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Strike Off Private Limited Company in India

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Documents: STK-2, STK-3 indemnity bond, STK-4 affidavit, STK-8 statement of accounts (CA-certified), board and special resolution

Fees: Rs 15,000 (simple, no cleanup) to Rs 25,000 (with cleanup) fixed-fee INCLUDING the Rs 10,000 government fee

Eligibility: Inactive 2 financial years, all liabilities settled, no Section 249 restrictions in 3-month look-back

Timeline: 3 to 6 months end-to-end via C-PACE (down from 6-12 months pre-May 2023)

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Real Stories from Real People

Hear how teams across industries use Patron to save time, cut costs, & stay in control.

"Got required documents within 4 hours of request. Patron caught a Section 249 office-shift issue I had missed - saved us a rejected STK-2 and lost government fee."

Founder-DirectorMumbai | FY 2024-25 strike-off engagement

"Professionalism, attention to detail, and timely communication made the process smooth. C-PACE approved our STK-2 first time."

Subhendu MishraDelhi | strike-off engagement client

"Two years of pending AOC-4 / MGT-7 cleared under CCFS amnesty before strike off. End-to-end took 5 months. Fixed-fee, no surprises."

Co-FounderPune | strike off with backlog cleanup

"Foreign director apostille handled end-to-end with the Indian Embassy. Other platforms had quoted us 4 months delay - Patron closed it in 3 weeks."

DirectorGurugram | foreign-director strike off

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Overview What Is It When To Strike Off What We Deliver 9-Step Process Documents Pain Points Pricing Timeline Why Patron Strike Off vs Alternatives FAQs

Strike Off at a Glance

📌 TL;DR - Strike Off Private Limited Company Services at a Glance

Strike off under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013 is the simplest formal exit route for a dormant or non-operational private limited company. Voluntary applications use Form STK-2 (Rs 10,000 government fee) submitted to the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) since May 2023. The process now takes 3-6 months end-to-end, down from 6-12 months pre-2023. Patron files end-to-end at fixed fee of Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 INCLUDING the Rs 10,000 government fee.

Strike off is the formal process to remove a private limited company's name from the Register of Companies under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013 - effectively dissolving the company. Voluntary applications are filed in Form STK-2 with a Rs 10,000 government fee, processed centrally by the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) since May 2023. Timeline is now 3-6 months end-to-end. Patron handles the entire engagement on a fixed-fee basis.

Quick-Reference Summary:

Parameter	Detail
Governing Act	Companies Act, 2013 (Sections 248, 249, 250, 252, 164(2)) read with Companies (Removal of Names) Rules, 2016
Applicable To	Private and public limited companies in India - inactive for 2 consecutive financial years OR not commenced business within 1 year of incorporation. NOT for LLPs.
Timeline	C-PACE processing: 3-6 months end-to-end from STK-2 submission. Including pre-filing preparation: 4-8 months total.
Cost (Patron)	Fixed fee: Rs 15,000 (simple, all filings current) to Rs 25,000 (with cleanup). INCLUDES the Rs 10,000 government fee.
Government Fee	Rs 10,000 for STK-2 application. Stamp duty for STK-3 / STK-4 varies by state (Rs 50 to Rs 500 typical).
Forms / Portal	STK-1 through STK-8 family \| MCA V3 portal routed to C-PACE
Authority	Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE), Ministry of Corporate Affairs - operational since May 2023

Fees are indicative starting prices. Final fee depends on backlog cleanup complexity, foreign-director documentation, and regulatory NOC coordination. Government fees, stamp duty on STK-3 / STK-4, MGT-14 fee, notarization, and late fees on backlog filings are billed at actuals.

Content is reviewed quarterly for accuracy.

What Is Strike Off Under Section 248?

Strike off is the statutory process by which the Registrar of Companies removes a company's name from the official Register of Companies, formally dissolving the company under Sections 248 to 252 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Removal of Names of Companies from the Register of Companies) Rules, 2016. Once struck off, the company ceases to exist as a legal entity - it cannot carry on business, sign contracts, or operate bank accounts. Director personal liabilities for past dues and obligations remain.

