How to Dissolve a Pennsylvania Corporation

How do you dissolve a Pennsylvania Corporation?

To dissolve your corporation in Pennsylvania, you provide the completed Articles of Dissolution-Domestic (DSCB: 15-1977/5877) form to the Department of State, Corporation Bureau, by mail or in person. You may fax file if you have a customer deposit account with the Bureau. A Tax Clearance Certificate must be included with the Articles of Dissolution.

Also, a notice must be published one time in two newspapers in the county of its registered office, unless there is only one newspaper in the county. No proof of publication is required by the Bureau. Articles of Dissolution by Shareholders may be filed if the corporation has not yet commenced business.

After you dissolve a corporation or LLC, you may not carry on any business except as appropriate to wind up business affairs.

Pennsylvania Corporation Dissolution FAQ

Is there a filing fee to dissolve or cancel a Pennsylvania Corporation?

To dissolve your Pennsylvania Corporation a $70 filing fee is required.

Your registered agent in Pennsylvania may be able to help you with the dissolution process.

Is a Tax Clearance Required Before Pennsylvania Will Accept a Dissolution?

You must submit your Articles of Dissolution with a Tax Clearance Certificates from the Department of Revenue and from the Office of Unemployment Compensation Tax Services of the Department of Labor & Industry. A Tax Clearance Application (Form REV-181) must be completed and sent to both departments.

How Long Does it Take PA to Process My Filing?

After the application is submitted to Department of Revenue, it takes four weeks to receive a tax clearance certificate. The dissolution will be processed in about a week.

How Long Before Someone Else Can Take My Business Name?

The corporate name may be taken as soon as the articles of dissolution are processed.

What Happens If I Dissolve My Business By Not Filing Annual Reports?

There is a $15 late fee for every annual report not filed. However, since PA is switching from decennial reports to annual reports, the Pennsylvania Department of State is not administratively dissolving business that don’t file. This will change in 2027. Keep it simple and dissolve your business the right way.