How to Dissolve an LLC in New York | LLC Closing Guide


Steve Goldstein
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To dissolve a limited liability company one has to take up a set of required steps. In New York, if you and the members of the LLC want to discontinue business, then it is necessary to dissolve their business legally to avoid any administrative and legal consequences. To dissolve an LLC in New York, you are required to submit a complete Article of Dissolution to the Secretary of State. Before submitting the Article of Dissolution, one must follow the operating agreement.

how-to-dissolve-llc-new-york

If you have a New York LLC (domestic or foreign) you must have an operating agreement. The first step towards the dissolution of New York LLC is to follow the operating agreement. There are some points to be noted before proceeding with the official paperwork. At first, make sure all the members of the LLC are agreed to dissolve the business. Once all the members are ready, their consent should be recorded via voting. After casting their vote in favor of the dissolution, the legal process must be started. Here are the steps to address for dissolving New York LLC.

How to Dissolve an LLC in New York

Dissolution of New York LLC requires three broad procedural steps. Having a New York LLC Operating agreement, close all the tax accounts, and finally submit the Articles of Dissolution form to the New York Secretary of State.

Step 1: Follow Your New York LLC Operating Agreement

When you have started an LLC as a business entity, then there is an operating agreement that is formed. There are complete details of how the company will function and grow in that operating agreement, which acts as a comprehensive guide. There is also a dissolution process, which is added to your agreement. The common dissolution steps that almost every LLC follows are:-

First of all, the dissolution vote will take place among the LLC members in the dissolution meeting. If the majority is with the YES, then the process goes into legal proceedings.

  • All the dissolution votes will be noted down and recorded with the minutes of the meeting or a consent form.
  • After that, a formal date for dissolving the LLC will be decided.
  • The next step is counting the LLC assets and dividing them among the stakeholders and members accordingly.
  • Finally, the creditors of the business are notified, and the debts of the business are settled.

This is a general process. However, it is strongly recommended to seek professional help to avoid any complications when it comes to terminating an LLC.

Get a Professional Agent Service

When it comes to a limited liability company dissolution, it is important to get professional help. The New York registered agent will guide you with everything you need to close your limited liability company. While choosing a registered agent make sure they have a physical street address in the state. A professional service provider helps you to file the Article of Dissolution and close your various tax accounts without any hassle. Below are the best LLC services we strongly recommend for you.

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Step 2: Close All Tax Accounts

Every action that an official business takes is legally bound to some minimum business taxes. For that, various accounts, especially business entity tax account, are maintained by the state government with the help of various departments. You should consider all the taxes that you have paid for your LLC’s duration and make a list of them.

You must contact all government entities and clear the amount of outstanding taxes due until the date you have decided for dissolution. All the taxes must be paid in advance so that you don’t face any issues in the further process of shutting down your LLC.

Some of the common taxes that limited liability companies have to pay are:

  • Unemployment insurance tax
  • Employee withholding tax if your LLC has employees.
  • If your LLC is engaged in selling taxable goods then they are liable to pay the sales and use tax.

Most of these taxes are normally filed, but some departments require official paperwork, without which it is impossible for the business to close their accounts. Apart from business taxes, federal taxes, personal income taxes, and franchise taxes are to be considered. For the franchise taxes, a franchise tax form is required.

That is why the LLC owner should go through the sales tax guide and hire an accounting service. If you want to do the accounting yourself or make accounting easy, try FreshBooks.

Tax clearance

While dissolving the New York LLC, the owner does not require to obtain a tax clearance certificate. However, if you have filed federal taxes, then you must go through the final return option on your IRS form.

The IRS form for the LLC that are classified as partnerships is form 1065, and those LLC’s who have registered themselves as corporate should check IRS form 1120.

Step 3: File Articles of Dissolution

There is a list of dissolution documents that you, as an LLC owner, have to file. Once these articles are filed, the legal existence of the LLC will be over. Like a New York Articles of Organization, one has to file New York LLC Articles of Dissolution. The dissolution procedure and filing the articles of dissolution form is very easy and is discussed below.

  • First of all, the LLC owner(s) has to file the Article of Dissolution. There are multiple methods of filing available, such as file by mail, in-person drop, or/and online filing. To get the application form you need to visit the Secretary of State Website of New York state.
  • You can follow the filing instruction on the official portal so that the steps for dissolution will be easier to complete.
  • In that particular SOS website, the LLC owner has to look for the Domestic LLC Articles of Dissolution page.
  • If you want to dissolve New York Foreign LLC then look for the Foreign LLC Dissolution process.
  • There is a form available on this page, which is the article of dissolution you are looking for. You have to download that pdf form and start filling it.
  • You must fill in all the important and legal information in the form, so you should be extra careful.
  • After filling in all the important information, you must choose the mode of payment you want to use to pay the LLC dissolution filing fees.
  • Along with the Articles of Dissolution, LLCs have to fill up and submit the Certificate of Dissolution.
  • After filling in every detail, one should submit the form through an official mail address and make a payment. You can also file by Fax. In case of Filing thorugh Fax number, make sure to attach the Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form.
  • It takes 3-5 business days after filing of articles of dissolution if you are filing it by mail.

Mail to,

New York State Department of State DIVISION OF CORPORATIONS, STATE RECORDS AND UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12231-0001

Fax: (518) 474-1418

Filing Fee: $60


The LLC you owned is dissolved, and you are free from all the liabilities linked with the LLC and its taxes. A copy of both original articles and recorded articles should be submitted in front of the probate judge. Now it’s his call that he accepts your expedited dissolutions or not.


Points to Be Noted When Dissolving New York LLC

Apart from these three steps, no major dissolution rules are there in New York. However, there are some other tasks one has to keep in mind while dissolving an LLC legally.

Winding Up

There are some purposes of LLC that require some attention even after dissolution, known as winding up. The task of winding up includes.

  • For a certain period, the property of a business requires preservation.
  • If there is any civil case against the LLC, then the owner needs to finish them.
  • Settle all the existing disputes of LLC.
  • Transfer all the property of LLC to the names of partners.
  • Release all the liabilities that the LLC owes to others.
  • Rightful distribution of all the assets among members, according to their percentage of partnerships.

Cost of Dissolving LLC

LLC cost in New York includes the formation as well as dissolution fees. To dissolve an LLC in New York, LLCs have to file an Article of Dissolution. The filing fee is $60. The details are mentioned on the second page of the article dissolution filing form. Following are the ways to pay for the dissolution,

  • You can select a payment pick-up option.
  • There is an option of direct account transfer through your prepaid accounts.
  • LLC owners can also use their Credit cards, providing their complete details and types. Along with that, an original signature is required to authorize the transaction state will make.

After Dissolving Your LLC

After you formally dissolve your LLC, your business name will not be reserved anymore. Any other business entity will be eligible to use your New York LLC name immediately after 120 days of dissolving your LLC. On the other hand, if you have a foreign LLC in other states, then you must comply with the SOS of the state after the dissolution of your LLC in New York. A registered agent can help you do the needful.

Reasons Behind Dissolving New York LLC

LLC is a type of business entity that has less liability on the owners or the company’s partners. But when someone wants to start a new LLC, they need to go through the legal operations of the government. So, when you dissolve an LLC in New York, it can lead to legal problems for the owners if done inadequately. Even though legal issues can be a reason to dissolve the company, there are other reasons too.

The possible reasons why to dissolve a business in New York,

  • The low inflow of cash in the business.
  • The improper management of the basic tasks of the company.
  • Disagreements among the partners of the company.
  • Too many issues regarding the profits of LLC.
  • Failure in achieving the ultimate goal of the company.

By now, it would have been easier to get an overview of the concept. Well, it is all about legal operations and their necessity. So it is better to dissolve the company in the same legal way, the way it commenced.

Top Businesses in New York!

When it comes to businesses and start-ups, New York is known as the hub of these events. So if you plan to start an LLC in New York, it is essential to understand the profitable business models. Here, we have mentioned them,

  1. Professional Services: The New York state is known for its professional services sector as it has generated jobs for 403,200 people. The gross earnings of this sector are around $211.36 billion, making it the second-largest contributor after the finance sector.
  2. Export services: New York is known to export various goods, commodities, minerals, and many other things. The contribution of export business to the state’s GDP in the year 2018 is around $84.7 billion. This value accounted for 5.1% of the total GDP of the state.
  3. Agriculture: The economy of New York is getting many benefits because of the sectors of agriculture. The sector also supports many manufacturing businesses and has contributed more than $5.4 billion to New York’s GDP.

