Ended your business? Here is what to do after deregistering from KVK

On this page, you can read out what you need to arrange after you have submitted your deregistration.

KVK has received your deregistration. To ensure your business is properly wound up, please follow the steps below. This will help you avoid any surprises later on and pave the way for a new chapter.

To the checklist

Do this after you deregister

Use this step-by-step plan to see what you can and what you must do.  

1. Finalise your accounts (mandatory) 

Once we have entered the deregistration in the Business Register, we will notify the Netherlands Tax Administration. Always check whether you receive a letter from the Tax Administration. This can take up to 8 weeks. You will need to take further steps yourself to ensure your business’s tax affairs are properly settled as well:

  • Turnover tax (VAT return)

    Continue to submit your returns as long as they are listed in Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk. Unless you are exempt from submitting VAT returns, as under the KOR scheme.

  • Income tax

    When you file your next income tax return, include all financial matters relating to the closure of your business, such as stock or capital gains on liquidation. Most legal entities are also required to file their financial statements.

An accountant or tax adviser can help you with this and ensure that you do not overlook anything when finalising your accounts.

2. Keep your business records (mandatory)

Once you have deregistered with KVK, you remain responsible for keeping your records. You must retain these documents so that the Tax Administration can inspect them if necessary.

  • You must keep all business records, such as invoices, bank statements, and contracts, for at least 7 years.
  • For immovable property, such as buildings or rights relating to them, the retention period is 10 years. 

3. Cancel your business bank account

Your bank will automatically be notified when you deregister with KVK. You will usually receive a message from the bank about this.

  • Make sure you close your account yourself if you have not already done so before deregistering with KVK. When closing the account, you can usually specify an alternative account, such as your personal account.
  • If you do not close your account yourself, the bank will block it. Check with the bank to find out how long you have to close your bank account.

4. Check that you have cancelled your contracts and insurance policies  

Check whether you might still have a subscription or contract running by mistake, or whether you have failed to transfer it.  

  • Do not forget contracts that are automatically renewed annually, such as mobile phone or software contracts.  
  • Check whether you still need business insurance, such as liability or incapacity for work cover, and cancel or adjust these policies. You may need a cancellation confirmation for this.
  • Put agreements in writing and check the notice periods so that you don’t face any surprises.

5. Delete your professional online profiles and let your network know

Close your digital channels and actively inform your network.  

  • Do not forget to deactivate your business email or set up automatic forwarding to your personal address.  
  • Cancel your domain name if you are no longer using it and delete your business profiles from social media.  
  • Are you listed on Google Maps? If so, log in to your Google Business account and request removal.  
  • You have probably already informed your customers and suppliers about your closure. Send another clear message stating that you have now ceased trading completely and thank them for their business. This way, you remain in control of your business, right up to the very end.

Questions about your personal situation?

Every situation is different. That is why our business advisers are happy to work with you to find the best solution.

  • Our advice is always free.
  • You can reach us on week days between 08:30 and 17:00 hours.
  • Our advisers have a lot of business experience.
Call the KVK Advice Team

How does it work with the Netherlands Tax Administration if I deregister?

Stopping is the start of a new chapter

Closing your business can bring a sense of relief, but also uncertainty. Talk to those close to you, so you do not have to face this decision alone. Allow yourself to take pride in what you have built up and use that experience as a foundation for what you want to do next. This will make the transition easier and help you stay proactive as you move into a new phase.

FAQ after stopping

Yes, a deregistered business remains visible in the Business Register with the status ‘deregistered’, but the details are more limited. You can see that the business existed and when it was deregistered. However, the KVK number, for example, is no longer visible.

Is your question not included? More frequently asked questions can be found on our Help and contact page. It also states how you can contact us.