Two routes exist. Under Section 248(1), the Registrar initiates strike off suo-moto where a company has failed to commence business within 1 year of incorporation, or has not carried on business for 2 immediately preceding financial years and has not applied for dormant status under Section 455. Under Section 248(2), the company initiates voluntary strike off by special resolution (75% paid-up capital consent) - typically the preferred path for genuine wind-downs because it preserves the directors' record. This service page covers the voluntary route under Section 248(2).

The STK Form Family: Eight Forms in the Strike-Off Lifecycle

Form	Purpose	Filed By	Statutory Reference
STK-1	Notice from Registrar of intent to strike off (suo-moto path)	Registrar of Companies	Section 248(1) + Rule 3
STK-2	Voluntary application by company for strike off	Company	Section 248(2) + Rule 4 (Rs 10,000 fee)
STK-3	Indemnity bond by directors	Every director (notarized stamp paper)	Rule 4(3)(i)
STK-4	Affidavit by directors declaring nil liabilities and no pending litigation	Every director (notarized stamp paper)	Rule 4(3)(iii)
STK-5 / STK-5A	Public notice format inviting objections	Registrar / C-PACE	Rule 7
STK-6	Public notice published for 30 days (newspapers and Gazette)	C-PACE	Section 248(1)/(5) + Rule 7 (substituted 17 April 2023)
STK-7	Final dissolution notice in Official Gazette	C-PACE	Section 248(5)
STK-8	Statement of Accounts (CA-certified) - max 30 days old, NIL assets, NIL liabilities	Company / Chartered Accountant	Rule 4(3)(ii)

Key Terms for Strike Off Private Limited Company:

C-PACE

Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit - operational since May 2023 as the sole authority processing all STK-2 voluntary strike-off applications across India.

Section 249 Look-Back

The 3-month restriction window before STK-2 filing. If the company changed name, shifted office across states, disposed of property, or acted outside its MoA in this window, STK-2 is rejected outright.

Special Resolution

75% paid-up capital consent passed at an EGM under Section 248(2). Filed in MGT-14 within 30 days under Section 117. Without it, voluntary strike off cannot proceed.

Section 250 Director Tail

Company dissolves on STK-7 Gazette publication but director personal liability for past acts and obligations continues for 8 years. Clean STK-8 + STK-3 + STK-4 form the directors' defence record.

Fixed Fee Rs 15,000 onwards

When Strike Off Is - and Is NOT - the Right Choice

When Strike Off Is the Right Choice

Voluntary strike off under Section 248(2) is the right route when the company meets ALL of the following:

Genuine wind-down decision - no plans to resume operations
No operating activities for the last 2 financial years
All liabilities settled to nil - creditors, employees, statutory dues, tax
Bank account closed (or empty and ready to close)
No pending litigation against the company or by the company
No pending tax or regulatory matters (Income Tax, GST, ESI, PF, Customs)
All annual MCA filings (AOC-4, MGT-7) up-to-date - mandatory per Rule 4 second proviso
All Income Tax returns filed - C-PACE checks this
Special resolution passed at EGM with 75% paid-up capital consent

When Strike Off Is NOT the Right Choice

Equally important - the scenarios where strike off would be premature, blocked, or strategically wrong:

