Thinking about starting a business in Michigan? Forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) is one of the smartest ways to protect your personal assets and run a legal business with flexibility.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to form an LLC in Michigan, including filing requirements, fees, timeline, and pro tips to get it done easily.
What Is an LLC?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a business structure that provides:
- Personal liability protection (like a corporation)
- Pass-through taxation (like a sole proprietorship)
- Flexible ownership and management structure
Michigan LLCs are governed by the Michigan Limited Liability Company Act and must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
How to Form an LLC in Michigan (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Choose Your LLC Name
Your business name must:
- Be unique and available in Michigan
- Include “Limited Liability Company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC”
- Not include restricted words like “bank,” “insurance,” or “university” unless authorized
Search name availability here:
https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search
Pro Tip: Reserve your name for 6 months by filing Application for Reservation of Name (Form 540) ($25 fee).
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
A Michigan Registered Agent is required to:
- Have a physical Michigan address
- Be available during business hours
- Accept legal documents and state correspondence
You can be your own registered agent or hire a professional service.
At FormLLC, we provide free registered agent service for the first year.
Step 3: File Articles of Organization
This is the official form to register your LLC with the state.
Form Name: Articles of Organization (Form 700)
Where to File: Online or by mail with Michigan LARA
Filing Fee: $50
File online: https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us
Mail to:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement (Optional but Recommended)
An Operating Agreement outlines:
- Ownership percentages
- Management structure
- Profit/loss distribution
- Rules for adding/removing members
Even though it’s not required in Michigan, having one protects your business in case of internal disputes.
Step 5: Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EIN is your business’s tax ID, required to:
- Open a business bank account
- File taxes
- Hire employees
- Work with payment processors
Get it free from the IRS: https://irs.gov/ein
FormLLC provides fast EIN delivery as part of our LLC package.
Step 6: File BOI Report (Mandatory in 2024 and Beyond)
Starting 2024, the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report must be filed with FinCEN to disclose who owns and controls the LLC.
- Filing Deadline: Within 90 days of forming your LLC (for new LLCs)
- Fee: $0 (currently free)
- Filed online at: https://fincen.gov/boi
Step 7: Open a Business Bank Account
To keep your LLC’s finances separate, open a dedicated business checking account using:
- EIN
- Articles of Organization
- Operating Agreement (if needed)
Some banks also ask for proof of address or business license.
Step 8: Get Required Business Licenses & Permits
Michigan does not issue a general state business license, but local counties or cities may require:
- Zoning permits
- Sales tax license (from Michigan Treasury)
- Industry-specific licenses (e.g., food, daycare, construction)
Check with your local city/county clerk’s office or use Michigan’s business license search tool.
Total Cost to Form an LLC in Michigan
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $50 |
| Registered Agent (optional) | $0–$150/year |
| Name Reservation (optional) | $25 |
| BOI Report (mandatory in 2024) | Free |
| EIN | Free |
FormLLC offers full setup starting at $325, including free registered agent, EIN, BOI filing, and dashboard access.
How Long Does It Take?
- Online filing: 2–3 business days (fastest)
- Mail filing: 1–2 weeks
- Expedited options available for an extra fee
Why Choose an LLC in Michigan?
- Easy to form and maintain
- Low filing fees
- No annual reports for single-member LLCs
- Pass-through taxation
- Strong asset protection laws
Let FormLLC Help You Form Your Michigan LLC
We make LLC formation easy, fast, and affordable:
✅ Articles of Organization Filing
✅ EIN within 24–48 hrs
✅ Free Registered Agent (1st year)
✅ BOI Report Filing
✅ Compliance Dashboard
✅ Business Email, Domain & Website
📧 Email: contact@formllc.us
🌐 Website: www.formllc.us
📱 WhatsApp: +91 6202619173, +1 3322662187
Final Thoughts
Forming an LLC in Michigan is straightforward — and it’s one of the best ways to protect your assets, build business credit, and operate legally.
Whether you’re starting a local business or launching online, make sure to follow each step carefully or let professionals (like FormLLC) handle the process for you.
