How to Dissolve a Washington D.C. Corporation in 2023

The Basics of Dissolving a Washington D.C. Corporation

In general, every dissolution follows the same basic structure, with 5 basic steps. There are, of course, a lot more “nuts and bolts” to the process (read more about them here), but for now, let’s get a bird’s eye view:

• Vote to dissolve the corporation: Corporations are not solo endeavors, and ending them isn’t one individual’s call. First, your board will need to convene and vote on a motion to dissolve the corporation. After that, some corporations will need to have their shareholders vote for the dissolution as well (depending on the corporation’s bylaws).
• File the dissolution paperwork: Once your corporation’s members have decided to dissolve, you’ll reach out to the Washington D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection and fill out the appropriate Articles of Dissolution.
• Fulfill your tax obligations: Your corporation will need to pay any taxes due to the IRS and the DC Treasurer. This can be a multi-step process as you liquidate assets and pay any creditors.
• Cancel licenses and close accounts: If your corporation maintains any licenses or permits, this is the time to cancel them so you aren’t charged renewal fees. You should also close down accounts with vendors and your bank (once your financial affairs are settled).
• Notify your stakeholders: A dissolving corporation must settle any financial debts, liquidate its assets, and distribute the appropriate funds to its shareholders. Stakeholders must be notified so they can lay claim to their share in a timely fashion.

That’s the gist of dissolving a Washington D.C. corporation. But before you can truly start the process, you’ll need to answer one important question.

Who’s Dissolving the Washington D.C. Corporation?

Two key groups can dissolve a corporation: the original incorporators and the initial board of directors or the shareholders. The group initiating the dissolution affects how you file with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. So let’s talk about each.

Dissolving a Washington D.C. corporation by the incorporators or initial board of directors

In some cases, a Washington D.C. corporation might decide to dissolve before they really get things up and running. More specifically, if the corporation hasn’t issued stock or conducted any business yet, then the incorporators or initial directors will be the ones who vote to dissolve the corporation.

Once the dissolution vote passes, the corporation can file the Articles of Dissolution by Incorporators and Initial Directors form online. Here’s the information required to complete this document:

• Name of your Washington DC corporation
• Date of incorporation
• Affirmation from the signing officer that:
  • None of the corporation’s shares have been issued
  • The corporation has not commenced business
  • No debts remain unpaid
  • Net assets of the corporation remaining have been distributed
  • A majority of the incorporators or initial directors have authorized the dissolution
• Effective date for the filing
• Signature of an authorized individual

This form costs $220 to submit. Washington D.C. usually processes this paperwork within 15 business days.

Dissolving a Washington D.C. corporation by the shareholders

In a corporation that has issued shares, the dissolution process looks a little bit different. In most cases, the board votes for a motion to dissolve the corporation. Then that vote is brought before the shareholders for approval.

After that, the corporation can file a slightly different version of the Articles of Dissolution online. Here’s the information required to complete the document:

• Name of your corporation
• Date of dissolution authorization
• Effective date of the dissolution
• Name and signature of an authorized individual

There is a $220 filing fee for this form. Washington D.C. usually processes this paperwork within 15 business days.

All told, the paperwork steps for dissolving a corporation are pretty similar; it’s primarily a matter of filing the proper form.

What About Administrative Dissolutions?

Sometimes, the District of Columbia may force a corporation to dissolve against its will. Usually, this happens because a corporation hasn’t filed its annual report, paid its taxes, maintained its registered agent, renewed appropriate licensure, or some other clerical error. A corporation may also be dissolved for any activities that are ruled fraudulent or otherwise harmful to the public.

In most cases, these corporations can be restored and resume business. The process can be quite a hassle, but it is manageable. First, a corporation must resolve whatever issue caused its dissolution. A corporation with defunct annual reports, for example, would need to submit the reports and pay any missing fees (plus late fees).

After that you’ll need to apply for reinstatement with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. There’s a hefty $300 reinstatement fee, plus a $100 fee and 5% interest rate for each delinquent report. Please note that this procedure only works for administrative dissolutions; voluntary dissolutions have a different procedure.

It’s far easier to avoid dissolution entirely; remain compliant with your corporation, and you can skip this step completely.