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Deregistering a business: how to end your business correctly

Anyone who gives up a business must deregister it at the trade office. With the deregistration, further bodies are informed. It is important to observe all follow-up duties, so that no contributions or taxes later arise for a business long since ended.

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Giving up a permanent business must be reported to the trade office (§ 14 GewO). The office generally informs the tax office, the IHK/HWK and other bodies about the deregistration.
With a correct deregistration the duty to trade tax ends and usually also the chamber membership for the future. A clean deregistration avoids unnecessary contribution demands.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Submit the deregistration

    Deregister the business at the responsible trade office (often also possible online).

  2. 2

    2. Inform the tax office

    Notify the tax office of the business cessation and clarify the final taxation.

  3. 3

    3. Chamber and insurance

    Inform the IHK/HWK and, if applicable, health and pension insurance about the end of the activity.

  4. 4

    4. Keep documents

    Keep business documents for the statutory retention periods.

How to spot the scam

  • You do not deregister the business and keep receiving contribution or tax notices.
  • The business cessation is not reported to the tax office.
  • Business documents are destroyed too early.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I deregister my business?

At the trade office of the municipality where the business was registered (§ 14 GewO). Many municipalities also offer deregistration online. The office forwards the deregistration to the tax office, chamber and other bodies.

Must I inform the tax office separately?

Even though the trade office informs the tax office, you should actively report the business cessation to the tax office and clarify the tax consequences (final balance sheet or income-surplus calculation, cessation gain), to avoid back demands.

Does the IHK duty end with the deregistration?

With the business deregistration the chamber membership generally ends for the future. Contributions can arise up to the end of the membership. Inform the chamber, so that no contributions are charged for the time after the business cessation.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.