Closing Readiness Checklist
Closing a store has an order of operations. Work through the full closeout sequence — from the WARN notice and final payroll to tax filings, license cancellation, and customer refunds — and track your progress as you go.
This calculator provides estimates for educational use only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures are based on current IRS rules — verify against IRS.gov or consult a licensed professional. See our full disclaimer.
0 of 20 steps done. 7 high-risk step(s) still open — get professional help before acting.
1 · Decision & legal clock
2 · People
3 · Customers & creditors
4 · Assets & site
5 · Tax & filings
6 · Close the books
Educational reference only. State rules and lease terms vary — not legal advice.
What This Checklist Covers
Six Phases
Decision & legal clock, people, customers & creditors, assets & site, tax & filings, close the books.
Progress Tracker
Check each step and see your completion percentage.
Risk Flags
Steps that involve a PG or personal exposure are marked so you get help early.
Print-Ready
Keep the completed list as your closure file.
Authoritative References
- U.S. Department of Labor — WARN Act — notice sequence.
- IRS — Closing a Business — final-return and EIN-closure steps.
Educational reference only. State rules and lease terms vary; this is not legal advice. Consult a professional for your situation.
Closing Checklist FAQs
Confirm your WARN / mini-WARN notice duty. If it applies, the 60-day notice clock should start your plan — not the other way around. This checklist puts it at the top.
Not always, but strongly advised with a lease PG, employees, gift-card liabilities, or debts you cannot pay in full. Use the checklist to see how many of those apply to you.
File the final returns marked "final," then send the IRS a letter to close the EIN account. The checklist tracks both so nothing is skipped.