Complete guide to filing the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution. Learn steps, requirements, form details, and how FastFile can help you close your LLC correctly.
Guide to Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution and Filing Steps
Filing the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution is the final action required to close a domestic limited liability company under Alabama law. Before the form is submitted, the LLC must confirm its official records, document the date of formation, complete its internal closing steps, and choose an effective date for dissolution.
What Are the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution?
The Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution are the official documents filed with the Alabama Secretary of State to formally close a domestic limited liability company. This filing confirms that the LLC has finished its business activities, completed all closing duties, and is ready to be removed from state records.
The form provides key details such as the LLC name, Alabama Entity ID Number, Certificate of Formation date, the reason for dissolution, and the chosen effective date. Once accepted, the LLC is officially dissolved under Alabama law and is no longer responsible for future state filings.
What Are the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution?
Legal Requirements Before Filing
1. Confirm the LLC name on record
The LLC name entered on the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution must match exactly what appears in the Alabama business database. Any difference, including spacing or punctuation, may delay processing.
2. Retrieve the Alabama Entity ID Number
The Alabama Entity ID Number is a unique identifier issued by the Secretary of State. It appears in the format 000-000-000 and can be found through the Alabama online business search tool. This number must be listed correctly to ensure the correct LLC is dissolved.
3. Determine the Certificate of Formation filing date
The dissolution form requires the exact date the LLC’s Certificate of Formation was filed. This date is part of the state’s original records for the LLC and must be entered using the MM/DD/YYYY format.
4. State the reason for dissolution
The form asks for the reason the LLC is dissolving. Common reasons include closure of the business, completion of the company’s purpose, or a voluntary decision by the members. The reason should be clear and accurate based on internal LLC decisions.
5. Choose an effective dissolution date
The filer must indicate whether the dissolution is effective immediately or on a future date. Alabama allows a dissolving LLC to select a date that works with its closing needs, as long as it complies with state rules.
How to Complete the Alabama Articles of Dissolution Form
1. Section 1 – LLC Name
In this section, enter the full legal name of your LLC exactly as it appears in the Alabama Secretary of State database. Small differences such as punctuation, spacing, or capitalization can result in delays, so it is important to copy the name directly from the state’s records.
2. Section 2 – Alabama Entity ID Number
This section requires the Alabama Entity ID Number, a unique identifier assigned to your LLC.
It follows the format 000-000-000. You can locate the number through the Alabama business entity search tool on the Secretary of State website. Entering the correct ID number allows the state to match the dissolution with the correct business profile.
3. Section 3 – Certificate of Formation Date
Here, you must provide the original filing date of the Certificate of Formation. The date must be entered using the MM/DD/YYYY format. This date is recorded in the state’s formation documents for your LLC and is required to verify your company’s formation history before it is closed.
4. Section 4 – Reason for Filing
The Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution ask for a brief explanation of why the LLC is dissolving.
Acceptable reasons include:
- The LLC has completed its purpose
- Business operations have ended
- Members decided to dissolve the company
- The LLC will not continue operating
You do not need to provide a long description just a clear and accurate statement based on the LLC’s decision to dissolve.
5. Section 5 – Effective Date
In this section, you specify when the dissolution becomes effective.
You may choose:
- The date the form is received and processed, or
- A future effective date
A future date must comply with Alabama’s rules and should be selected if the LLC needs time to complete remaining administrative tasks before closing.
6. Section 6 – Statement of Dissolution
This section is a formal declaration confirming that the LLC is dissolving in accordance with Alabama law.
By completing this part, you confirm that:
- The LLC has taken the required steps to dissolve
- Members or managers have approved the dissolution
- The filing is truthful to the best of the signer’s knowledge
This statement functions as the LLC’s official notice of closure.
7. Signature Requirements
The form must be signed by an individual authorized to act on behalf of the LLC.
This may include:
- A member
- A manager
- A person named in the operating agreement
- An authorized representative if applicable
The signer must also:
- Print their name
- Include their title
- Provide the date of signing
Their signature confirms the accuracy of the information in the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution.
8. Preparer Information
The final section requests the name and mailing address of the person who prepared the form.
This may be:
- An LLC member
- A manager
- An attorney
- A professional filing service
Providing complete, accurate preparer information ensures that any return documents or questions are directed to the correct contact.
How to Complete the Alabama Articles of Dissolution Form
Filing Instructions
1. Number of Copies Required
Alabama requires two typed copies of the completed Articles of Dissolution form. Handwritten forms or partially typed documents will not be accepted. Submitting two copies allows the Secretary of State to keep one for state records and use the second for indexing, verification, or returning a stamped copy if you request one.
2. Filing Fee
The filing fee for processing the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution is $100.
