Searching for the “best business dissolution attorney near me” in Los Angeles?
Darrell P. White
Partner
William O. London
Partner
Joshua M. Kimura
Partner
Proven Representation for Business Dissolution in Los Angeles
Closing a business in Los Angeles requires more than a “Closed” sign. California's formal business dissolution process protects you from ongoing taxes, penalties, and future lawsuits. Whether dissolving a corporation, partnership, or LLC, a clean, compliant exit safeguards your assets and reputation.
At Kimura London & White LLP, our business dissolution attorneys guide Los Angeles owners through every step—documentation, Secretary of State filings, creditor notices, asset distribution, and final tax wrap-up—so you can move on with confidence.
Why You Need a Business Dissolution Lawyer in Los Angeles
Dissolution involves legal, tax, and financial steps that must be done in the right order to avoid penalties, liabilities, and personal exposure. We help with:
- California Compliance – Preparing approvals, minutes, and filing required Secretary of State forms.
- Creditor Strategy – Noticing creditors, prioritizing payments, and resolving contracts and leases.
- Asset Protection – Preserving limited liability and minimizing risks to personal wealth.
- Employment & Vendor Wind-Down – Final wages, benefits, vendor terminations, and dispute prevention.
- Orderly Distribution – Allocating remaining assets per bylaws, operating agreements, and state law.
Steps to Dissolve a Business in California
We use a structured, end-to-end checklist to finish correctly the first time:
- Formal Decision & Documentation – Board/member/partner approvals, minutes, and written consents.
- Secretary of State Filings – Corporations: Certificate of Election to Wind Up and Dissolve (ELEC STK) + Certificate of Dissolution (DISS STK). LLCs: Certificate of Dissolution (LLC-3) + Certificate of Cancellation (LLC-4/7).
- Creditor Notices & Debts – Written notices, claims deadlines, and payment by priority.
- Final Tax Filings – IRS final return; California Franchise Tax Board final return; close EDD payroll and CDTFA sales/use tax accounts.
- Licenses, Accounts, DBAs – Cancel local licenses and permits; close bank accounts after checks clear; abandon DBAs.
- Asset Distribution & Closure – Distribute remaining assets; archive records; confirm completion.
Entity-Specific Guidance
- Corporations (C-Corp & S-Corp) – Shareholder vote, SOS filings, final corporate taxes, and shareholder distributions.
- LLCs – Follow operating agreement voting rules; file LLC-3 and LLC-4/7; member distributions per agreement.
- Partnerships – Use the partnership agreement; if none, follow the Uniform Partnership Act; settle debts before distributions.
Domestic vs. Foreign Entities: Dissolution vs. Surrender
Domestic (formed in CA): dissolve in California. Foreign (formed elsewhere, registered in CA): file a Certificate of Surrender to stop transacting in California while the entity continues in its home state.
Avoiding Common Dissolution Pitfalls
- Unpaid Taxes & Fees – Missing final returns can trigger penalties and ongoing franchise tax.
- Lease & Contract Misses – Failing to terminate or negotiate out of commercial leases and vendor agreements.
- Poor Records – Incomplete minutes and ledgers increase audit and dispute risk.
- Personal Liability – Walking away can lead to forfeiture status and veil-piercing exposure.
Serving Business Owners Across Los Angeles County
We counsel businesses in Downtown LA, West LA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Long Beach, Torrance, Inglewood, Hawthorne, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, San Fernando Valley, and beyond. From small businesses to complex corporate groups, our team ensures a streamlined, compliant wind-down.
Your Partner for a Clean Exit
Proper dissolution ends ongoing obligations and clears a path to your next venture. Kimura London & White LLP delivers practical, risk-aware counsel tailored to Los Angeles businesses.
Call 949-474-0940 or use our contact form to get started today.
