How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Michigan?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Michigan is $50. This fee is paid to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Michigan?
Michigan LLC Online Filing Fee: $50
The main cost to start an LLC in Michigan is the $50 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Michigan
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Michigan, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Michigan.
The cost for registering a Michigan foreign LLC is $50. You can register a foreign LLC in Michigan by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Michigan (Form 760).
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to six months prior to LLC formation by filing an Application for Reservation of Name (Form 540) and paying the $25 filing fee.
Assumed Name
File a Certificate of Assumed Name (Form 541) and pay the $25 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
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Michigan LLC Annual Fees
When considering starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Michigan, it is important to understand the ongoing costs associated with maintaining an LLC.
By taking these costs into account, you can estimate the total expenses of running an LLC in Michigan.
Here are the primary ongoing costs for a Michigan LLC:
- Annual Statement Fee: LLCs in Michigan are required to file an Annual Statement with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The fee for filing this annual report is $25.
- Resident Agent Fee: All Michigan LLCs must appoint a resident agent, more commonly known as a registered agent. The fee for this will depend on whether or not you act as your own agent or choose to hire a third-party service. Registered agent services typically cost $100–$200 per year.
How to Register a Michigan LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Michigan is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service
Michigan LLC Cost FAQ
In Michigan, you have the option to submit the Articles of Organization for your LLC online, by mail, or in person. Along with the Articles, you'll need to include the $50 filing fee. These should be sent to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Yes, having a resident agent is a necessity for your Michigan LLC. This person or entity agrees to accept legal papers on your LLC's behalf. However, your resident agent does not need to sign any consent form.
You can change the resident agent of your LLC in Michigan after its formation. Similar to assigning your initial agent, your new resident agent does not need to provide any official consent to accept this role change.
In Michigan, a DBA name, or “doing business as” name, is referred to as an assumed name. You need to register this name if your LLC operates under a name different from its legal name. But, if you plan to conduct business under the original name of your LLC, you won't need an assumed name.
In Michigan, LLCs are obligated to file an annual statement. This document, which costs $25 to file, keeps the state updated with your business's contact and ownership information.
Besides the cost associated with filing the annual statement, Michigan does not impose specific state compliance fees for LLCs. However, for the most up-to-date and accurate information, you should always verify with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Before you file your Articles of Organization in Michigan, it's a good idea to make sure that your chosen LLC name is available. This can be done using the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs' Business Entity Search.
In Michigan, a Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. It confirms that your LLC is legally registered and has complied with all state requirements. This certificate can prove useful when you are applying for business loans, opening business bank accounts, or dealing with other business transactions.
Article Sources
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
https://www.michigan.gov/lara
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Michigan State License Search
https://www.michigan.gov/som/government/state-license-search
Small Business Administration
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Local Government Offices
https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/local/local-government-contact-information