You may pay this amount by:
- Check
- Money order
- Credit card
- Prepaid account through the Secretary of State
Each filing must be accompanied by its own payment. If you include one check for multiple documents, the filing will be delayed or rejected. Checks returned for insufficient funds will incur an additional charge, so it is important to ensure all payment details are correct before submission.
3. Online Filing Option
Alabama offers an online submission option through the Secretary of State’s business portal.
Online filing:
- Reduces mailing delays
- Allows faster data entry
- Provides immediate confirmation that the form was received
- Does not require multiple typed copies
Online filing is often the preferred route for LLC owners who want a faster result. Before using the online system, ensure you have your Entity ID Number, the Certificate of Formation date, and all dissolution information ready.
4. Important Rules
When filing the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution, the state imposes several key rules:
- Typed forms only handwritten submissions will be rejected.
- One payment per filing does not combine fees for multiple documents.
- The correct entity details the name, Entity ID, and formation date must match state records.
- No email submissions Alabama does not accept dissolution forms by email.
- Include a return envelope if you want a stamped copy back.
Following these rules helps avoid processing delays and ensures your LLC is dissolved correctly.
Payment Slip Instructions (Credit Card or Prepaid Account)
1. When to include the payment slip
You must include the payment slip when:
- Paying by credit card,
- Using a prepaid account, or
- Filing by mail and choosing a non-check payment method.
The payment slip is not required for check or money order payments.
2. Required fields
The payment slip must include several specific details:
- LLC name as listed on state records
- Alabama Entity ID Number
- Payment amount
- Type of service requested (Articles of Dissolution)
- Cardholder or account holder name
- Billing address
- Contact information
- Authorized signature
Any missing information may cause the payment to be declined or the filing to be placed on hold.
3. Mailing return instructions
If you wish to receive a stamped copy showing that the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution were indexed and accepted, you must include:
- A self-addressed stamped envelope, or
- A written request for pick-up at the state office
Without a return envelope, the Secretary of State will not mail any confirmation. Many filers overlook this step and later have difficulty obtaining proof that the LLC was dissolved, so it is recommended to include the envelope with your submission.
After Filing the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution
- Wait for the Secretary of State to index the dissolved LLC
After the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution are received, the Secretary of State updates the business database to show that the LLC is dissolved. This indexing step completes the legal process and confirms that the LLC is no longer active in Alabama.
- Keep a copy of the filed documents for your records
Even after the LLC is dissolved, retain copies of the Articles of Dissolution, the payment confirmation, and any correspondence from the state. These documents may be needed for tax reviews, account closures, or future reference.
- Continue winding up any remaining matters required by law
Although the filing ends the LLC’s status with the state, you may still need to complete tasks such as closing accounts, finalizing tax returns, or handling remaining financial duties. These final steps ensure the LLC is fully closed.
- Confirm that no additional state filings are required
Once the dissolution has been processed, the LLC no longer needs to file annual reports or fulfill ongoing state compliance requirements. Checking this status helps prevent unnecessary filings after closure.
- Notify financial institutions, licensing agencies, and vendors
After the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution are filed, inform banks, local offices, and service providers that the LLC has been dissolved. This prevents unauthorized activity and avoids future charges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering incorrect LLC name or Entity ID Number
One of the most frequent problems arises when the name or Alabama Entity ID Number does not match state records. These details must be exact to avoid processing delays.
- Submitting handwritten forms or incomplete typed entries
Alabama requires the Articles of Dissolution to be fully typed. Any handwritten portions or missing sections may lead to rejection.
- Choosing an invalid effective date
Some filers list a date that does not meet Alabama’s requirements. The date must be valid, clearly written, and within the permitted timeline.
- Forgetting the correct filing fee or combining payments for multiple filings
Each filing must include a separate $100 payment. Combining payments for several filings will delay or stop the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the signature of an authorized individual
The form must be signed by a person who has legal authority to act for the LLC. Missing signatures or incorrect titles will cause the filing to be rejected.
- Not including a return envelope to receive a stamped copy
If you want a stamped confirmation, you must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Without it, the state will not send a physical record of acceptance.
Conclusion
Completing and filing the Alabama LLC Articles of Dissolution is an important responsibility for any company that is ready to close its operations in Alabama. The form must be typed, contain accurate entity details, include the correct filing date, and be signed by an authorized individual.
For business owners who want dependable support, FastFile offers direct assistance with Alabama LLC dissolution filings. FastFile gathers the required information, prepares the Articles of Dissolution according to Alabama rules, and checks all entries to confirm that the LLC name, Entity ID, formation date, and stated reason for dissolution are accurate.
Their team reviews each section for compliance, verifies that the correct signature is included, and ensures that payment and submission are handled properly.FastFile also guides you on mailing requirements, return copies, and any remaining steps needed to complete the winding-up process. By using FastFile, you avoid common errors, save time, and complete your Alabama LLC dissolution with confidence.