Michigan
LLC, Business License, Incorporation
With the 8th largest population in the United States, Michigan services both large and small businesses. Michigan's major industries include information technology, life sciences, and manufacturing. Regardless of your industry, we can help you take advantage of Michigan's business services.
Forming a Corporation in Michigan
Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in Michigan, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Michigan's incorporation requirements:
Corporate Name Requirements
Michigan requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with any corporate, not-for-profit, assumed corporate, reserved or registered names on record with the Bureau of Commercial Services. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Michigan's standards.
Permitted designations: Michigan corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
Filing Requirements
Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.
Required documents: The state of Michigan requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation with the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in Michigan is 10-15 business days. Expedited filings, which require an additional fee, typically take 2-3 business days.
Follow-up filings: Not required.
Officers/Directors Information
Minimum number: Corporations are required to have one or more directors as well as a president, secretary and treasurer.
Director qualifications: The Articles of Incorporation or bylaws may prescribe the qualifications for directors. A director is not required to be a shareholder or resident of Michigan or the U.S. unless spelled out in the articles or bylaws.
Appearance in articles: Not required. Directors' names and addresses do not have to appear in the Articles of Incorporation.
Written consent: Permitted. Directors may act in writing in lieu of holding a meeting.
Annual Reports
Time to file: Corporations must file a Michigan Domestic Corporation Information Update with the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth on or before May 15.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 10 business days.
Signatures: Only company officers are authorized to sign annual reports. Emailed or faxed signatures are accepted.
Filing extensions: Permitted. Filing extensions can be filed for two years.
Forming an LLC in Michigan
Each state has its own set of requirements for businesses that plan on forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) there. If you decide to form an LLC in Michigan, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. We can also take care of many of your company's follow-up needs, including annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Michigan's LLC requirements:
LLC Name Requirements
Michigan requires Limited Liability Companies to have names that can't be confused with any limited liability company or any corporate, reserved, registered, assumed, or limited partnership name. When you form your LLC with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Michigan's standards.
Permitted designations: Michigan LLC names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- L.C.
- L.L.C.
- LC
- LLC
- Limited Liability Company
Filing Requirements
Required documents: Companies that wish to form an LLC in Michigan must file Articles of Organization. Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of this filing for you.
Turnaround time In general, turnaround time for forming an LLC in Michigan is 10-15 business days. Expedited filings, which require an additional fee, typically take 2-3 business days.
Follow-up filing: Not required.
Managers/Members Information
Minimum number: LLCs are required to have one or more managers/members.
Annual Reports
Time to file: LLCs must file their annual report with the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth by the date that marks the anniversary of the initial filing of the Certificate of Organization.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is between 24 and 48 hours.
Signatures: Faxed signatures are accepted but only for faxed forms. Forms delivered in person must have an original signature.
Filing extensions: Not permitted.
Get Michigan Business Licenses
Before your business can legally begin to operate, you must satisfy its license, permit, and tax registration requirements. Almost all state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain one or more licenses and permits. Additionally, selling taxable goods and services or hiring employees requires that you register with tax authorities. All business license, permit, and tax registration requirements vary by your industry and location.
Examples of possible licenses required in Michigan:
- Tobacco License
- Employment Agency License
- Insurance Business License
Too busy to research your licensing requirements? We can help.
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Incorporate in any state, starting as low as
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