How to Start an LLC in Michigan

Why Create a Michigan LLC?

Michigan offers several business and tax incentives to foster entrepreneurial success. The state even provides incentives specifically for companies expanding or relocating to the state, such as the Jobs Ready Michigan program, making it a desirable location for Foreign LLCs.

For most people looking to start their own business, the fastest and easiest route is creating a Michigan limited liability company (LLC). An LLC is a type of business entity ideal for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses. You get the advantages and protections of larger Michigan corporations, but with much simpler rules and regulations.

Benefits of starting a Michigan LLC:

• Separates and limits your personal and business liabilities and debts to protect your assets

• Quick and simple filing, management, compliance, regulation and administration

• Easy tax filing and potential advantages for tax treatment

• Low cost to file (just $50)

Learn more about the benefits of the LLC business structure.

In this guide, you’ll find information on naming your LLC, getting a Registered Agent, the fees you’ll need to pay, Michigan business taxes and much more. We also cover how you’ll interact with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and what you need to do to register and file your LLC.

How to Form an LLC in Michigan Yourself in 6 Steps

1

Choose a Unique Business Name and Complete a Michigan LLC Search

You'll need a distinctive and original name for your LLC that’s not used by any other business in the state. If you’re having trouble coming up with a name, try Incfile’s Business Name Generator to gather ideas. You'll also need to follow a few naming rules, which you can read about in detail on the Michigan Business Names page.

Once you’ve chosen a name, you’ll need to make sure it’s available in Michigan. To find out whether another company is using your chosen business name, use our tool to perform a Michigan entity search. Alternatively, you can carry out a name search on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

2

Provide an Official Business Address

Every Michigan LLC must have a designated street address. That could be your home address (if you’re running the company from your residence), your company’s office building or any physical location. The address can be outside the state, and it can be a P.O. Box.

3

Assign a Resident Agent

Every Michigan LLC is required to have a Registered Agent, known in Michigan as a “Resident Agent.” We use these terms interchangeably. This is an official position filled by someone who receives official legal and tax correspondence and is responsible for filing reports with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

This position can be filled by you, another manager in the business or a dedicated Registered Agent service. If your Michigan Registered Agent is a person, they must reside and have a physical street address in Michigan and must be present to receive important documents for your company during business hours. In Michigan, you must designate your Registered Agent when you file your Articles of Organization and formally create your business.

All of Incfile's packages include a Registered Agent service that is free for the first year and just $119 per year afterward. We also have a dashboard where you can log in and easily view any document your Registered Agent has received on your behalf.

4

File Your Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Once you've gathered all the information for your Michigan LLC, you’ll need to file a form with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to create your Articles of Organization and officially form your LLC.

Your Articles of Organization can be filed online or mailed to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations Division, or Incfile can do it on your behalf. The Michigan LLC filing fee is $50

You only need to file your Articles of Organization once, but every year after you'll need to file an annual report, known in Michigan as an “Annual Statement.” Incfile can remind you to do this or we can do it for you.

What are the fees and requirements to form a business in Michigan?

5

Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service

You'll need an EIN to identify your business to the IRS. You'll use it when filing and paying taxes or when submitting payroll information and payments for your employees. An EIN is also required to open a business bank account. You can get an EIN through Incfile and let us do the paperwork for you. You can also obtain one directly from the IRS, or we can include the EIN application as part of the Michigan LLC formation process if you create your business through us.

6

Create an Operating Agreement

A kind of “instruction manual” that outlines how you'll run your business, a Michigan LLC Operating Agreement will detail how decisions are made, how the business is divided amongst members and what will happen if a member leaves the company.

Some states require that a company have an LLC Operating Agreement in place. It isn’t legally required in Michigan, but it’s a good idea to have one nonetheless.

Other Michigan LLC Types

Professional LLC

Some states, including Michigan, allow people in certain occupations to form Professional LLCs. This type of LLC will typically have specialized requirements and licensing. A standard LLC may be formed to provide professional services, such as the practice of medicine or dentistry, if all the members are licensed.

Learn more about PLLC vs. LLC and which one is right for your business.

Foreign LLC

If your business already operates in another state and you want to expand into Michigan — or vice versa — you’ll need to form a Foreign LLC.

Learn more about Michigan Foreign LLC registration.

Helpful Resources from the State of Michigan