Scenario	Why Not	Better Path
Active operations planned within 1-2 years	Re-incorporation costs Rs 15,000 to 30,000 + name reservation + INC-20A; strike off undoes everything	Apply for dormant company status under Section 455 - retains the company envelope for up to 5 years at minimal compliance
Pending tax assessment, scrutiny, or appeal	Income Tax has 6-year reassessment window; struck-off company cannot defend cases; directors face personal liability	Complete tax matters first; then strike off
Pending GST registration cancellation or refund	GST authority may issue notice to dissolved company; refund processing requires active CIN	Cancel GST registration; receive refunds; then strike off
Pending litigation as plaintiff or defendant	Company cannot pursue or defend cases once struck off; contractual rights may be lost	Conclude litigation; then strike off
Outstanding bank loan or charges (CHG-1)	Bank or charge holder will object during STK-6 public notice window	Repay loan; file CHG-4 charge satisfaction; then strike off
Unpaid statutory dues (TDS, EPF, ESI)	Statutory authority objection during STK-6 will cause rejection	Clear dues; file final returns; then strike off
Section 249 restriction in 3-month look-back	STK-2 will be rejected outright	Wait 3 months from the trigger event
Company has assets to distribute	Strike off vests assets with Central Government under Section 250(2); shareholders lose claim	Distribute assets to shareholders; then strike off (with the distribution disclosed in STK-8)

Section 249 Restrictions: The Three-Month Look-Back

Under Section 249, a company is INELIGIBLE for strike off under Section 248(2) where ANY of the following occurred in the 3 months immediately preceding STK-2 filing:

Company name change (Form INC-24)
Registered office shifted from one state to another (Form INC-23)
Property or rights of the company disposed of, other than in ordinary course of business
Activity carried on outside the objects clause of the Memorandum of Association
Application made to Tribunal for compromise / arrangement under Section 230
Company under liquidation proceedings

These restrictions are absolute. Patron screens the 3-month look-back on intake before any other engagement work begins.

What Patron Delivers in the Strike-Off Engagement

Service	What We Do
1. Eligibility Screening	Day-1 Section 249 three-month look-back, 2-year operational inactivity test, liabilities-extinguished test, and pending-litigation test. Any blocker flagged BEFORE engagement commits.
2. Annual Filings Cleanup	Per Rule 4 second proviso, pending AOC-4 / MGT-7 / ITR-6 must be cleared before STK-2. Patron clears backlog using CCFS 2026 amnesty where qualifying.
3. Statutory Resolutions and EGM	Board resolution drafted. EGM notice with explanatory statement under Section 102. Special resolution (75% paid-up consent) facilitated. MGT-14 filed within 30 days.
4. STK Document Suite	STK-3 indemnity bond + STK-4 affidavit for each director on stamp paper, notarized. STK-8 statement of accounts CA-certified, dated within 30 days. Bank closure letter coordinated.
5. STK-2 Filing to C-PACE	STK-2 submitted via MCA V3 portal, automatically routed to C-PACE. Rs 10,000 government fee paid. Patron monitors STK-6 public notice 30-day window for any objections.
6. STK-7 Dissolution and Archive	Once STK-6 closes without valid objection, C-PACE issues STK-7 dissolution notice in Official Gazette. Patron archives the complete filing pack for the 8-year Section 250 director liability window.

Our Process

Strike Off Process: 9 Steps via C-PACE

Patron runs every voluntary strike-off engagement through these 9 steps end-to-end under Section 248(2) and Rule 4 of the Companies (Removal of Names) Rules, 2016.

Eligibility Screening (Week 1)

Section 249 three-month look-back, 2-year operational inactivity test, nil-liabilities test, pending-litigation and pending-tax check. Engagement confirmed only after all clear.

Section 249 Screen

Annual Filings Cleanup (Week 1-4)

Pending AOC-4 and MGT-7 returns filed under CCFS 2026 amnesty where applicable. Income Tax returns up-to-date. Bank reconciliation finalised.

Backlog Cleanup

Board Meeting and Resolution (Week 4-5)

Board resolution authorising strike off passed. EGM notice issued with explanatory statement under Section 102. Notice circulated to all members.

Board + EGM

EGM and Special Resolution (Week 6-7)

EGM held; special resolution passed with 75% paid-up capital consent under Section 248(2). Minutes recorded; certified true copies prepared.

Special Resolution

MGT-14 Filing (Week 7)

Special resolution filed in MGT-14 within 30 days under Section 117. SRN captured for attachment to STK-2.

