How is a company struck off?
A company is struck off when the Registrar removes its name from the register under section 248. The company can apply for that removal after it has extinguished all its liabilities, or the Registrar can begin it where the section allows. Removing the name is not a winding up.
Who can start it?
The company, under section 248(2), by filing Form STK-2. Or the Registrar, where the company has failed to commence business within one year of incorporation, or has not carried on business for the two immediately preceding financial years and has not applied to be treated as dormant. The Registrar gives notice before removing the name. What changes once the name is off the register is on the consequences page.
When can the company apply?
After the liabilities are extinguished. The members pass a special resolution, or members holding at least 75 percent of the paid-up share capital consent. A special resolution is filed with the Registrar. The application is Form STK-2, with the indemnity and the affidavit the rules prescribe, and a statement of accounts made up to a day not more than 30 days before the application and certified by a chartered accountant. The application carries the government fee.
Which companies cannot apply?
The removal rules keep these out of a voluntary application:
- a section 8 company
- a listed company, and a company delisted for non-compliance
- a vanishing company
- a company under inspection or investigation, or with a prosecution pending
- a company that has not replied to a notice under section 206 or 207
- a company with a compounding application pending
- a company with public deposits outstanding, or in default on them
- a company with a charge that is pending satisfaction
What does the Registrar do next?
The Registrar publishes a notice. If no cause is shown, the name is removed and the dissolution is published. A concessional fee that applied to STK-2 during the 2026 facilitation scheme ended with that scheme on 15 July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Four questions cover a section 8 company, member approval, unpaid debts, and winding up.
Can a section 8 company apply to be struck off?
No. Section 248(2) does not let a section 8 company apply. The Registrar’s own power is a different route.
Is a special resolution the only way the members approve it?
No. The company may pass a special resolution, or obtain the consent of members holding at least 75 percent of the paid-up share capital.
Can a company apply while debts are unpaid?
No. The company applies after it has extinguished all its liabilities.
Is winding up the same as striking off?
No. Striking off removes the name under section 248. Winding up is a different process, used where there are affairs still to be wound up.
Sources
Removal of the name is section 248. The company’s application is Form STK-2.