The great state of Michigan is an attractive home base for your future LLC. To get started on the formation process, there is a five-step task list you need to complete. Whether you choose a college town like Ann Arbor or a booming city like Detroit, Michigan is an ideal place to form your new entity.
Follow our thorough guide to help you get your Michigan LLC started. Got questions? Reach out to one of our PRIME advisors for a free consultation!
STEP 1: Create a Name for your Michigan LLC
The first step in forming your Michigan LLC is to choose a business name. The name must be compliant with Michigan state naming requirements and be memorable for your intended customer base.
Three Questions to Ask Yourself About Your New Michigan LLC Name:
1. Does the name follow the naming guidelines for a Michigan LLC?
- The name must include the words “limited liability company,” or LLC, L.L.C., Limited, Ltd., Company, or Co.
- The name can’t include government agency wording (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Additional work may be necessary for restricted words—including Bank, Attorney, University, or others— to be in your Michigan LLC name.
- We can assist you through this process with a free consultation call.
2. Is the LLC name available in Michigan?
The state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) offers an entity name search platform. Make sure to look up your intended business name before moving further in this process.
3. Is the URL available?
To reserve your web domain, check if it is available before naming your LLC. It is a good idea to reserve the domain ahead of time.
STEP 2: Choose a Resident Agent for the Michigan LLC
Every Michigan LLC is required to appoint a resident agent. This role is commonly called registered agents in other states.
The job of the resident agent is to serve as the entity for receiving important business and legal communication on behalf of the LLC. This includes tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. The resident agent is the state’s point of contact.
The resident agent must be a full-time Michigan resident or the team can hire a registered agent service. The individual chosen as the resident agent can be anyone in the company.
You can serve as your own resident agent.
STEP 3: Fill Out the Articles of Organization
You must file a Form 700 – Articles of Organization with the Michigan Corporations Division. This process can be completed online or by mail. The state filing cost is $50, payable to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. This payment is nonrefundable.
Mailing Address:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities, & Commerical Licensing Bureau —Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
If the LLC is already in business in another state, the organization should file as a Foreign LLC.
For additional aid in this process, schedule a free consultation with one of our PRIME advisors.
STEP 4: Create an Operating Agreement for your LLC
Although operating agreements are not legally required in Michigan for an LLC, creating one is a best practice.
What is an operating agreement? This is a legal document that breaks down the division of ownership and how the LLC operates.
Why should I form an operating agreement? Creating an operating agreement streamlines communication, reduces risk, and makes sure all owners understand the responsibilities of each member.
STEP 5: Obtain an EIN for your Michigan LLC
What is an EIN?
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a number provided by the Internal Revenue System (IRS). This number is used to keep track of your LLC’s tax reporting. It serves as a social security number (SSN) for your LLC.
Why do I need an EIN?
An EIN can be used to:
- Open a business bank account
- Track records for Federal and State tax purposes
- Hire employees
Where do I get an EIN?
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS. This can be done by the business owner online or by mail.
Mailing Address:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Starting a Michigan LLC: FAQs
How do I make sure my desired Michigan LLC name is available?
You can check the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website, which offers an entity name search platform.
Why should I form an operating agreement?
Creating an operating agreement streamlines communication, reduces risk, and makes sure all owners understand the responsibilities of each member.
Where do I get an EIN?
You can obtain an EIN from the IRS. This can be done by the business owner online or by mail.