MGT-14

STK Document Preparation (Week 7-9)

STK-3 indemnity bond and STK-4 affidavit drafted for each director on stamp paper, notarized. STK-8 statement of accounts prepared showing NIL assets and NIL liabilities, dated within 30 days of STK-2 filing. Bank closure letter obtained.

STK-3 / 4 / 8

STK-2 Filing to C-PACE (Week 9-10)

STK-2 with all attachments submitted via MCA V3 portal; routed to Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit. Rs 10,000 government fee paid. SRN captured.

STK-2 to C-PACE

STK-6 Public Notice and Objection Window (Week 10-16)

C-PACE publishes STK-6 in Official Gazette and two newspapers. 30-day objection window opens. C-PACE intimates Income Tax, central excise, and service tax authorities. Patron monitors for any objection or regulator query.

STK-6 Notice

STK-7 Final Dissolution (Week 16-24)

With no valid objections, C-PACE issues STK-7 dissolution notice in Official Gazette. Company is now legally dissolved. Patron archives the complete filing pack for the 8-year director-liability window under Section 250.

STK-7 Gazette

Document Checklist for STK-2 Application

Statutory Documents (Drafted by Patron)

Board resolution authorising strike off and signatory
Notice of EGM with explanatory statement under Section 102
Special resolution passed at EGM (75% paid-up capital consent)
MGT-14 SRN (filed within 30 days of special resolution)
Form STK-2 with all required fields completed

Director Documents (Notarized Stamp Paper)

Form STK-3 - indemnity bond by each director on Rs 100 stamp paper, notarized
Form STK-4 - affidavit by each director on Rs 50-100 stamp paper, notarized
PAN and Aadhaar of each director (self-attested and CA / CS / CMA attested)
Director identification document with DIN reference

Financial and Compliance Documents

Form STK-8 - statement of accounts CA-certified, dated max 30 days before STK-2 filing, showing NIL assets and NIL liabilities
Audited financial statements for the 2 financial years preceding strike off
Income Tax Returns for the last 2 assessment years (or as many as filed)
Bank account closure letter from each bank where company held an account
Latest AOC-4 and MGT-7 SRNs (proof of up-to-date annual filings)

Regulatory NOCs (Where Applicable)

Income Tax NOC (where outstanding scrutiny / assessment)
GST registration cancellation acknowledgement
EPF / ESI no-dues certificates (where workforce was employed)
Sector-specific regulatory NOC (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI / Pollution Board where applicable)

Common Strike-Off Pain Points and Patron Solutions

Challenge	Impact	How Patron Accounting Solves It
Pending AOC-4 / MGT-7 returns blocking STK-2 acceptance	Per Rule 4 second proviso, STK-2 cannot be submitted while AOC-4 or MGT-7 for prior years remain pending. Patron clears the backlog upfront under CCFS 2026 amnesty where qualifying - can save Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 in additional fees vs filing each return outside the amnesty window.
Section 249 three-month look-back trap	Companies that recently changed name, shifted registered office, or disposed of property find their STK-2 rejected at C-PACE intake. Patron tests this on Day 1; if blocked, the engagement is delayed (not refunded) until the 3-month clock runs.
Foreign-national director STK-3 / STK-4 stamping	Where a director is a foreign national resident abroad, STK-3 and STK-4 must be executed before the Indian Embassy / Consulate in the director's country of residence, with apostille or consularisation. Patron coordinates the embassy stamping chain.
Bank account closure delay	Bank closure can take 2-6 weeks - especially where the bank requires final tax acknowledgements, GST cancellation, or proof of no pending direct debits. Patron starts bank closure in parallel with annual filings cleanup (Week 1) so it does not become the critical path.

Strike-Off Pricing: Fixed-Fee Engagements

Fee Component	Amount
Simple Strike Off (No Cleanup)	For companies fully current on annual filings (AOC-4, MGT-7, ITR), all liabilities settled, no Section 249 restrictions. End-to-end from eligibility screen through STK-7 Gazette publication.	Rs 15,000
Strike Off with Annual Filings Cleanup	Where 1 to 2 years of AOC-4 / MGT-7 / ITR backlog exists. Patron clears under CCFS 2026 amnesty where applicable, then runs strike off. Late fees on backlog charged separately at actuals.	Rs 20,000
Strike Off with Complex Cleanup	Where bank closure, tax assessment closure, GST cancellation, or regulatory NOC coordination is needed. Up to 3 years of cleanup. Full end-to-end management.	Rs 25,000

All fees and charges listed are indicative only and do not constitute a binding offer. Final amounts may vary depending on the volume of work and the complexity involved.

Professional service charges for drafting, filing, and representation are separate from the statutory fees. The exact fee depends on the complexity of the case, disputed amount, and number of hearings required. Contact us for a detailed quote.

Get a free Strike Off Private Limited Company consultation - Call +91 945 945 6700 or WhatsApp us. No-obligation assessment.

Strike-Off Timeline End-to-End (FY 2025-26)

Stage	Estimated Timeline
Engagement intake and Section 249 / eligibility screening	Week 1
Annual filings cleanup (where required)	Week 1-4
Board resolution and EGM notice	Week 4-5
EGM and special resolution (75% paid-up capital)	Week 6-7
MGT-14 filing	Within 30 days of special resolution
STK document preparation (STK-3, STK-4, STK-8)	Week 7-9
STK-2 filing to C-PACE	Week 9-10
C-PACE acknowledgement and STK-6 public notice publication	Week 10-12
30-day objection window via STK-6	Week 12-16
STK-7 final dissolution in Official Gazette	Week 16-24
Patron archive and closure certificate to founders	Week 24-25
Total end-to-end duration	3 to 6 months (post-May 2023 C-PACE timeline)

                    
                    Post-May 2023 C-PACE timeline is down from the older 6-12 month wait. Patron commits to a 3-6 month end-to-end SLA on simple engagements; complex backlog cleanup adds 4-6 weeks at the front of the schedule.

Key Benefits

Why Use a CA Firm for Strike Off

Eligibility Blockers Caught Upfront

Section 249 three-month look-back, pending tax / GST / litigation, Section 164(2) disqualification risk - flagged on intake. A botched STK-2 means forfeited Rs 10,000 government fee plus engagement delay.

CCFS 2026 Amnesty Leveraged

For annual filings cleanup, the Companies Fresh Start Scheme can save Rs 30,000 to Rs 90,000 versus filing each return outside the amnesty window. A CA firm tracks amnesty eligibility windows precisely.

STK-8 CA Certification

Mandatory under Rule 4(3)(ii). The dated-within-30-days requirement means timing must align with STK-2 filing. Mis-timing forces a re-do - Patron sequences the STK-8 to land precisely.

Foreign-Director Documentation Chain

Apostille / consularisation of STK-3 and STK-4 is frequently handled wrong by platforms; can add 4-6 weeks if mis-managed. Patron coordinates the embassy stamping chain end-to-end.

8-Year Director Liability Tail

The company is dissolved but directors remain liable for past obligations under Section 250. Patron archives the complete filing pack for the full window so founders can defend any future scrutiny.

FY 2024-25 Track Record

320+ strike-off engagements completed via C-PACE with a 100% acceptance rate at intake. Zero engagements rejected for Section 249 blockers (caught at intake). Average end-to-end duration 4.5 months.

Trusted by Founders Across India

10,000+

Businesses Served

320+

Strike-Off Engagements FY 2024-25

100%

C-PACE Acceptance Rate

4.5

Avg Months End-to-End

With offices in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, Patron Accounting handles strike-off engagements for companies registered with any ROC across India.

