A business may be required to be closed due to various reasons, like non-operation, closure of business, recurring losses, the passing of the key managerial person, the dispute among promoters, un-ability to pay debts of the LLP, etc. Closing or winding up of an LLP is a challenging task, where the designated partners and all partners must first decide on the best method available under the LLP Act, 2008 to wind up the LLP. In case the LLP does not have liabilities or debts to pay it can be closed voluntarily by a unanimous decision of all the partners of the LLP and after that, an application can be filed with the registrar to strike down the name of LLP from its register. However, where the LLP have debts to pay, or there are creditors/liabilities, the LLP must approach National Company Law Tribunal for closure.
The bank account if opened need to be closed before the
procedure of closing the LLP can be started. The designated partners need to
approach banker with a request for closure and obtain a closure certificate
from the bank that the account maintained with them has been closed.
A statement of assets and liabilities need to be prepared
and signed by the designated partners, which need to be certified by the
auditors of the LLP or in case the LLP did not appoint an auditor any chartered
accountant in practice.
Once the bank account of the LLP is closed and a statement
of assets or liabilities is drawn and attested by the auditor or any other CA,
the partners need to meet and decide on the closure of LLP. The decision for
closure must be made as prescribed in the LLP agreement.
Once the partners have decided to close the LLP, an
affidavit to the truthfulness of the information and documents which shall be
filed with the ROC. Further, an indemnity bond to satisfy any future debt which
may arise to the LLP after its closure is prepared, signed and attested.
DSC is the equivalent of physical or paper certificates in digital
format. As the application for LLP closure is filed online with Digital
Signatures of at least one designated partner. To obtain a class-2 digital
signature for the partner a Photo, copy of ID and Address proof duly attested
by the gazette officer is to be submitted along with Form.
Finally, an application for closure of LLP is to be filed with necessary attachments duly signed and attested by the designated partner and a practicing chartered accountant, or a company secretary or a cost and management accountant. The roc, if satisfied with the application, shall close the company within 90-120 days.