How to Cancel a Delaware LLC

Please note: The information on this page pertains to Delaware LLCs. If you have a Delaware corporation you wish to close, please see our "Dissolving a Corporation" page.

At some point in the business’s lifecycle, you may find it necessary to dissolve an LLC -- a process that culminates in the Delaware Certificate of Cancellation. Canceling an LLC will protect the owner from future liability and prevent further taxation. There are a couple ways to initiate the cancellation process. Learn how in this How to Dissolve an LLC guide.

Dissolving vs Canceling: What's the Difference?

Many people use the terms "dissolving" and "canceling" interchangeably when referring to an LLC or corporation. While both terms represent the same result (closure of the company), it is important to note that, technically, they are distinct processes.

The correct term depends on whether you are the owner of a corporation or an LLC. In Delaware, "dissolution" refers to the process of closing a corporation through the filing of a Certificate of Dissolution. LLCs, on the other hand, are "canceled" through a Certificate of Cancellation. 

While the difference in meaning is small, each process has unique paperwork that needs to be filed properly with the State of Delaware in order to close your company.

How to Cancel Your Delaware LLC

Option 1: Unanimous or Majority Vote

The process to cancel an LLC in Delaware can begin with a unanimous vote among owners. Or, depending on the terms of your Operating Agreement, you may specify how to cancel the LLC with a certain percentage of members in agreement to cancel.

Typically, the first thing business owners will want to do is talk to a tax professional and/or attorney to determine if canceling the LLC is the best option for the company. If the circumstances call for the LLC to be canceled, consult your LLC Operating Agreement, which usually outlines your cancellation process.

Option 2: Delaware Law

Before Canceling Your LLC

Before you begin the Delaware LLC cancellation process, you should typically terminate all your LLC’s business affairs, such as:

• Consult the LLC Operating Agreement to determine what is necessary for canceling your LLC. You may need to take a member vote to confirm the process;
• Settle any pending lawsuits;
• Allocate assets;
• Pay state franchise taxes and federal taxes, including any late fees and interest due;
• Settle and close any outstanding business of the LLC;
• Sell or disseminate the LLC's property;
• Settle any liabilities the LLC may be facing, such as creditors' claims, loans or contracts;
• If your LLC has been registered to operate in other states, file additional forms in each of those states to terminate your Foreign Qualification
• Close your LLC’s bank account (keep in mind there are fees associated with closing the LLC).

The most important step in the Delaware LLC cancellation process is to file a Certificate of Cancellation.

Steps to File a Certificate of Cancellation

1. Prepare the Certificate of Cancellation, which can be obtained from the State of Delaware's website. Our team can also help you prepare one of these documents.
2. One member (owner) of the LLC must sign the Certificate of Cancellation.
3. Pay the cancellation and preparation service fees, as well as the current year's Delaware Franchise Tax Fee.
4. File the Certificate of Cancellation.

Keep in mind that once a Delaware LLC is canceled, the company name becomes available for anyone else in the state to utilize.

How Much Does It Cost to Dissolve an LLC?

To file a Certificate of Cancellation in the state of Delaware for your Limited Liability Company, it will include the Certifiate of Cancellation fee plus Franchise Tax. We can help provide an accurate cost and submit the document to the Delaware Division of Corporations on your behalf.

The Safest, Most Efficient Way to Cancel Delaware LLCs

Harvard Business Services, Inc. can help you cancel your Delaware LLC in a professional and prompt manner. When you enlist our team for the Delaware LLC cancelation process, we will expertly assemble the required paperwork and forward it to you via email or fax for your signature.

After you sign and return all necessary documents to us by fax, mail or email, we will file the Certificate of Cancellation with the Delaware Secretary of State within 24 hours.

The Delaware Division of Corporations generally takes three to five (3-5) business days to return the receipt of filing to us; once we receive it, we will immediately forward it to you via email for your records.

It is very important to complete the Delaware LLC cancellation process once you’ve decided to move forward. If you do not legally and officially cancel your LLC, your company will continue to be held responsible for the annual Delaware Franchise Tax Fee as well as your LLC's annual Registered Agent Fee until either the Registered Agent resigns or until the state of Delaware voids the company.

Can a Canceled LLC Be Reinstated?

After Canceling Your LLC

After you’ve completed the Delaware LLC cancellation process, you may need to write a letter to the IRS, requesting closure of your LLC's EIN Number. Include the full name of the LLC, its address and a copy of the Certificate of Cancellation.