Each state has different requirements for forming a limited liability company (LLC). Whether you are forming an LLC for a new or existing business, you'll want to understand the Michigan LLC formation requirements.

How to start an LLC in Michigan

Starting a new business comes with a variety of challenges. The following highlights some of the critical steps needed to keep your business compliant if you decide to form a Michigan LLC. For more information on forming an LLC, view our webinar “What You Need to Know When Deciding Whether to Register Your Small Business”.

Decide on a name for your LLC

Naming your business is an important step that needs to be considered carefully. There are many business and compliance requirements to weigh when making the final decision on your LLC’s name.

Generally, your name cannot be the same as any other entity on file with the state, and it can’t be misleading. Read our article for more tips on naming your business.

BizFilings offer a free state name check to help you check the availability of your desired business name and we can help you reserve your name when you’ve made your decision.

Determine management structure (member vs. manager)

One of the reasons you may have selected an LLC as your business type is the management structure. LLCs can have one of two management structures: member-managed, or manager-managed. The difference between the two comes down to the relationship between management and ownership:

If an LLC is member-managed, then all members are active in the decision-making processes. 

If an LLC is manager-managed, then one or more managers are designated to make the decisions on its behalf.  A manager may be a member or a non-member.

When starting your LLC, it is critical to understand how you plan to manage your business. Read our article LLC members vs. LLC managers for more information on LLC management structure.

Select your registered agent

registered agent (also often referred to as agent for service of process) is a person or business you appoint to receive and forward to you important legal and tax information. Michigan requires an LLC to appoint and continually maintain a registered agent located in the state. The registered agent will be listed in your Certificate of Formation. BizFilings includes this service in all incorporation packages.

Prepare and file with Michigan

Creating your LLC in Michigan requires you to file an original copy of your Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The Articles of Organization contains all information required by statute to form your LLC, including LLC name and registered agent. BizFilings handles this step for you, allowing you to concentrate on running your business.

Michigan does not require you to submit an Operating Agreement to form your LLC. However, it is important for every LLC to have an Operating Agreement, establishing the rules and structure of the business. The Operating Agreement is a private agreement and is not filed with the state. Read our article on LLC operating agreements for more information.

Obtain a federal employer identification number

A Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN or Tax ID) is an IRS identification number used for businesses. The most common comparison is to an individual’s Social Security Number. The EIN must be obtained by LLCs to be used when filing taxes. However, it is also often used for other important business activities, such as opening a business bank account, obtaining a loan, or paying invoices. Check out our article on Federal EIN for more information.

Meet your license and permit requirements

Your LLC may be required to obtain licenses and permits before it can legally operate in Michigan. There are many factors that go into determining which licenses and permits at the federal, state, and local levels are required for your business. For example, if you plan to hire employees, you may need a payroll tax registration and depending on where they are based that could have implications as well. Read our article “Understanding business licenses” for more information.

Cost to form a Michigan LLC

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the Michigan state fees. When you view our pricing to form an LLC you plainly see:

  • BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
  • State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Michigan with standard turn-around.
  • Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
  • 48-hour turn-around. Michigan has a 48-hour filing option, which is outlined in our pricing.
  • Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Organization.
Form a Michigan LLC

LLC Name

The name of an LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LC," "LLC" or "L.L.C." It must not indicate the LLC was formed for a purpose other than one or more purposes permitted in the Articles of Organization. The name must be distinguishable from the name of any domestic or foreign LLCs, domestic or foreign limited partnerships, or names currently reserved. It cannot use the words "Bank," "Industrial Bank," "Deposit," "Surety," "Security," "Trust" or "Trust Company".

Member/Manager information

The following are Michigan’s requirements for the members/managers of LLCs:

  • Minimum number. LLCs must have one or more members/managers.
  • Residence requirements. Michigan does not have a provision specifying where members/managers must reside.
  • Age requirements. Michigan does not have age requirements.
  • Inclusion in the Articles of Organization. Member/Manager names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Organization, but one must sign the Articles of Organization.

Requirements for the Articles of Organization

The document required to form an LLC in Michigan is called the Articles of Organization. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Michigan's requirements include:

  • Registered agent. LLCs must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Michigan. The registered agent available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Registered Agent Services

Professional services businesses

Michigan allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional limited liability companies (PLLCs)..

After forming a limited liability company (LLC) , you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability an LLC provides its owner(s). This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Alabama LLCs.

LLC taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Michigan LLCs:

  • Annual report. Michigan requires LLCs to file an annual report. The due date is February 15 and the filing fee is $25.
  • Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Michigan LLCs, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Michigan .
  • Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for LLCs that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
  • State tax identification number. Michigan does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

Additional Michigan information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Michigan:

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