How to Cancel Stripe Atlas in 2026 (Dissolve Your LLC/C-Corp)

Stripe Atlas made it easy to start a Delaware company ($500 one-time). But canceling — actually dissolving your business entity — is significantly more complex and expensive. Here's the full process.

Step 1: Cancel Your Stripe Atlas Subscription

Stripe Atlas has an annual registered agent fee ($100/year). Cancel this first:

1. Log in to dashboard.stripe.com
2. Go to Atlas section
3. Click Cancel subscription
4. This stops the registered agent service — but does NOT dissolve your company
5. You'll need to appoint a new registered agent or dissolve the entity

Step 2: Dissolve Your Delaware Entity

For LLC:

1. File a Certificate of Cancellation with the Delaware Division of Corporations
2. Filing fee: $200
3. Must be signed by a member/manager
4. Pay any outstanding franchise taxes ($300/year) — Delaware won't accept the dissolution with unpaid taxes
5. File online at corp.delaware.gov

For C-Corp:

1. Board resolution authorizing dissolution
2. Shareholder approval (majority vote)
3. File a Certificate of Dissolution with Delaware
4. Filing fee: $204
5. Pay all outstanding franchise taxes ($400 minimum/year)
6. File final tax returns (federal + state)

Step 3: IRS Closure

1. File final tax returns: Mark the "Final Return" box on Form 1120 (C-Corp) or Form 1065 (LLC taxed as partnership)
2. Close your EIN: Send a letter to IRS requesting EIN closure (IRS, Cincinnati, OH 45999)
3. Cancel any open tax accounts: Employment tax, excise tax, etc.
4. Keep records: IRS requires you to keep business records for 3-7 years after closing

Step 4: Close Everything Else

• Bank account: Close the Mercury/SVB account Atlas set up. Withdraw remaining funds first.
• Stripe account: You can keep your personal Stripe account. Just deactivate the business account.
• State registrations: If you registered to do business in other states (foreign qualification), file withdrawal in those states too.
• Business licenses: Cancel any city/county/state business licenses
• Insurance: Cancel any business liability or E&O insurance policies

The Cost of NOT Dissolving

• Delaware franchise tax: $300/year (LLC) or $400+/year (C-Corp) — accumulates with late fees and penalties
• Registered agent fees: $100-300/year from whatever agent is listed
• Entity becomes "void": After 2+ years of non-payment. This doesn't dissolve it — it creates a zombie entity you're still liable for.
• Reinstatement fees: $200+ plus all back taxes to revive or properly dissolve a void entity
• Collections: Delaware will refer unpaid franchise taxes to a collection agency

Should You Dissolve or Keep It?

Sometimes keeping the entity makes sense:

• Keep it if: You plan to start another project within 12 months. Reusing the entity is cheaper than creating a new one.
• Dissolve if: You have no plans to use it. The annual franchise tax ($300-400+) makes idle entities expensive.
• Convert to sole prop: If you're still doing business but don't need the entity structure, dissolve and operate as sole proprietor (free, no annual fees).