How to Get Your Money If Your Company Has Been Dissolved (UK Guide 2026)

If your limited company has been dissolved (struck off the register), you can still recover money or assets in many cases, but the process depends on what type of funds are involved and how long ago the company was dissolved. Remaining assets automatically pass to the Crown as bona vacantia (ownerless property), but former directors, shareholders, or creditors have clear routes to reclaim them.

Updated March 2026: The rules around restoration and bona vacantia claims remain consistent, but stricter ID verification and faster processing at Companies House mean applications are now reviewed more rigorously. Common scenarios include reclaiming bank balances, tax refunds (especially from HMRC), or other overlooked assets that surfaced after dissolution.

At Filing Accounts, we regularly help former directors and shareholders recover funds from dissolved companies through restoration or bona vacantia claims. Contact us today for expert assistance with company restoration, asset recovery, or full guidance on getting your money back.

What Happens to Money and Assets When a Company Is Dissolved?

When a limited company is struck off and dissolved:

All remaining assets (bank balances, tax refunds, property, unpaid invoices, etc.) pass to the Crown as bona vacantia.
The company no longer legally exists, so it cannot receive or hold money.
Former directors and shareholders lose direct control, but legal routes exist to recover funds.

Important: Not all money is lost forever. You have options within specific time limits.

Main Ways to Recover Money from a Dissolved Company in 2026

Option 1: Administrative Restoration (Fastest & Cheapest – Within 6 Years)

This is the preferred route for most former directors or shareholders.

Eligibility:

You were a director or shareholder at the time of dissolution
The company was dissolved within the last 6 years
The company was trading (or had assets) at the time of dissolution

Process:

Obtain a Bona Vacantia waiver letter from the Government Legal Department (proves they agree to release the assets).
File Form RT01 (Application for Administrative Restoration) with Companies House. It costs £341 to apply.
File any outstanding accounts, CS01, and pay any late filing penalties.
Once restored, the company can reclaim assets (e.g., close bank accounts or receive HMRC refunds).
You can then distribute funds or strike off the company again if no longer needed.

Official guidance: Restore a dissolved company (administrative restoration)

Option 2: Court Order Restoration

Used when administrative restoration is not available (e.g., more than 6 years have passed or complex circumstances).

This is more expensive and time-consuming but possible in many cases.

Option 3: Discretionary Grant (for Shareholders)

If restoration is not practical, former shareholders can apply directly to the Bona Vacantia Division for a discretionary grant to return some or all of the funds.

Best for: Small amounts or when you don’t want to restart the company.

Official page: Apply for a discretionary grant

Step-by-Step: How to Recover Money from a Dissolved Company

Confirm the company is dissolved Search on Companies House to verify status.
Identify the assets Common recoverable items: bank balances, HMRC tax refunds, unpaid customer invoices, or property.
Contact the Bona Vacantia Division Request a waiver letter if assets are held by them.
Apply for restoration (if eligible) Use Form RT01 for administrative restoration.
Reclaim the funds Once restored, open a temporary bank account or request direct payment.
Distribute or close again Pay out to shareholders/directors and optionally strike off again.

Pro tip: Act quickly — the longer you wait, the harder and more expensive it becomes.

Common Scenarios & Solutions

HMRC tax refund arrived after dissolution → Usually treated as bona vacantia. Restoration is the most reliable way to recover it.
Money left in a business bank account → Bank will freeze it and forward to the Crown. Requires restoration or waiver.
You are a creditor → You can object during the 2-month Gazette period or apply for restoration/court order.
Small shareholder distribution → Discretionary grant route may be simpler.

Costs Involved in 2026

Administrative restoration fee: £100–£341
Outstanding filing fees and penalties: Variable
Accountant/legal support: £500–£2,000+
Court restoration: Significantly higher (legal fees)

Real-Life Example: How to Recover £3,000 Left in a Dissolved Company Bank Account

Let’s say your limited company was struck off in January 2025 with £3,000 remaining in its business bank account. Here’s exactly what happens and the best process to recover the money in 2026:

What Happens to the £3,000?

The bank freezes the account upon dissolution.
After a period, the bank transfers the £3,000 to the Bona Vacantia Division (the Crown).
The money is no longer legally yours or the company’s until you take action.

Recommended Process: Administrative Restoration (Most Effective Route)

Step-by-step process to recover the £3,000 (as of March 2026):

Confirm eligibility Check that the company was dissolved less than 6 years ago and you were a director or shareholder at the time.
Contact the bank first Ask the bank for a letter confirming the balance at the date of dissolution and that the funds were sent to Bona Vacantia.
Apply for a Bona Vacantia Waiver Contact the Government Legal Department’s Bona Vacantia Division and request a waiver letter. Provide:
- Company name and registration number
- Proof you were a director/shareholder
- Bank letter showing the £3,000 balance
File Form RT01 for Administrative Restoration
- Submit online or by post to Companies House
- Pay the £341 restoration fee
- File any outstanding accounts and the Confirmation Statement (CS01) — £50 fee
- Pay any late filing penalties
Once the company is restored (usually within 4–8 weeks):
- The company legally exists again
- Open a temporary business bank account (or use an existing one)
- Request the £3,000 from the Bona Vacantia Division (they will release it once they see the company is restored)
- Distribute the funds to shareholders (as capital or dividends)
- Optionally strike the company off again if no longer needed

Total estimated cost (2026): £800 – £2,200 (including £341 restoration fee, £50 CS01, late filing penalties, and accountant support)

Timeframe: 2–4 months in most straightforward cases.

Alternative Option (Simpler but Less Reliable)

If you don’t want to restore the company, you can apply for a Discretionary Grant directly from the Bona Vacantia Division as a former shareholder. This works reasonably well for smaller amounts like £3,000, but success is not guaranteed and processing can take longer.

Official contact for Bona Vacantia: Claiming money from a dissolved company

What Our Clients Say on Trustpilot

“Filing Accounts helped us restore our dissolved company and recover a significant HMRC refund. Professional and efficient!” – Anonymous, March 2026 (5 stars)
“They guided us through the entire bona vacantia process. Got our money back smoothly.” – Mark T., February 2026 (5 stars)
“Saved us thousands by handling the restoration correctly. Highly recommend.” – Sarah L., January 2026 (5 stars)

With our consistent 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating, former directors trust us to recover funds from dissolved companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to recover money from a dissolved company? Generally 6 years for administrative restoration. After that, court restoration may still be possible.

Can I claim money directly without restoring the company? Sometimes via a discretionary grant if you were a shareholder, but restoration is more reliable for larger amounts.

What if the company was dissolved years ago? You may still have options through court order or discretionary grant — contact us for a free assessment.

Do I need a solicitor? Not always for simple administrative restoration, but recommended for complex cases or court applications.

Official GOV.UK resources:

Need Help Recovering Money from Your Dissolved Company?

Losing access to company funds after dissolution can be frustrating and costly if not handled correctly. Filing Accounts specialises in company restoration, bona vacantia claims, and asset recovery for directors and shareholders.

Contact us today or book a free consultation — we’ll assess your situation, outline the best recovery route, and handle the entire process for you in 2026.