Cancel Simple: The Right Way to Stop Services

How to cancel Simple and deregister your UK company correctly

Why you might cancel Simple and what that actually means

Simple is a UK-based company formation and business administration service that acts as an intermediary between you and Companies House in Cardiff. They help entrepreneurs register limited companies, manage compliance deadlines, and provide services like registered office addresses and mail forwarding. Over time, many business owners find these services no longer suit their needs or discover they're paying for bundled features they no longer use.

Before you take action, you need to understand a critical distinction: cancelling your Simple subscription stops your payments, but it does not automatically close your company or remove it from the Companies House register. Your limited company remains active with all its compliance obligations intact. If you want to officially dissolve your company entirely, you must submit a separate DS01 form to Companies House. At Tocancel, we help you navigate both processes so you avoid costly errors and unnecessary ongoing charges.

Common reasons to cancel Simple

Your business circumstances may have changed in several ways. You might have relocated abroad, merged with another company, hired an in-house accountant, or found a cheaper alternative service. Some customers discover they no longer use Simple's registered office address and can manage Companies House filings independently. Others realise they are paying for bundled services they have not accessed in months. Understanding your reason for cancellation helps you choose the right exit strategy.

The vital difference between cancelling Simple and closing your company

This distinction is crucial and often misunderstood. When you cancel Simple, you stop paying their fees immediately. However, your limited company remains registered at Companies House with full legal status. This means you still have compliance obligations such as filing annual accounts and confirmation statements, whether through another provider or yourself. If you want to officially strike off your company from the register, you must submit a DS01 form to Companies House separately. Many customers are shocked to discover their company is still active and subject to filing requirements after they have stopped paying Simple. Tocancel recommends clarifying this point before you begin, as the consequences of inaction can include penalties and director disqualification.

What you are currently paying Simple

Simple operates a tiered pricing model with both one-time formation fees and recurring annual charges.

Typical Simple service costs and what to expect

Many customers end up on bundled packages without realising how much they pay across the year. Simple often promotes attractive initial formation prices but generates ongoing revenue from recurring subscriptions. Review your last invoice before you cancel to see exactly which services you are paying for and which you can remove independently.

How to find your exact current charges

Log into your Simple account and navigate to your billing or subscription section. You should see itemised charges for each service you use. Take a screenshot or download your last three months of invoices. This evidence helps you if you dispute charges later or claim a refund. If you cannot find your account details, contact Simple's support team and request a full breakdown of your active services and their costs. Understanding what you pay now makes it easier to decide whether to cancel entirely or downgrade to cheaper individual services.

Your legal rights when cancelling Simple

You have strong consumer protections under UK law when cancelling a subscription service.

What the consumer rights act 2015 says about your cancellation rights

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have the right to cancel a subscription-based service within 14 days of purchase or agreement, provided you have not requested early performance of the service. If you have already used Simple's services beyond this period, you may still have cancellation rights if Simple's terms are unfair or if they have breached their contract with you. Your legal position is straightforward: you can withdraw from a subscription contract, but Simple may be entitled to charge you for services already delivered up to the date of cancellation. The key is ensuring they do not continue charging you after you have formally cancelled.

If Simple refuses to honour your cancellation or continues to charge you after you have requested to cancel, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or take action through small claims court. Tocancel advises documenting every communication with Simple so you have clear evidence of your cancellation request and their response. This paper trail protects you if you need to pursue a refund claim later.

How to establish your legal position before cancelling

Check Simple's terms and conditions carefully for their specific cancellation clause. Most reputable UK service providers allow cancellation on a rolling monthly basis with notice, though some may require longer notice periods. Look for any early exit fees or penalties, as these must be clearly disclosed upfront. If you have been charged unexpectedly or if Simple's terms appear one-sided, Tocancel recommends taking a screenshot and saving a copy of their website terms. You may need this evidence if you later challenge their charges. Your consumer rights do not disappear simply because you signed a contract; Simple must treat you fairly and transparently throughout your relationship.

How to cancel Simple: step-by-step

Follow these clear, sequential steps to cancel your Simple subscription and avoid continued charges.

Step 1: gather your account information and evidence

1. Log into your Simple account
2. Take screenshots of your current services, billing address, and payment method
3. Download or print your last three months of invoices
4. Note your company registration number (the number assigned by Companies House when your company was formed)
5. Write down the date you want your cancellation to take effect (ideally before your next renewal date)

Having this information to hand speeds up the cancellation process and gives you proof of your account status if Simple disputes your cancellation later.

Step 2: contact Simple and formally request cancellation

1. Find Simple's customer support contact details on their website or in your account settings
2. Send a formal cancellation email or submit a cancellation request through their online portal
3. Include your name, company registration number, and the effective date of cancellation
4. Be clear and direct: "I request to cancel my Simple subscription effective [date]"
5. Ask for a confirmation email showing your cancellation has been processed
6. Keep a copy of this email for your records

A written request (email) creates a clear record of your cancellation date, which protects you if Simple later claims you never asked to cancel or that the request was incomplete. Tocancel always recommends written communication over phone calls because you can reference it later if needed.

