It’s easy to form an LLC in Michigan online yourself. Just follow these steps:
- Name Your LLC
- Choose a Registered Agent
- File the MI Articles of Organization
- Create an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
- File a BOI Report
Or, use a professional service:
Tailor Brands ($0 + State Fees)
Starting an LLC in Michigan Is Easy
You can create a Michigan LLC online by registering the Articles of Organization with the MI Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The cost to get an LLC in Michigan is $50.
Follow our How to Start an LLC in Michigan guide below to get started.
For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Start an LLC guide.
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Get StartedStep 1: Create A Name For Your Michigan LLC
Before you register your Michigan LLC, you’ll need to come up with a name. Your business name needs to be catchy for branding purposes and legitimate for legal purposes.
Naming Your LLC
First, brainstorm some possibilities. Use our LLC name generator to get the ideas flowing.
Next, make sure your name meets Michigan guidelines:
- it contains the words limited liability company, limited company, LLC, or L.L.C.
- it doesn’t contain restricted words or phrases (these often include words like bank, attorney, and university) without approval
- it doesn’t contain the words corporation, incorporated, or the abbreviations corp. or inc.
- it’s distinguishable from any other entity or trade name registered in Michigan
- full list of Michigan naming guidelines
Next, do a Michigan LLC name search with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to find out if your name is available in Michigan.
If your business name is available and meets guidelines, you’ll be able to register it when you file your Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Is the URL available? Before you commit 100% to a name, check to see if there’s a good web domain available.
We recommend buying your domain right away because even if launching a business website isn’t on your radar right now, it will be soon.
Using a Michigan Assumed Name (DBA)
A Michigan DBA (doing business as), also known as an assumed name, is any registered name that a business operates under that isn’t its legal business name. An assumed name can be used by any type of business, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC).
Learn how to get a DBA in our Michigan DBA guide.
Step 2: Appoint A Michigan Resident Agent
When you file your Articles of Organization, you’ll need to list a registered agent, known as a resident agent in Michigan. A registered agent’s job is to accept legal documents like service of process and tax notices for your LLC.
Your registered agent can be a person or a registered agent service. You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose to use a registered agent service.
Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own registered agent:
- You’ll need to be available during normal (9 am – 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide
- If you run your business from home, you’ll have to make your personal address public
- You could be served with a lawsuit in front of your family or coworkers
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Northwest offers a free year of registered agent services when you form your Michigan LLC ($29 plus state fees) with them.
Get StartedStep 3: File the Michigan Articles of Organization
It’s time to officially form your LLC by filing your Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
You can file online with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or fill out a hard copy of Michigan Form 700 and mail it in or deliver it in person. The filing fee is $50.
You’ll need to know the following information to complete the form:
- Entity Name
- Business Purpose
- Duration of LLC
- Registered Agent Name and Registered Office Address
- Governing Authority (LLC Management Structure)
For more detailed help with completing the form, visit our Michigan Articles of Organization guide.
Mail Your Articles of Organization:
Send the form and payment (payable to the Secretary of State) to:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau—Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Submit In Person:
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI 48864
How long does it take to get a Michigan LLC approved? LLC processing time is 24 hours online or 3 to 5 business days by mail. Expedited processing is available.
Step 4: Create An LLC Operating Agreement
Creating a Michigan LLC operating agreement is the only way to legally lock down your LLC’s management and ownership structure. Having an operating agreement in place will give you something to return to if a dispute or lawsuit arises.
Even single-member LLCs benefit from having an operating agreement.
Your operating agreement should outline the following:
- Each member’s responsibilities
- How new members will be admitted
- How existing members may transfer or terminate their membership
- How profits and dividends will be distributed
You can add as many provisions as you want, as long as they don’t conflict with Michigan law. Take a look at our What is an Operating Agreement guide to learn more.
Download a template or create a custom Free Operating Agreement using our tool.
Step 5: Get an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your company. The IRS and the state of Michigan will use this number to track your business activity.
Your EIN will come in handy when it’s time to:
- Open a business bank account
- File Federal and State taxes
- Hire employees
The best way to get an EIN for your LLC in Michigan is by using the free online application on the IRS website.
