How to Dissolve an LLC in Iowa in 7 Steps

How to Dissolve (Close) an LLC in Iowa

Written by:

Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.

Reviewed by: Sarah Ruddle

For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.

How to Dissolve (Close) an LLC in Iowa

How to Dissolve (Close) an LLC in Iowa

If you have a limited liability company (LLC) in Iowa, you may need to shut down the business at some point. Maybe you’ve started another company or decided to relocate to another state— whatever the reason, you’ll need to follow the somewhat complicated LLC dissolution process. 

If done incorrectly, you’ll still be responsible for annual reports and fees and could face additional penalties. But, lucky for you, this handy guide explains how to dissolve an LLC in Iowa. 

Properly shutting down an LLC involves several crucial steps, as detailed below.  

1. Vote for Dissolution

LLC owners must vote to dissolve the LLC. Hopefully, you have an operating agreement that details the process. If not, Iowa law requires you to gain consent of all members. Once you do so, you’ll need to draft a resolution to dissolve the LLC. 

2. Cancel Business Licenses and Permits

If you were required to get licenses and permits for your business, you’d need to contact the issuing agencies to cancel them so that you’re not charged renewal fees. If you have any outstanding fees, you’ll likely need to pay them before you are allowed to cancel.

3. Notify Creditors

If you owe money to any creditors, you’ll need to notify them in writing of the dissolution and give them detailed instructions on filing any claims for the outstanding debt. In Iowa, your notice must provide a mailing to send claims to and a deadline of at least 120 days within which to file.

4. Notify Tax Departments

Notify any relevant tax authorities of the dissolution and pay any outstanding taxes due.

5. Cancel Contracts and Settle Financial Obligations

If you have contracts with vendors, lessors, or any other outstanding financial obligations, you’ll need to ensure all your obligations are fulfilled and all contracts are canceled. 

6. Distribute Assets to Members

If the LLC has any assets remaining in any form after all financial obligations have been settled, they must be distributed to members based on LLC ownership percentages. If the assets are equipment, property, or other non-cash assets, they’ll need to be sold first so distributions can be made in cash. 

7. File the Dissolution Papers with Iowa

In Iowa, officially dissolving your LLC includes filing a Statement of Dissolution and a Statement of Termination.

First, go to Iowa’s Fast Track Filing website to file either of them.

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From the top menu, hover over “Business Filings” and select “File a Document.” 

Scroll down to the “Existing Entities” section, and click on “Entity Dissolution.”

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Search for your business, and select it from the list. Below, there should also be a drop-down menu from which you can choose the statement you’re filing.

If you’ve just decided to close your LLC and haven’t finished winding up yet, choose “Statement of Dissolution.”

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Fill out this next page with your electronic signature.

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Review your information, and click “Add to Cart” to file your Statement of Dissolution and pay.

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Once you’ve finished winding up your business, return to this website and follow the same process to file your Statement of Termination.

The fee for filing the dissolution and termination papers is $5 each.

In Closing

Regardless of the reason, LLC dissolution must be done right to avoid legal issues and financial penalties. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you employ the services of an attorney to ensure everything is done correctly and all bases are covered.

FAQs

How much does it cost to dissolve an LLC in Iowa?

In Iowa, the filing fees for the Statement of Dissolution and Statement of Termination are $5 each, for a total cost of $10.

How long does it take to dissolve an Iowa LLC?

Once submitted on Fast Track Filing, your Statement of Dissolution and Statement of Termination will be processed immediately.

Should I close an unused LLC in Iowa?

If you’re not using your Iowa LLC, you should close it to avoid unnecessary fees, filings, and responsibilities, such as your biennial report.

What happens if I don't dissolve my LLC in Iowa?

If you don’t dissolve your LLC, you’ll still be accountable for any fees, filings, claims, or other responsibilities your LLC might incur. The Secretary of State will administratively dissolve your LLC if you fail to submit your biennial report or a fee 60 days after it’s due.

What is the difference between the dissolution and termination of an LLC in Iowa?

Dissolution is deciding to close your LLC and making the necessary preparations. Once you file your Statement of Dissolution with Iowa, you can only operate in a limited capacity for winding up, liquidizing, distributing assets, and settling claims. Once your affairs have been settled, file your Statement of Dissolution to close your LLC officially.