Michigan LLC Registration

How to form an LLC in Michigan:

You form Michigan LLCs by filing articles of organization with the MI Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

What is required to file Michigan LLC Articles of Organization?

To form a Michigan LLC, you file Michigan LLC articles of organization. The Michigan articles of organization cost $50 to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. These LLC articles can be basic or complicated. We custom draft your Michigan LLC articles of organization when you hire Northwest to do your Michigan LLC registration, but if you'd like to save some money, you could just hire us as your MI registered agent, and then we supply you all the correct forms to file and filing instructions in your online account immediately. The basic requirements are:

• The business name must have a LLC ending or variation of it.
• The Michigan company name must be different than already registered Michigan companies.
• The purpose of the Michigan Limited Liability Company may be general, stating a specific purpose is optional.
• State the duration of the Michigan LLC if not perpetual.
• The Michigan registered agent name and physical address.
• Optional provisions – the default is that Michigan LLCs are member-managed, unless the Articles of Organization state the LLC is manager-managed. If the limited liability company is to be manager-managed, include a statement to that effect in the optional provision section.
• The Michigan organizer must sign and date the form.
• Preparer's name and phone number.
• Name of person or organization remitting fees.

Michigan does not require original signatures on filings. The filed Michigan LLC paperwork is sent to the mailing address you provide. If you faxed your filing, it will be faxed back.

What's the actual process to start a Michigan LLC?

1. Michigan LLC registration is started when you file the articles of organization for a Michigan LLC with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
2. You obtain a federal tax ID number with the IRS after you have confirmation from Michigan that the LLC is completely filed.
3. You should be able to open a LLC banking account with these two items.
4. You register your Michigan LLC with the Department of Treasury if you're going to have employees or need to withhold sales tax. 
5. You obtain a trade license, if you actually need one. (Most businesses don't.) The LARA Licensing Division regulates multiple MI licensing boards and agencies. Links and information are in your online account.
6. You obtain a local city or county general license, if you need one.
7. You obtain a local trade license, if the city or county you're going to be working in requires it.
8. If you're going to have an office or shop, you might need an approval from the city zoning for your type of business in that location. 

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? You can save some money:

If you want to form a Michigan limited liability company yourself, you can just hire us as your Michigan registered agent, and you'll instantly have the Michigan LLC forms to file and filing instructions on the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient way to file a Michigan LLCs. You'll get the ongoing support of our online tools, compliance reminders and the support of a professional Michigan LLC agent service.