Step 3: confirm your cancellation in writing

1. Wait for Simple's confirmation email within 5 business days
2. Check that the confirmation states your cancellation effective date and confirms all services will cease
3. If you do not receive confirmation within a week, follow up with another email marked "URGENT"
4. Save the confirmation email and any follow-up correspondence in a dedicated folder

If Simple delays confirming your cancellation, send a follow-up email referencing your original request and asking for written confirmation within 3 business days. This demonstrates you are serious and creates a documented trail if you later need to claim a refund or raise a formal complaint.

Step 4: update your company registration at companies house (if required)

1. If Simple currently holds your registered office address, you must notify Companies House of a new address or remove them as your agent
2. Log into your Companies House WebFiling account
3. File a change of registered office address (ChA or AP03 form) if you are moving your address elsewhere
4. If you are filing your own documents going forward, you do not need to change your registered office unless Simple refuses to acknowledge mail sent to them
5. Allow 5-10 business days for Companies House to process any address change

This step is essential if Simple currently handles your registered office. Failing to update Companies House means correspondence addressed to Simple's office will not reach you, and you may miss critical filing deadlines.

Step 5: check your bank statements and cancel any standing orders

1. Monitor your bank account for the next 60 days to ensure Simple does not charge you again
2. If you set up a standing order or direct debit to Simple, cancel it immediately through your bank
3. If Simple was billing your credit card on file, update your card details or request they delete your payment method
4. If you see any unexpected charges after your cancellation date, dispute them with your bank immediately

Many customers cancel Simple but forget to stop automatic payments, resulting in unwanted charges. Tocancel strongly recommends checking your statements weekly for the first two months after cancellation to catch any errors early.

What to do after you cancel Simple

Once your cancellation is confirmed, several actions help ensure a smooth transition and prevent compliance issues.

Update your company records and arrange ongoing compliance

After Simple stops managing your company's address and filings, you need a new way to handle Companies House obligations. You have three options: file documents yourself, hire an accountant or company secretary, or transfer to another company administration service. Review your company's filing deadlines (usually annually for accounts and the confirmation statement). If you choose to file yourself, familiarise yourself with the Companies House online filing system and the deadlines that apply to your company type. Set calendar reminders for each filing due date so you do not miss them.

If your company is dormant (generating no income and not trading), you may be eligible to file dormant accounts, which reduces your compliance burden. However, dormancy must be formally declared to Companies House. Tocancel recommends seeking advice from an accountant if you are unsure whether your company qualifies, as missing a filing deadline can result in penalties up to £1,500 and potential director disqualification.

Decide whether to strike off your company or keep it active

If you no longer need your company, you can apply to strike it off the Companies House register using a DS01 form. This formally dissolves your company and removes it from the register. You can apply if your company is dormant, has not traded for at least 3 months, and has no outstanding liabilities. If these conditions are met, you can complete the DS01 form online through Companies House for no fee. The strike-off process takes approximately 8-12 weeks. Once complete, your company ceases to exist and you have no further compliance obligations.

However, if your company still holds assets, has creditors, or you think you might need it again in future, you should keep it active. Even a dormant company can be reactivated if you decide to trade again.

Refunds and what Simple owes you after cancellation

Understanding what you can claim back protects your money and ensures Simple does not unfairly retain your payments.

When Simple must refund you

Simple must refund you for any services paid in advance that you will not receive. For example, if your annual subscription renews on 1 July and you cancel on 1 August, Simple should refund you 11/12 of your annual fee (minus the month you used). This is your legal right under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which requires businesses to provide services during the period you pay for or refund the unused portion. If Simple charges you a monthly fee and you cancel mid-cycle, they may be entitled to charge you for the days you used the service up to your cancellation date, but they must refund the remainder.

If Simple took a formation or setup fee when you first registered your company, you cannot recover this after cancellation, as it was a one-time payment for a service already delivered. However, if you cancel within 14 days of purchasing a bundle or new service, you may be entitled to a full refund under the 14-day cooling-off period, provided you have not requested early performance.

How to claim a refund from Simple

1. Calculate the refund you are entitled to (pro-rata charges from your cancellation date to the end of your billing cycle)
2. Include this calculation in your cancellation email to Simple
3. Request that Simple process the refund within 14 days of your cancellation becoming effective
4. Ask Simple to confirm the refund amount and the date it will be credited to your bank account
5. If Simple does not refund you within 21 days, send a follow-up email requesting an update

If Simple refuses to refund you or claims your pro-rata calculation is wrong, ask them to provide their calculation in writing. If the difference is significant and you believe Simple is acting unfairly, Tocancel advises raising a formal complaint through Simple's complaints procedure and, if unresolved, escalating to the Financial Conduct Authority. You can file a complaint online at the FCA website, and they will investigate at no cost to you.

