused during COVID). Over 35,000 Irish companies are estimated to be at risk of involuntary strike-off due to overdue annual returns.
Involuntary strike-off is different from voluntary strike-off: the company is struck off without going through the Revenue clearance process. Directors can face personal liability for company debts, and any remaining assets vest automatically in the State. Restoration requires a court application.
If your company is dormant, the right approach is to strike it off properly now — before the CRO does it for you on worse terms.
Voluntary Strike-Off vs Liquidation: Which Do You Need?
| Voluntary Strike-Off | Members' Voluntary Liquidation | |
|---|---|---|
| Liabilities | Must be under €150 | Can have liabilities to settle |
| Assets | Nil or distributed beforehand | Liquidator distributes assets |
| Cost | From €245 + VAT | From €2,000+ |
| Timeline | 3–6 months | 4–12 months |
| Best for | Dormant / never-traded / small | Profitable company being wound up |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does voluntary strike-off take in Ireland?
Typically 3–6 months from the H15 filing. There is a mandatory 90-day notice period during which creditors can object. If no valid objection is received, the CRO strikes the company off the register.
Can I strike off a company with outstanding annual returns?
Yes, but all outstanding returns must be filed and penalties paid before the H15 can be submitted. We can file outstanding returns as part of our Non-Compliant Company package.
What happens to company assets when struck off?
All assets must be distributed before applying. The company cannot have net assets or liabilities exceeding €150. Any assets remaining at dissolution automatically vest in the Irish State.
Can a struck-off company be restored in Ireland?
Yes — within 20 years of dissolution via a court application under Section 738 of the Companies Act 2014. All outstanding CRO fees and penalties must be paid on restoration.
Do I need a solicitor for voluntary strike-off?
No. An accountant or company formation agent manages the full process: Revenue letter of no objection, national newspaper notice, and H15 filing with the CRO.
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