New York LLC Dissolution Review

Time needed: 5 minutes

Here’s a recap of the steps you must follow when dissolving your New York LLC. Click on the steps in this list if you want to read the full detail.

  1. Follow Your New York LLC Operating Agreement

    Remember that when you started, you created an operating agreement. Use this agreement as a guide in proceeding with the dissolution of your LLC.

  2. Close All Tax Accounts

    Make sure you close all your tax accounts to avoid incurring further costs.

  3. File Articles of Dissolution

    File the article of dissolution to make it known to the state where your LLC operates is that you are indeed no longer in business.

F.A.Qs

Is there any filing fee the LLC owner has to pay for dissolving their LLC?

Yes, in New York, there is a fee of $60 to be paid for filing the Articles of Dissolution. Articles of Dissolution must be submitted to the New York SOS.

Is the revenue department clearance required for dissolution?

No, there is no requirement of revenue department clearance till the time the SOS of New York accepts the dissolution form.

Can someone else take the name I use for my LLC?

The name will also get deregistered with the dissolution of LLC. But the name will not be allotted for the next 120 days. After that, if some business wants to name their LLC after the name chosen by you, then it is their choice.

Are there any financial penalties if I don’t dissolve my LLC legally and miss the reports?

If you have not dissolved your LLC, you are liable for business privilege tax, and if it is not paid on time, you are leveraged with 10% of the amount of tax or $50. After that, the additional penalties will increase by $1 per month. If it goes unpaid for a longer duration, then the chances of seizing your property can also recover the tax.

Are there any fees for the probate judge who is taking the dissolution decisions?

Yes, if you are dissolving your LLC, you have to pay some amount to the probate judge who was also present during your LLC formation in the probate office. The minimum fee of the judge is $50, which can vary.

What is the Cost to Dissolve an LLC in New York

To dissolve an LLC in New York you need to file the Articles of Dissolution with the New York State Division of Corporations through mail by paying a filing fee of $60.

The cost to dissolve an LLC in New York includes various fees and expenses that must be accounted for throughout the dissolution process. These costs can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the business and the complexities involved in winding down its operations.

One of the primary costs associated with dissolving an LLC in New York is the filing fee for submitting formal dissolution paperwork to the state. In addition, there may be fees for obtaining a Certificate of Dissolution or filing a Certificate of Termination with the Department of State. These fees can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, depending on the specific requirements and filings involved.

Another cost to consider when dissolving an LLC in New York is the potential need for legal assistance. While hiring a lawyer is not always required, seeking the advice and guidance of a legal professional can ensure that the dissolution process is streamlined and handled correctly. Legal fees can vary depending on the complexity of the dissolution and the level of assistance needed.

In addition to filing fees and legal costs, there may be other expenses to consider when dissolving an LLC in New York. For example, some LLCs may have outstanding debts or liabilities that need to be settled before dissolution can be completed. This can include paying off creditors, resolving any pending lawsuits, or distributing assets to members or shareholders. These financial obligations can impact the overall cost of dissolving an LLC and should be carefully considered during the process.

It is important for business owners to budget and plan for these costs when considering dissolving an LLC in New York. Failing to account for these expenses can result in delays, legal complications, or financial burdens that can prolong the dissolution process and create additional stress for those involved.

In conclusion, understanding the costs associated with dissolving an LLC in New York is crucial for business owners looking to close their operations. By being aware of the various fees, expenses, and financial obligations involved in the dissolution process, owners can navigate the complexities of closing their business with ease and confidence. Planning for these costs and seeking legal guidance when needed can help streamline the process and ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved.

In Conclusion

Limited liability companies reduce owners’ personal liability. Having an LLC is quite cost-effective. However, if it is required to close down the business, then the dissolution process should be done legally. Get a professional service to get everything done. We hope this article helps you to close your LLC in New York. If you have any query do let us know in the comment box.

1 thought on “How to Dissolve an LLC in New York | LLC Closing Guide”

  1. Buena tarde, tengo una LLC y estoy pensando cerrar por razones ajenas pero existe la posibilidad de vender, mi pregunta es… Que seria mas favorable? traspasarla a el nuevo dueno o cerrar todo definitivamente, ignorando que es posible ese traspaso

    Reply

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