A business owner may decide to dissolve the business for a variety of reasons, ranging from the business not being profitable to wanting to retire and not being able to sell the business or have a family member take over the business.
Dissolution of a business operating as a limited liability company or corporation will usually include filing articles of dissolution with the secretary of state’s office.
A business owner wanting to dissolve a company may want to wind up the business’s affairs, terminate its tax reporting obligations and the payment of annual registration fees, and liquidate any remaining assets.
But a business owner should understand the implications of these actions and the business’s obligations to secured and unsecured creditors, employees, and state and federal tax authorities.
In Oregon, when a business owner decides to dissolve a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, they must follow specific procedures outlined by state law. This process typically involves filing Articles of Dissolution with the Oregon Secretary of State. The dissolution process requires the business to wind up its affairs, which includes settling debts with creditors, distributing any remaining assets, and addressing tax obligations. Secured creditors have priority over unsecured creditors when it comes to debt repayment. The business must also comply with state and federal tax authorities by filing final tax returns and paying any outstanding taxes. Additionally, the business must terminate its tax reporting obligations and cease paying annual registration fees. It is important for the business owner to be aware of all legal obligations during the dissolution process to avoid potential legal issues. An attorney can provide guidance to ensure that all steps are taken in accordance with the law, including proper notifications to creditors and employees, and handling of any claims against the company.