Objecting to a Company Being Struck Off: What Changes on 1st December 2026

If a company owes you money and you find out it is about to be removed from the Companies House register, it can feel as though your chance of being paid is slipping away. You do have the right to object, and from 1st December 2026 there is only one way to do it. This guide explains what is changing, who can object and what happens next.

What Is Changing?

From 1st December 2026, all objections to a company being struck off must be submitted through Companies House’s Make an objection online service. Companies House will no longer accept objections by email.

You do not need to wait until December. The online service is already open, and Companies House says it makes objecting “easier, quicker and more secure”.

Note: If you cannot use the online service, for example because of a disability or health condition, you can contact Companies House for support.

Who Can Object?

You can object if you are a shareholder or another interested party, such as a creditor. You must have a reason to stop the company being removed from the register. For example, the company owes you money or you have a legal claim against it.

You will also need evidence to support your objection, such as unpaid invoices.

When Can You Object?

You can only object after Companies House has published a notice in The Gazette saying the company is going to be struck off. The notice gives the strike off date, which is usually 2 months or 28 days after the notice is published. Your objection must be made before that date.

What You Will Need

• A Companies House account
• The company’s full name and company number
• Supporting documents that are less than 6 months old, show the company’s full name (including “Limited” or “Ltd”) and are under 4MB each. Images, PDF, Word and Excel files are accepted.

Companies House says the online form takes around 5 minutes to complete.

What Happens Next?

If your objection is accepted, the company will not be struck off for another 6 months. Before that period ends, you must tell Companies House if you need more time. For example to finish legal action, or if your issue has been resolved.

Companies House will want to see real progress before it gives you more time. Sending another invoice is unlikely to be enough, but starting court proceedings to recover the debt may be. If you do not get in touch and the company still meets the conditions for strike off. It will be removed from the register.

What If It Is Your Own Company?

Companies House can also strike off a company it believes is no longer trading, for example when accounts or a confirmation statement are overdue and its letters have gone unanswered. If you receive one of these letters, file your overdue documents or contact Companies House on 0303 1234 500 straight away. Our guide “What Happens If You Miss a Companies House Deadline?” explains more.

If a company has already been struck off, the objection route is closed. You would normally need to apply to court to restore it.

For the most current information, always check the official GOV.UK guidance on objecting to a company being struck off.

When Getting Advice Can Help

Strike off rules come with strict time limits. Missing one could mean losing the chance to recover money you are owed, or having your own company removed from the register. You are not expected to be an expert, and getting professional advice can be very helpful.

If you would like calm, practical support, Penney’s Accountancy works with UK small businesses in and around Farnborough and the surrounding areas. We can help you keep your Companies House filings up to date so your company is never at risk of being struck off, and talk you through your options if a customer’s company is being struck off.

Want to Learn More in Your Own Time?

For those who want to build their confidence and understand these topics in more detail, Penney’s Finance School offers an online, self-paced business and finance course. It covers everything from company setup to cash flow and tax, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

Important information

The information provided in this article is intended as general guidance for UK businesses only and reflects UK tax legislation and HMRC guidance as of September 2026.

Tax rules and business requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Before acting on any of the information above, we recommend speaking to a qualified accountant who can provide advice tailored to your specific situation.