# 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 for social insurance. To do this, you need a company number.
If you want to buy and sell firearms or ammunition on a commercial basis, you need a firearms dealer's license.
If your employer is insolvent and can no longer pay your wages, you can apply for insolvency benefits.
If you wish to work as an SHI-accredited doctor or psychotherapist in outpatient care, you must be entered in the register of doctors.