ASIC-initiated deregistration of company

This is Information Sheet 10 (INFO 10).

ASIC may deregister a company if we think it has ceased trading or it has overdue fees and penalties.

• Reasons for ASIC-initiated deregistration
• How does ASIC-initiated deregistration work?
• How can I stop ASIC-initiated deregistration?

Reasons for an ASIC-initiated deregistration

There are a few reasons why ASIC may begin deregistering a company, including if:

• the company has not paid its annual review fee within 12 months of the due date
• the company has not responded to a Company compliance notice, has not lodged any documents in 18 months, and we think it's not in business; or
• the company is being wound up and there is no liquidator.

How does an ASIC-initiated deregistration work?

The steps for an ASIC-initiated deregistration are:

1. We'll send a letter to the company's directors and/or liquidator (if applicable)to advise of the pending deregistration.
2. We'll update the company's status on our register to display as 'SOFF' (Strike off status), meaning it's being deregistered.
3. We'll post a notice on our Published notices website, advising that the company will be deregistered in two months unless stopped.
4. When two months have passed, we'll deregister the company and send a notice to the directors and/or liquidators to confirm.

Once a notice has been published on the Published notices website, it can't be removed, even if deregistration is stopped.

How can I stop an ASIC-initiated deregistration?

Depending on why the company is being deregistered, you may be able to stop deregistration by:

• paying the company's annual review fee and any other outstanding fees
• lodging any required documents, or
• writing to us and advising that the company is still trading.

The letter we send to the company directors and/or liquidator will have more information on what to do.

For more information see Stopping deregistration.

Related links:

• Effects of deregistration
• Reinstating a deregistered company

Important notice

Please note that this information sheet is a summary giving you basic information about a particular topic. It does not cover the whole of the relevant law regarding that topic, and it is not a substitute for professional advice.

You should also note that because this information sheet avoids legal language wherever possible, it might include some generalisations about the application of the law. Some provisions of the law referred to have exceptions or important qualifications. In most cases your particular circumstances must be taken into account when determining how the law applies to you.