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Best LLC ServicesStep 6: File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
When forming a Michigan LLC, one of the important steps is to complete the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
This report — also known as the FinCEN BOI report — is designed to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities by requiring LLCs to disclose information about their beneficial owners.
This is free to file through the FinCEN website.
New LLCs must complete this filing within 90 days of formation. Existing LLCs must file before January 1, 2025.
Failure to complete this filing requirement will result in a $500 per day fine.
Steps After Forming an LLC in Michigan
After forming your Michigan LLC, it’s important to:
Open A Business Bank Account
A business bank account helps separate personal expenses and company expenses, which is required to maintain your Michigan LLC’s corporate veil. A corporate veil protects your personal assets from creditors in potential lawsuits against your LLC or Business.
Learn more by reading this guide to Banking for Entrepreneurs. For a multi-member LLC, you’ll also want to set up capital accounts for LLC members. We also recommend checking out our review of the best business bank accounts.
Get A Business Credit Card
A business credit card will help separate personal and business expenses while building your company’s credit history. A strong credit history will be useful for raising capital in the form of venture capital, angel investment, or small business loans.
Set Up Business Accounting
Hiring a business accountant is one of the best ways to ensure you’re taking advantage of LLC tax benefits; possibly saving you and your business thousands of dollars per year.
When forming an LLC in Michigan, it’s a good idea to start a relationship with a business accountant as soon as you start your business to help set your company up for success.
Get Business Insurance
Business insurance helps manage risk. The most common forms of business insurance are general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation.
Find out the real cost of getting insurance for your business. Get a free quote or call 855-965-3168.
Keep Your Company Compliant
Research Michigan Business Licenses and Permits
To operate an LLC in Michigan, you will need to comply with federal, state, and local government regulations such as health permits, building permits, and signage permits.
Business licensing and permit requirements vary from state to state. To get started, visit our How to Get a Business License in Michigan guide. To help facilitate this process, you can also utilize a business license services.
File Your Michigan LLC Annual Statement
The State of Michigan requires all LLCs to submit an annual statement updating their business’s information with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs by February 15 each year. This can only be done online with the Corporations Online Filing System and must include a $25 filing fee.
Understand Michigan State Tax Requirements
Any Michigan businesses that sell physical products are generally required to register for a seller’s permit through the Michigan Department of Treasury’s web portal. Visit our Michigan Sales Tax guide to learn more about seller’s permits and Michigan sales tax.
Additionally, Michigan LLCs with employees must sign up for unemployment insurance tax through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity as well as employee withholding tax through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Understand Your Michigan LLC’s Federal Tax Requirements
Most Michigan LLCs will need to report their income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year using Form 1065 Partnership Return (multi-member LLCs) or Form 1040 – Schedule C (single-member LLCs).
How you pay yourself will affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.
Know Your Michigan LLC’s Federal Tax Election Options
Pass-through taxation entails a business’s profits passing through to the LLC member’s individual tax returns. Like a sole proprietorship, an LLC is taxed as a pass-through entity, also known as a disregarded entity.
Once this process is completed and after any tax-deductible expenses are taken out, the LLC members pay self-employment taxes and income tax on their portion of the business income.
Alternatively, Michigan LLCs can choose to elect to be taxed as an S corporation (S corp) or C corporation (C corp). If S corporation tax status is elected, LLC members can be taxed as employees of the business, potentially reducing tax burden.
More LLC Resources
- Michigan Foreign LLCs: Forming a foreign LLC allows your company to operate as one entity in multiple states. Download the Michigan foreign LLC form to get started.
- Michigan Certificate of Good Standing: A certificate of good standing verifies that your LLC was legally formed. To order, follow our Michigan certificate of good standing guide.
- Dissolving a Michigan LLC: If you are ready to dissolve your LLC, follow the steps in our Michigan LLC Dissolution Guide.
- LLC Legal Forms: TRUiC offers a number of free LLC legal forms including operating agreements, LLC resolutions, and hiring documents.