# Discontinuing a business or temporarily closing it
Here you will find information and contacts at public authorities that are relevant if you wish to close your business or discontinue your self-employment permanently or temporarily – from commercial de-registration to deleting your entry from registers.
To ServicesInformation about Rights & Duties
When you start a business activity, you will be given a business identification number (W-IdNr.).
If you cease or relocate a business or permanent establishment, you must inform your local tax office.
As an employer, you must register your employees who are subject to social insurance contributions. You will need a company number for this.
If you wish to work as an SHI-accredited doctor or psychotherapist in outpatient care, you must be entered in the register of doctors.
You would like to offer goods for immediate sale occasionally at trade fairs, exhibitions, public festivals or for a special occasion? Then you need a permit for this from the competent body and do not need a travel trade card.
If your employer is insolvent and can no longer pay your wages, you can apply for insolvency benefits.