A Comprehensive Guide to Corporate Liquidation
2025-09-19

Corporate liquidation is a complex and meticulous financial task that is both a necessary legal procedure and a crucial part of corporate financial management. This article provides a detailed overview of the corporate liquidation process, key points, and financial management methods to help you understand the entire process.


I. Preparatory Phase


(i) Determining the Method of Liquidation


There are three primary methods of corporate liquidation:

Voluntary liquidation, Compulsory liquidation, and Bankruptcy liquidation.


  • Voluntary liquidation is suitable for companies that can organize their own liquidation team.

  • Compulsory liquidation occurs when shareholders or creditors apply to the court, which then appoints a liquidation team.

  • Bankruptcy liquidation is initiated when a company is insolvent and must enter the bankruptcy process. The appropriate method should be chosen based on the company's specific situation and financial status.


(ii) Forming the Liquidation Team


The liquidation team, comprising the company's shareholders, directors, senior management, or professionals from intermediary institutions, will execute the liquidation. A detailed work plan and timetable are essential for efficient operations.


(iii) Risk Self-Inspection and Planning


Before liquidation, conduct a comprehensive risk assessment covering assets, labour employment, and debts. Plan the liquidation timeline and budget based on this assessment to effectively manage risks.


II. Mid-Process


(i) Notification of Creditors and Debt Clearance


Immediately notify all known creditors of the liquidation and request them to declare their claims. Use diverse notification methods to ensure comprehensiveness and set a reasonable deadline for claim submissions, followed by strict verification.


(ii) Asset Clearance and Appraisal


The liquidation team will inventory and appraise all assets, including fixed, current, and intangible assets. Ensure asset integrity, address any issues promptly, and use professional appraisers for accurate valuations.


(iii) Formulating the Liquidation Plan


After liquidating the company's assets and preparing the balance sheet and inventory, formulate a liquidation plan specifying the order of asset distribution: liquidation expenses, employee wages, social insurance, statutory compensation, taxes, and finally, debt repayment. This plan must be approved by the shareholders' meeting, shareholders' congress, or the People's Court.


(iv) Implementation of the Liquidation Plan


Strictly implement the approved plan, managing relationships with creditors, shareholders, and other stakeholders to avoid disputes and ensure smooth liquidation.


III. Post-Event Maintenance


(i) Preparation of the Liquidation Report


Prepare a detailed liquidation report documenting the process and results, including asset disposal, debt repayment, and expenses. Submit this report for confirmation and use it to apply for company deregistration.


(ii) Cancellation of Registration


Cancel all relevant registrations, including tax, enterprise, and social insurance. Ensure all submitted materials are complete and accurate to facilitate a smooth deregistration process.


(iii) Follow-Up


Retain all liquidation documents for future reference. Monitor for potential legal issues post-deregistration, such as unclaimed debts, and address them promptly.


IV. How We Help Our Clients


Our experienced team provides comprehensive support throughout the liquidation process:


  • Preparatory Stage: Conduct in-depth consultations to understand your company's basics and financial health, reviewing key financial statements.

  • Team Formation: Forming the liquidation team and defining roles to ensure efficient operations.

  • Mid-Process Implementation: Notify creditors and oversee asset disposal and debt repayment.

  • Post-Liquidation: Prepare the liquidation report and ensure all deregistration procedures are completed accurately.


Summary

 

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At PHC Advisory, we can offer you full support on matters regarding doing business in China, or any other issues your business may face. If you would like to know more about policies relevant to your business in Italy or Asia, please contact us at info@phcadvisory.com.  

 

PHC Advisory is a company of  DP Group: an international professional services conglomerate of companies with approximately 100 experienced professionals worldwide. We offer comprehensive services in tax, accounting, and financial consulting, including financial supervision, financial audit, internal audit, internal control over financial reporting, and support for audited financial statements and annual audits, ensuring clients' financial transparency and compliance. 


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The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only, financial advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances on a case-by-case basis, and the contents of this article do not legally bind PHC Advisory with the reader in any way. 



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