Are you ending a VOF, CV, maatschap, or rederij? Then you must deregister it with KVK. You arrange this by post with a PDF form. Deregistration is free. Deregistration is final, and it has consequences. So read the steps carefully first.
Before you deregister
First check whether deregistration is really necessary.
- Does one of the partners want to leave the VOF? Read what to do when a partner stops.
- Do you want to change your legal structure? Read more about business transfers or takeovers.
How deregistration works
Decide to stop together
As partners, you must decide together to end the VOF. All partners must sign the form to do this.
Check that you have arranged everything
There is often a lot to arrange when you end a business. Deregistering is the last step. So read the ending your business checklist first to make sure you are well prepared.
Note: Check the consequences for your bank account
Your business bank account is always linked to the KVK registration of your business. Check with your bank how long your account is still available after deregistration.
Choose a deregistration date
When you deregister, give a date on which your VOF will cease to exist. You must have ended all your business on that date. Read our tips on how to choose a deregistration date.Â
Send the deregistration form by post
- Download and print Form 17 and have all partners sign it in pen (do not use a copy or scan of a signature).
- Attach a copy of a valid proof of identity (passport, ID card, or driving licence) of the person signing the form under section 5.
- Send the form with a copy of the proof of identity by post to a KVK office.
What happens after the deregistration?
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KVK deregisters the VOF, CV, maatschap, or rederij on the date you reported to KVK. On the Current processing times page, you can see how long it will take for the deregistration to appear in the Business Register.
- Once the deregistration has been entered in the Business Register, you will receive a letter from KVK. Keep this as proof of deregistration.
- We deregister the UBOs of the VOF, CV, maatschap, or rederij. You do not have to do this yourself.
- We will pass on your deregistration to the Netherlands Tax Administration.
Note: Keep filing your tax returns and avoid a fine
Keep filing your returns as long as they are listed in the Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk portal. The Tax Administration will send you a letter about your final VAT return.
FAQ on deregistering a VOF, CV, maatschap, or rederij
The partner who wants to stop deregisters themself from the Business Register and the UBO Register. If the other partners continue the VOF,the former partner may no longer do anything on behalf of the VOF after deregistering. Check what you need to arrange when leaving a VOF.
The VOF cannot continue with only 1 partner. Please note: the dissolution date of the VOF is the date on which the second-to-last partner stopped being a partner.
If you want to continue the VOF you can:
- look for another partner. Check if the cooperation contract has a continuation clause. This sets out what the remaining partner needs to do to continue the VOF if the other partners stop.Â
- transfer the VOF to a sole proprietorship. Read how to arrange the transfer.Â
Legally a VOF ends when a partner dies, even if there are other partners. The partnership contract may state that the VOF can still continue. Contact our Bereavement Support Team for help.Â
Want to talk about your personal situation?
Every situation is different. That is why our business advisers are ready to work with you to find the right solution.
- Our advice is always free.
- We are available every working day from 08:30 to 17:00.
- Get personal and up-to-date advice that fits your situation.
- Experienced advisers with practical insights
- Specialisation: Business in trouble and Ending