Recover money when a trader goes out of business

Use this guide when a business you paid has stopped trading, gone into administration or liquidation, or has simply disappeared. Have your receipts, bank or card statements, contract or order confirmation and any correspondence ready.

Step by step

1. Confirm what has happened to the business

   Check the company's status on Companies House, which shows if it is in administration or liquidation and who the appointed insolvency practitioner is. Notices are also published in The Gazette. For a sole trader, look for news of bankruptcy or contact Citizens Advice for help working out the position.