How to Shut Down a Business in Pennsylvania
Complete guide to dissolving your business entity with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.
Quick Answer
To dissolve a business in Pennsylvania, file Certificate of Dissolution - Domestic Limited Liability Company with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. The LLC filing fee is $70 and corporation fee is $70. Pennsylvania requires tax clearance from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue before dissolution. Standard processing takes 7-10 business days.
Quick Facts
| Filing Agency | Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations |
| Website | https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/business/ |
| LLC Dissolution Fee | $70 |
| Corporation Dissolution Fee | $70 |
| Tax Clearance Required | Yes |
| Processing Time | 7-10 business days |
| Online Filing | Yes |
| Phone | (717) 787-1057 |
LLC Dissolution in Pennsylvania
Steps to Dissolve an LLC
- 1 Vote to dissolve according to your operating agreement or by majority vote of members
- 2 Obtain Tax Clearance Certificate from the PA Department of Revenue (Form REV-181)
- 3 Obtain clearance from the PA Department of Labor and Industry
- 4 Wind up business affairs, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets
- 5 Notify all known creditors in writing
- 6 File final federal and state tax returns
- 7 File Certificate of Dissolution (Form DSCB:15-8975/8978) with the Department of State ($70 fee)
- 8 Cancel any business licenses, permits, and fictitious names
Corporation Dissolution in Pennsylvania
Steps to Dissolve a Corporation
- 1 Board of directors adopts a resolution recommending dissolution
- 2 Shareholders approve dissolution by majority vote
- 3 Obtain Tax Clearance Certificate from the PA Department of Revenue (Form REV-181)
- 4 Obtain clearance from the PA Department of Labor and Industry, Office of UC Tax Services
- 5 Notify all known creditors and claimants in writing
- 6 Wind up business affairs, settle debts, and distribute remaining assets
- 7 File final federal and state tax returns
- 8 File Articles of Dissolution (Form DSCB:15-1977/5977) with the Department of State ($70 fee)
- 9 Cancel all business licenses, permits, and fictitious names
Tax Requirements
Tax Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/
Phone: (717) 783-8434
Tax clearance is mandatory before dissolution. Submit Form REV-181 (Application for Tax Clearance Certificate) to the Department of Revenue. Processing takes approximately 4 weeks. You must also obtain a separate clearance from the Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Tax Services. Both clearances must be obtained before filing dissolution with the Department of State.
Additional Requirements
Contact Information
Agency: Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
Address: 401 North Street, Room 206, Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: (717) 787-1057
Website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dos/programs/business/
Online Portal: https://hub.business.pa.gov/
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is sourced from official state websites and was last verified in 2026. Always confirm current requirements directly with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations. Consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation.