How to Dissolve an LLC in Iowa (for Free)

In this article, we'll show you step-by-step how to dissolve an LLC in Iowa by giving you links to all of the forms, with advice on how to save money by doing it yourself!

It's a lot easier to file for an LLC dissolution in Iowa than you might think, and if you have the time to spend learning how to do it, you can avoid using a third-party service.

By free, we mean filing the application forms yourself without an LLC dissolution company. State filing fees may still apply.

Our product recommendations are made independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions if you use a link on this page.

Recommended Dissolution Service

Save hours of your valuable time by using a dissolution service to close your LLC.

It's hard to pick just one service that will be suitable for every business dissolution need.

However, in our experience, Bizee, formerly IncFile, offer the best and most reliable service for the majority of LLC companies that need to be closed.

IncFile has a fantastic track record will guide you through the entire process.

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How to Close an LLC in Iowa

As technology improves and more systems become digital, the process of closing or dissolving your LLC in Iowa has become easier than ever.

However - we are still talking about the government here, so it's not always as simple as it could be! There are a number of steps you need to take to make sure you close your LLC properly, and we'll walk you through them below.

Make you that you take the time to really read this article a couple of times to fully understand everything you need to do. Any mistakes can delay your filing and your company will still be active until you complete the process.

Dissolution Filing Fees

In order to close your Iowa LLC, you will need to pay a filing fee of $5 to the Iowa Secretary of State. This is a one-time fee paid directly to the government, and it's required to close your LLC.

File By Mail

You can file the dissolution documents for your Iowa LLC by mail. This is the slowest option, but is the traditional method of filing.

To file by mail, it will take a total of 3 days to process your dissolution documents once they have been received by the Secretary of State.

You'll need to download and print the form "none" from the following link:

Once the form is completed, you can mail it to the following address:

Secretary of State Business Services Division Lucas Building, 1st Floor Des Moines, Iowa 50319

File Online

Filing to close your Iowa LLC online is the fastest and most convenient way to dissolve your company. This method will be approved in 3 days.

To begin the online filing process, you can visit the following link:

https://filings.sos.iowa.gov/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f

File Online

You can file your dissolution documents with the Iowa Secretary of State. This is a great way to speed up the process and avoid any long waiting times.

Alternatively, you can save hours of your time by using a dissolution service like IncFile.

Use IncFile File online

Additional Filing Requirements

No form needs to be filled out but a statenment of dissolution must be mailed to Iowa Secretary of State. It must include the business name and a declaration of it being dissolved. Once all winding up has taken place you finally submit a statement of termination.

Annual Report Deadline

As part of the dissolution process, you will need to file your final annual report with the Iowa Secretary of State.

The deadline for your annual report in Iowa is:

In Iowa, the Annual Report is due between January 1st and April 1st of the first odd-numbered year after the year the LLC was formed.

Iowa Law Reference

To make sure you file the correct dissolution documents, you can refer to the official Iowa statutes at the following link:

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/489.pdf

Tax Clearance

A tax clearance certificate is a document issued by the Iowa Department of Revenue that confirms you have paid all of your outstanding taxes.

You do not need to obtain a tax clearance certificate from the Iowa Department of Revenue to close your LLC.

How Long Until the LLC Name is Available Again?

Once the Iowa Secretary of State has approved your dissolution documents, your LLC name will be eventually be made available for someone else to use.

This varies by state, but in Iowa your LLC name will be made available immediately after statement of termination is filed.

Public Notice Requirement

A public notice is a document that is published in a newspaper to inform the public that your LLC is being dissolved.

In Iowa, you do not need to publish a public notice in a newspaper to inform the public that your LLC is being dissolved.

Member Vote Requirement

A member vote is a document that is signed by the members of your LLC to confirm that they have voted to dissolve the company.

The requirement for Iowa is that you need a majority vote to dissolve your LLC.

Outstanding Debt Obligations

Before you wind up your Iowa LLC, you need to make sure that you have paid off all of your outstanding debts and obligations.

Limited liability companies should distribute the remaining assets only after settling business debts.

Process for Handling Assets

There is also a process for handling the assets of your Iowa LLC. This includes distributing the assets to the members, selling the assets, or donating the assets to a charity.

Any remaining assets should be distributed to the company's members in proportion to their ownership interests.

Potential Legal Consequences

If you do not dissolve your Iowa LLC properly, you could face some serious legal consequences. This includes being held personally liable for any outstanding debts or obligations of the company.

Failing to file the biennial report on time will result ina warning notice 60 days after the due date. If this is not resolved in a further 60 days the LLC will be administratively dissolved

Contact the Iowa Secretary of State

If you need to clarify any of the information on this page, you can contact the Iowa Secretary of State at:

Mailing Address

Secretary of State Business Services Division Lucas Building, 1st Floor Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Physical Address

First Floor, Lucas Building 321 E. 12th St. Des Moines, IA 50319

Phone Number

(515)281-5204

Email Address

[email protected]

Website

https://sos.iowa.gov/

Next Steps

When you have completed the dissolution process for your Iowa LLC, you should also notify the IRS that you are no longer in business. You can find information on how to do that at the following link:

https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/closing-a-business

You should also make sure to cancel any business licenses or permits that your LLC may have.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you understand the process for dissolving your Iowa LLC. If you have any questions, please contact a local attorney for assistance. While not required, it can be helpful to have a lawyer assist you with the dissolution process.

Recommended Dissolution Service

Save hours of your valuable time by using a dissolution service to close your LLC.

It's hard to pick just one service that will be suitable for every business dissolution need.

However, in our experience, Bizee, formerly IncFile, offer the best and most reliable service for the majority of LLC companies that need to be closed.

IncFile has a fantastic track record will guide you through the entire process.

Try Bizee Now →