Wrapping Up Your Business by the End of the Year

Let’s talk about a topic that might sound a bit perplexing at first but is really important: closing a business before the year comes to an end. Yes, it might seem a bit puzzling, but it’s something you need to know about.

So, why would you want to close a business before the year ends? Well, there could be a few reasons. Maybe your business isn’t doing as well as you hoped, or you’ve achieved all your goals and it’s time to move on to something new. Whatever the reason, closing a business is a big decision, and there are a few things you need to consider.

First, you need to make sure you follow all the legal mumble-jumble. That means meeting with a lawyer or an accountant who can guide you through the process. They can help you close any existing contracts, tie up loose ends with your employees, and make sure you settle any outstanding debts.

Next, it’s important to let your customers and suppliers know about the closure. You don’t want them to be caught off guard, right? Send them a friendly letter or an email explaining the situation and thanking them for their support. It’s always nice to end things on a positive note.

Of course, you also need to inform the government about your plan to close the business. This may involve filing certain forms or paperwork, so it’s essential to do your research and make sure you meet all the necessary requirements. It may sound a bit tedious, but it’s all part of the process.

Remember, closing a business is not a failure. It’s a chance to start anew, to explore new opportunities, and to learn from your experiences. It can be overwhelming at times, but remember, you’re not alone. Reach out to professionals who can lend a helping hand and support you throughout the process.

So, as you wrap up your business before the year’s end, remember to follow the legal steps, communicate with your customers and suppliers, and embrace this new chapter with open arms. Trust me, I know it may seem bittersweet, but sometimes closing one door is the best way to open another.

You know what? These past few years haven’t been easy for businesses here in the U.S. The pandemic really took its toll. And for the service sector, things have been especially tough. A recent study by the Federal Reserve found that more than 100,000 businesses have permanently closed during the 12 months from March 2020 to February 2021. That’s a lot.

How to Close Your Business the Right Way

So, if you’re in the tough spot of having to close your business, but you haven’t started the process yet, I’ve got some advice for you. It’s a good idea to wrap things up legally before the end of the year. And here’s why.

The Importance of Closing Your Business Legally

Just like I went through all the necessary steps to start my small business and make it legitimate, it’s equally important to legally close it. The moment I formed my business and followed the state and federal regulations, it became a living entity. But I can’t just hang an out-of-business sign – there are certain things I need to take care of. Did I file all the required paperwork? Have I paid off all the business’s debts? And what about the final tax forms?

Until I officially close my company or dissolve it, both the state and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expect me to file annual reports, pay company taxes, and renew permits and licenses. Neglecting to legally close my business can result in unexpected liabilities and unwanted fees. So it’s crucial to fulfill all the necessary obligations and wrap up my business properly.

When you decide to close your business before the end of the year, it not only gives you a fresh start for the new year, but it also saves you the hassle of dealing with tax returns, fees, and document filing for the next tax year. Here are five important steps to follow when closing your business before the year is over.

Step 1: Make a Decision

Closing a small business is just as simple as starting one, especially if you’re the sole proprietor with no employees. Your to-do list will include closing your physical location and/or taking down your website, sending a letter to notify your customers and vendors about the closure, paying off any debts, selling off your assets, and informing the IRS about the closure (we’ll talk more about that later).

If you own a partnership, corporation, or Limited Liability Company (LLC), closing your business begins with a vote. Since these business structures are legal entities formed by the state, there are different rules for dissolving a company in each state. However, the requirements for dissolution should be outlined in the partnership agreement or operating agreement that was created when the business was established. Typically, in a partnership or LLC, all or most of the partners need to agree to close the business before the dissolution process can begin. Similarly, LLCs and corporations must also hold a formal vote, with a majority of the members or shareholders agreeing to close. If the corporation has issued shares, at least two-thirds of the voting shares must agree to the closure.

The next step is to file dissolution papers.

Once the official vote is done, we have to send the Secretary of State’s office in our home state some paperwork called Articles of Dissolution. This paperwork is also known as the “Certificate of Termination” or “Certificate of Dissolution”. If we don’t file these notifications, the state will still consider our business legally open. If we do business in other states, we have to let them know too and cancel all our registrations there. The rules for cancelling a business in each state are different, but usually you have to fill out an application and pay a fee.

So, when you’re wrapping things up with your business, there are a few important steps to take. First off, don’t forget to cancel any permits, licenses, and business names you have in all the states where you used to do business. It’s crucial to tie up those loose ends.

Now, when you file dissolution documents, you’ll be covering some requirements. But here’s the thing: if your company registered a fictitious business name, also known as a DBA, there’s a separate process for canceling that. It’s a bit different, but equally important.

Step 3: Check Your Good Standing Status

Before you officially shut down a business, it’s crucial to make sure everything is in order with the state. You want to be in good standing, which means all the fees have been paid, paperwork has been filed on time, and any financial obligations like paying vendors, employees, payroll taxes, and sales taxes are taken care of. If you find yourself unable to pay off the company’s debts, you may have to think about filing for bankruptcy and let the courts handle the distribution of assets. It’s important to note that if your business is structured as a corporation or an LLC, you’ll need to prioritize paying off creditors before any leftover money or assets can be shared with shareholders.

So, you’re wondering what to do with your business assets when it’s time to close up shop? Well, typically, us business owners sell off those assets. It’s what the cool kids do. Anyway, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has some tips for ya. They suggest making a fancy inventory list and bringing in a smarty pants appraiser to figure out how much those assets are worth. After that, you’ll wanna hire someone who knows what they’re doing to actually sell all that stuff. Auctioneer, dealer, broker – take your pick!

4. Time to tell the big guys

Now, when it comes to telling the IRS that you’re shutting down, you gotta write ’em a letter. Don’t forget to mention your business’s fancy official name, its special Employer Identification Number (EIN)/Tax ID number, and where in the world it’s located. Oh, and if you’re a corporation, you’ll also need to fill out something called Form 966, Corporate Dissolution or Liquidation. Gotta dot those i’s and cross those t’s, ya know?

5. Don’t forget about taxes!

Ah, taxes. They’re the bees knees, aren’t they? Well, when it comes to closing up shop, you still gotta deal with ’em. Make sure you file your final taxes and settle up with the government. No sneaking out of that one!

Good news – you don’t have to wait until April 15 to file your final tax return. Once you’ve completed the previous steps, it’s time to file the final wage reports, capital gains and losses, and employment tax returns. Just remember to check the box that says final return, and most likely, you’re done! If the IRS has any questions about your final return, they’ll send you a letter with instructions on what to do next.

I know closing a business may seem daunting, but trust me, taking care of it now, before the year ends, will save you a lot of headaches in the future.

When it comes to business formations, filings, state tax registrations, and corporate compliance services in all 50 states, CorpNet has got you covered. We even offer express and 24-hour rush filing services upon request. If you want to learn more, just click here.