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How do I dissolve a Utah LLC or close a sole proprietorship

UTAH LAW

Dissolving a Utah LLC Or Closing a Sole Proprietorship

Plain-English steps for filings, tax account closures, stakeholder notices, and record-keeping

Utah Law Explained shows exactly how to shut down a Utah business the right way. If you want to stop doing business in Utah, you can’t just walk away from your LLC or sole proprietorship. Closing properly avoids lingering taxes, penalties, and lawsuits.

This guide gives you clear steps, timelines, forms, and tips to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll know which approvals to secure, what paperwork to file, which tax accounts to close, and who to notify so you can move on without future surprises.

01

Dissolving a Utah LLC – Quick Overview

Utah LLCs must be formally dissolved with the Division of Corporations and related tax accounts closed with state and federal agencies. Use the snapshot below before you dive into the step-by-step.

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Step 1 – Member Vote/Consent

Multi-member LLCs need a formal vote or written consent as required by the operating agreement. Single-member LLCs can approve in writing.

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Step 2 – Articles of Dissolution

File Articles of Dissolution online or by mail with the Utah Division of Corporations. Until filed, annual renewals and fees still apply.

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Step 3 – Close Tax Accounts

Cancel Utah sales tax, employer withholding, and other registrations. Send an IRS letter to close the EIN, if applicable.

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Step 4 – Notify Stakeholders

Alert vendors, employees, landlords, lenders, and banks to prevent confusion, collections, or disputes.

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Step 5 – Keep Records

Retain dissolution filings and tax records for 3-7 years in case of creditor or agency questions.

02

Step-by-Step: Dissolving a Utah LLC

1

Member Vote or Consent

Follow your operating agreement for the required approvals. If single-member, approve in writing and keep it with your records.

2

File Articles of Dissolution

Submit to the Utah Division of Corporations. This formally ends the LLC’s existence with the state and stops future renewals.

3

Close State and Federal Tax Accounts

Cancel your Utah sales tax permit and employer withholding. If you have an EIN, send the IRS a letter to close the account after final returns.

4

Notify Stakeholders

Inform vendors, employees, landlords, lenders, and your bank. Wrap up leases, contracts, payroll, and outstanding obligations.

5

Retain Records

Keep dissolution documents and tax filings for 3-7 years to handle any future questions from creditors or agencies.

03

Closing a Sole Proprietorship

Licenses

Action: Cancel your city or county business license.
Why: Prevents future fees or enforcement tied to an active license.

Final Returns

Action: File final state and federal tax returns and pay any balances due.
Note: Mark returns as final where applicable to avoid future notices.

EIN Closure

Action: Send the IRS a letter to close your EIN, if you have one.
Why: Stops IRS mail tied to an inactive business.

Notifications

Action: Notify vendors, customers, and your bank that operations have ceased.
Why: Prevents disputes, returned payments, and confusion.
04

Wind-Down Checklist

Hold member vote or written consent – LLC only

File Articles of Dissolution with Utah Division of Corporations – LLC only

Cancel tax accounts with Utah State Tax Commission and IRS

Close city or county business licenses

Notify vendors, landlords, lenders, and banks

Pay final wages, taxes, and outstanding debts

Store records for 3-7 years

Need Help Applying This To Your Situation?

Shutting down a Utah business is a legal process with clear steps and real consequences if skipped. A short consult can help you avoid penalties and delays.

Talk to a Utah Attorney
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Key Takeaways

LLCs require formal approvals plus Articles of Dissolution; sole props do not file Articles but must still wind down.

Close Utah and IRS tax accounts, notify stakeholders, and resolve contracts and payroll to prevent disputes.

Keep your records for 3-7 years. This page is legal information, not legal advice.

When in doubt, get counsel before you file.

Next Step

Ready to wind down cleanly? Start with approvals, file the Articles, close tax accounts, and notify the right people in the right order.

Book a Business Wind-Down Consult

We’ll help you sequence filings, close accounts, and avoid penalties so you can move on without surprises.

Utah Law Explained publishes plain-English guides for Utahns on small business, employment, family, housing, and consumer law so you can make informed decisions. This page is legal information, not legal advice.

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