Strike Off vs Voluntary Liquidation vs Dormant Status

Parameter	Strike Off (Section 248)	Voluntary Liquidation (Section 59 IBC)	Dormant Status (Section 455)
Outcome	Company dissolved, name removed	Company wound up; assets distributed; dissolved	Retained on register, minimal compliance up to 5 yrs
Eligibility	Inactive 2+ years; nil liabilities; no Section 249 restrictions	Solvent company that has decided to wind up	Not carrying on business; future intent unclear
Processing authority	C-PACE	IBBI - registered IP and tribunal	Registrar of Companies
Timeline	3 to 6 months	6 to 12 months minimum	1 to 2 weeks for MSC-1 approval
Government fee	Rs 10,000 STK-2 fee	IBBI fees + liquidator (Rs 1 lakh+)	Rs 200 to Rs 600 by capital slab
Patron fee range	Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 fixed	Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 5,00,000 + liquidator	Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000
Reversibility	Restoration via NCLT within 3 yrs (Section 252)	Not reversible after dissolution	Re-activate via MSC-4 any time
Best for	Genuine wind-down, no future intent, minimal liabilities	Companies with assets to distribute orderly	Unsure of future plans; between projects

Related Patron Services

Strike off is one of several exit and dormancy paths. Related Patron services map to the alternatives and to the lifecycle around strike off:

Company Closure (broader hub) - the parent service covering strike off, voluntary liquidation, fast-track exit, and dormant status
Private Limited Company Compliance - the broader Pvt Ltd compliance hub; clear AOC-4 / MGT-7 backlog here before STK-2
Pvt and LLP Compliance Tracker - for clearing annual compliance backlog before strike off
Resignation of Director - where founders want to step down without striking off the company
Removal of Director - Section 169 removal procedure as an alternative to full strike off
Appointment of Director - reconstitute the board before strike off if minimum-director requirements need to be met

Legal Framework: Acts, Sections, and Penalties

Governing Legislation

Companies Act, 2013 - Sections 248 (power to strike off), 249 (restrictions), 250 (effect of strike off), 252 (restoration by NCLT), 164(2) (director disqualification)
Companies (Removal of Names of Companies from the Register of Companies) Rules, 2016 - master procedural rules
Companies (Removal of Names) Amendment Rules, 2023 - MCA Notification dated 17 April 2023, substituted Form STK-6
Companies Act, 2013 Section 102 - explanatory statement to be annexed to EGM notice
Companies Act, 2013 Section 117 - filing of MGT-14 for special resolution within 30 days
NCLT Rules, 2016 - procedure for Section 252 restoration application

Key Sections and Authorities

Section 248(1) - suo-moto strike off by Registrar for failure to commence within 1 year or non-operation for 2 FYs
Section 248(2) - voluntary strike off by company via special resolution (75% paid-up capital consent)
Section 248(5) - dissolution effective from STK-7 Gazette publication date
Section 249 - restrictions on Section 248(2) applications (3-month look-back)
Section 250 - effect of strike off: company dissolved; assets vest with Central Government under Section 250(2); director liability for past acts remains
Section 252 - restoration by NCLT within 3 years from strike-off date
Section 164(2) - director disqualification for 5 years on suo-moto strike-off triggered by 3 consecutive years of non-filing MGT-7
Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) - operational since May 2023 as sole authority processing all STK-2 applications

Penalty and Liability Schedule

STK-2 government fee: Rs 10,000 (paid at filing under Rule 4)
Stamp duty on STK-3 indemnity bond: Rs 100 per director (state variations apply)
Stamp duty on STK-4 affidavit: Rs 50 to Rs 100 per director (state variations apply)
Director disqualification under Section 164(2): 5 years where suo-moto strike off triggered by 3 consecutive years of non-filing
Director personal liability under Section 250: continues for 8 years for past acts and obligations even after company dissolution
Section 449 - punishment for false evidence in STK-4 affidavit: imprisonment up to 7 years plus fine
Restoration cost under Section 252: NCLT fees + arrears + penalty + legal representation; typically Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh

Primary sources: India Code (Companies Act 2013), Ministry of Corporate Affairs - C-PACE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Section 248 strike off, the STK-2 process, C-PACE timelines, and director liability.

What is the procedure to strike off a private limited company?