Common mistakes when cancelling Simple

Many customers rush their cancellation and overlook critical steps that leave them exposed to ongoing charges or compliance problems.

Mistake 1: assuming cancellation closes your company

The single most common error is believing that cancelling Simple automatically closes or deregisters your company. It does not. Your company remains fully active at Companies House, and you retain all legal and compliance obligations. If you do not arrange alternative compliance services or file documents yourself, you will breach your statutory duties, risking penalties and director disqualification. Before you cancel, confirm what will happen to your company compliance after Simple stops managing it.

Mistake 2: not updating your registered office address with companies house

If Simple currently holds your registered office address, failing to notify Companies House of a change means all official correspondence will still be sent to Simple's office. Once you cancel, Simple may not forward your mail, and you will miss critical documents, filing reminders, and statutory notices. This can result in missed deadlines and penalties. Always update your registered office address before or immediately after cancelling Simple.

Mistake 3: forgetting to cancel standing orders or direct debits

Many customers formally cancel their Simple subscription but forget to cancel the standing order or direct debit at their bank. Simple then continues to charge your account monthly, and you do not notice for several months. The longer you wait to dispute it, the harder it becomes to claim your money back. Cancel any automatic payment instruction at your bank on the same day you request cancellation from Simple.

Mistake 4: not requesting written confirmation of cancellation

If you cancel by phone or through an online form without receiving a confirmation email, Simple can later claim they never received your cancellation request. Always insist on written confirmation showing your cancellation effective date. If Simple refuses to provide this, escalate immediately and document their refusal. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers recover money from companies that claimed cancellation requests were lost or never received.

Comparing Simple with alternative company administration services

If you are cancelling Simple, you may be weighing other options for managing your company going forward.

Your alternatives after cancelling Simple

The best option depends on whether your company is still trading, whether you want to keep it active, and how comfortable you are managing administrative tasks. If you are uncertain, Tocancel recommends consulting an accountant, as a small professional fee can save you from costly compliance mistakes.

Checklist: everything to do before and after cancelling Simple

Before cancellation

• Log into your Simple account and review all active services and current charges
• Download or print your last three months of invoices
• Check Simple's terms and conditions for their cancellation policy and any exit fees
• Decide whether you want to keep your company active or strike it off the register
• Arrange an alternative way to manage your company compliance (yourself, accountant, or another service)
• Note your company registration number and the date of your next scheduled filing deadline

During cancellation

• Send a formal written cancellation request to Simple via email
• Include your name, company registration number, and the effective cancellation date
• Ask Simple to confirm your cancellation in writing within 5 business days
• Calculate any pro-rata refund you are entitled to and include this in your email
• Save all correspondence in a dedicated folder or file

After cancellation

• If Simple holds your registered office address, update Companies House with a new address (or confirm you will handle your own address)
• Cancel any standing order or direct debit to Simple at your bank
• Check your bank statements weekly for 8 weeks to ensure Simple does not charge you again
• Set calendar reminders for all future Companies House filing deadlines
• If you are dissolving your company, submit a DS01 form to Companies House (online, free)
• If you are keeping your company active, implement your chosen compliance solution immediately

What to do if Simple refuses to cancel or continues charging you

If Simple ignores your cancellation request or claims they never received it, you have formal remedies.

Escalation steps if Simple does not cooperate

First, send a formal letter (email or post) to Simple's registered office marked "FORMAL DEMAND FOR CANCELLATION". Reference your original cancellation request, include the date you sent it, and give them 10 business days to confirm cancellation in writing. Keep a copy of this letter. If Simple does not respond within 10 business days, file a formal complaint through their internal complaints procedure (they are legally required to have one). Request a response within 30 days. If Simple refuses or the complaint is dismissed unfairly, you can escalate to the Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates many company administration services. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers escalate complaints to the FCA and recover refunds and compensation when companies have acted unreasonably.

You can also dispute charges with your bank if Simple charged you after you requested cancellation. Contact your bank's dispute team immediately and provide evidence of your cancellation request. Your bank can reverse the charges and investigate on your behalf.

Contact details and where to send cancellation requests

To cancel Simple, contact them through the customer support details on their website or in your account dashboard. If you do not have access to your account or cannot find their contact information, visit Simple's website directly and locate their "Contact Us" page. Look for an email address specifically for account management or subscriptions. If they only offer a web form, use it and request a confirmation email showing your request was submitted. Always keep a record of the date and time you submitted your cancellation request.

If Simple requires cancellation by post, send your request to their registered address (this information is available on their website or in your account). Use recorded delivery so you have proof of posting. Include your name, company registration number, and the date you want your cancellation to take effect.

For formal complaints or if Simple fails to respond to your cancellation, you can contact the Financial Conduct Authority at www.fca.org.uk or file a complaint online through their website. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and recover refunds by understanding their rights and taking confident, documented action. Your cancellation rights are strong under UK law, and companies like Simple must respect them. If you need guidance navigating this process, Tocancel offers clear, step-by-step support to protect your money and ensure your company compliance remains on track.