Bona Vacantia - that was an unpleasant surprise

[sd5aj]

I voluntarily wound up my company upon moving abroad.

I have never heard of bona vacantia so kept about GBP3000 in the business account to pay for any tax problems etc.

My business was dissolved and immediately under bona vacantia all of my money was passed to the government.

Everything I read is in legalese and I have no idea what my options are to get my money back.

I feel like a fool as I was trying to "do the right thing" by keeping some money in the business account.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Many thanks.

[TheFaQQer]

Go to Companies House and restore the company.

Then go to https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-a-repay...e-register-cb4 and follow the instructions.

Then speak to your accountant about closing down properly.

[Waldorf]

Yet another case when trying to save cash by doing something yourself, which you don't understand, has actually cost you money.

Take note, use a professional, and by that I mean a qualified person, not one of the many unqualified wasters out there.

[tractor]

...

Yet another case when trying to save cash by doing something yourself, which you don't understand, has actually cost you money.

Take note, use a professional, and by that I mean a qualified person, not one of the many unqualified wasters out there.

Or research your actions before you take them. All of the information that you require to efficiently and successfully close a company is freely available to anyone. Had the OP checked on the process of company closure with Co House, HMRC (tax & VAT) and their accountant, this could have been avoided.

OP, I'm not being smug, just a little pointer to anyone else considering closure.

[Jessica@WhiteFieldTax]

Then speak to your accountant about closing down properly.

We have all our closure clients sign a letter to us confirming, amongst other things:

~ all taxes paid
~ all debts paid
~ bank account closed

With an explanation of why this is important.

On average once a year someone signs, presumably "just something for the accountant", and lets the company be struck off with a few grand in the account.

Frustrating.