The voluntary strike off procedure under Section 248(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 has nine steps: (1) eligibility screening including Section 249 three-month look-back, (2) clearing any pending AOC-4 / MGT-7 / ITR filings, (3) board resolution authorising strike off, (4) EGM and special resolution with 75% paid-up capital consent, (5) MGT-14 filing within 30 days, (6) STK-3 / STK-4 / STK-8 document preparation, (7) STK-2 filing to C-PACE with Rs 10,000 fee, (8) STK-6 public notice and 30-day objection window, (9) STK-7 final dissolution notice in Official Gazette. Total duration 3-6 months via C-PACE since May 2023.

When is a company eligible for strike off under Section 248(2)?

A company is eligible if it has not commenced business within 1 year of incorporation OR has not carried on business for the 2 immediately preceding financial years AND has not applied for dormant status under Section 455. All liabilities must be settled to nil, all annual MCA filings (AOC-4, MGT-7) and Income Tax returns must be up-to-date, and no Section 249 restrictions can have triggered in the 3 months preceding STK-2 filing. Special resolution by 75% paid-up capital consent at EGM is mandatory.

When should a company NOT apply for strike off?

Avoid strike off when: (a) operations are planned to resume within 1-2 years - use dormant company status under Section 455 instead; (b) pending tax assessment, scrutiny, or appeal - struck-off company cannot defend; (c) pending litigation; (d) outstanding bank loan or registered charges; (e) unpaid statutory dues (TDS, EPF, ESI); (f) company has assets to distribute - assets vest with Central Government under Section 250(2) if struck off; (g) Section 249 restrictions in the 3-month look-back triggered.

What documents are required for STK-2 filing?

Mandatory documents include: board resolution authorising strike off; special resolution at EGM with 75% paid-up capital consent; MGT-14 SRN; STK-3 indemnity bond from each director on Rs 100 stamp paper, notarized; STK-4 affidavit from each director on Rs 50-100 stamp paper, notarized; STK-8 statement of accounts CA-certified, dated max 30 days before STK-2 filing, showing NIL assets and NIL liabilities; bank account closure letter; PAN and Aadhaar of each director; latest AOC-4 and MGT-7 SRNs; Income Tax Returns for the last 2 assessment years; regulatory NOCs where applicable.

How long does the strike off process take?

Since May 2023 when the Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit (C-PACE) became the sole processing authority, strike-off applications complete in 3-6 months end-to-end - down from 6-12 months under the older system. Typical breakdown: 1-4 weeks for preparation and resolutions, 1-2 weeks for STK-2 filing to C-PACE, 4-6 weeks for C-PACE acknowledgement and STK-6 publication, 30 days for objection window, 4-8 weeks for STK-7 Gazette dissolution publication. Companies with pending filings to clear may take longer.

What is the difference between suo-moto strike off and voluntary strike off?

Suo-moto strike off under Section 248(1) is initiated by the Registrar of Companies based on reasonable cause - typically failure to commence business within 1 year or non-operation for 2 financial years. The Registrar issues notice in Form STK-1, and the company has 30 days to respond. Voluntary strike off under Section 248(2) is initiated by the company itself with board approval and 75% special resolution. Suo-moto strike off can trigger director disqualification under Section 164(2) for 5 years where non-filing of MGT-7 was the cause; voluntary strike off does not.

Can a struck-off company be restored?

Yes - under Section 252 of the Companies Act, 2013, any person aggrieved by the strike-off order can apply to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for restoration within 3 years from the date of the strike-off order. The applicant must demonstrate either that the company was actually operational at the time of strike off, or that restoration is just and equitable. Restoration costs typically Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 lakh including NCLT fees, arrears of annual filings, penalty fees, and legal representation. Patron handles restoration as a separate engagement.

What happens to director liability after strike off?

Under Section 250 of the Companies Act, 2013, the company is dissolved upon strike off but director and officer personal liability for the company's past acts and obligations continues. Specifically, directors remain liable for unpaid taxes, statutory dues, contractual obligations, or any frauds / misrepresentations under Sections 447 / 448 - for 8 years after dissolution. This is why a clean STK-8 statement of accounts and proper STK-3 / STK-4 documentation matters: it forms the directors' defence record for any subsequent scrutiny. Patron archives the complete filing pack for the full 8-year liability window.

Quick Answers

What is strike off? Formal removal of company name from Register of Companies under Section 248 of Companies Act, 2013 - effectively dissolving the company.
Which form is filed? STK-2 (Rs 10,000 government fee) submitted to C-PACE - Centre for Processing Accelerated Corporate Exit operational since May 2023.
Who processes the application? C-PACE - sole authority for all STK-2 applications across India since May 2023.
How long does it take? 3 to 6 months end-to-end via C-PACE, down from 6-12 months pre-May 2023.
Eligibility tests? Inactive 2+ years OR not commenced; nil liabilities; no Section 249 three-month look-back triggers; all AOC-4 / MGT-7 / ITR up-to-date.
When NOT to strike off? Future operations planned (use dormant status); pending tax / GST / litigation; assets to distribute; outstanding charges or loans.
What does Patron charge? Fixed Rs 15,000 (simple) to Rs 25,000 (with cleanup) INCLUDING the Rs 10,000 government fee.
Pvt Ltd company kaise band kare? Section 248 ke under STK-2 file karna padta hai - C-PACE ko, Rs 10,000 govt fee ke saath. 2 saal se inactive, sab liabilities clear, annual filings up-to-date, koi pending tax ya litigation nahi - sab zaruri. Process 3-6 mahine. Patron Rs 15,000-25,000 fixed fee mein end-to-end karta hai.
Strike off ka right time kab hai? Tabhi karein jab genuine wind-down ho. Agar 1-2 saal mein resume karna ho to dormant status (Section 455) lein. Patron har case mein eligibility test pehle karta hai - blockers like Section 249 ya pending tax detect kar leta hai engagement start hone se pehle.

When the Strike-Off Clock Starts Mattering

Strike off itself has no statutory deadline - the company can apply whenever eligible under Section 248(2). The urgency drivers are upstream and downstream. Upstream: every additional year of inactivity adds Rs 30,000+ in pending AOC-4 / MGT-7 / ITR late fees that must be cleared before STK-2 acceptance. Downstream: directors face Section 164(2) disqualification risk for 5 years if MGT-7 is not filed for 3 consecutive years - which can convert a voluntary strike off into a forced suo-moto strike off under Section 248(1) with disqualification attached. The Companies Fresh Start Scheme 2026 (CCFS 2026) currently offers amnesty on annual filings backlog - use this window to clean up before applying for strike off. C-PACE timeline at 3-6 months is now favourable; the older 6-12 month wait is gone.

Ready to Strike Off Your Private Limited Company?

Strike off under Section 248(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 is the simplest and most cost-effective formal exit for a dormant or non-operational private limited company in India. The procedure has been materially accelerated since May 2023 when C-PACE became the sole processing authority - timelines are now 3-6 months end-to-end versus 6-12 months under the older system.

Patron handles the full strike-off engagement on a fixed-fee basis of Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 INCLUDING the Rs 10,000 government fee - from eligibility screen through STK-7 Gazette publication. Where prior years' annual filings must be cleared first, the Companies Fresh Start Scheme 2026 (CCFS 2026) amnesty is leveraged wherever qualifying to save material late-fee cost.

Free 15-minute consultation. Call +91 945 945 6700, WhatsApp the team, or email info@patronaccounting.com - we respond within 2 hours.

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Content Created: 12 May 2026 | Last Updated: | Next Review: 12 November 2026 | Reviewed By: CA & CS Team, Patron Accounting LLP

This page is reviewed every 6 months (Tier 2 - regular review for compliance and ROC topics). Last verified against MCA C-PACE process and Companies (Removal of Names) Amendment Rules, 2023 dated 17 April 2023.