Proposal to strike off: what the check means

What this test checks

Looks for the register status Active - Proposal to Strike off. It appears when a notice has been published in the Gazette proposing to remove the company from the register. Unless the process is stopped, the company is dissolved once the notice period of at least two months has passed.

There are two routes to the status. The directors can apply to close the company (voluntary strike-off), or Companies House can start the process itself because the company appears to have stopped meeting its obligations, usually by not filing its accounts or confirmation statement (compulsory strike-off).

What a fail looks like

The status reads Active - Proposal to Strike off. The company can still trade, but if nothing changes it will cease to exist within months, and any contract or debt with it goes with it.

Harmless explanations

• A voluntary strike-off is the usual way to close a solvent company that is no longer needed, for example when its owners retire.
• A compulsory proposal is often suspended once overdue filings are brought up to date, so it can reflect administrative neglect rather than financial trouble.
• A creditor or other interested party can object, which suspends the process.

What to do

• Check the Gazette notice to see whether the strike-off is voluntary or compulsory.
• If the company owes you money, object to the strike-off with Companies House before the notice period ends.
• If you rely on the company, ask what is happening and line up an alternative supplier.

Background: Company status at Companies House.

Related tests

• FIN-003Accounts Overdue Check
• GOV-085Confirmation Statement Overdue
• FIN-001Company Status Check
• LEG-020Gazette Notice Existence

Part of the test catalogue. Every check Senserity runs, with its severity and the plan it is available on.

Last reviewed 3 October 2026.