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The Michigan form is the Articles of Organization, number CSCL/CD-700. The Corporations Division at LARA files it, and the fee schedule lists it at $50. The yearly filing is the annual statement, which is $25. Check the LLC fees by state table if you are comparing states.
Our Michigan business search guide covers lookups.
How do I file the Michigan Articles of Organization?
The Corporations Division's FAQ says you complete the Articles of Organization and submit them with the filing fee. Online, the steps are:
- Start at the MiBusiness Registry Portal. It replaced the old LARA filing sites.
- Log in with a MiLogin for Business account. The user ID is not an email address.
- Select Forms, then CSCL/CD-700 Articles of Organization - Domestic LLC.
- Complete the form and pay with a debit or credit card.
The state does not publish a standard review time on the pages we read. A professional LLC files form 701 instead of 700.
What are the state fees in Michigan?
| Item | Michigan state fee |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $50 |
| Annual statement, due February 15 | $25 |
| Name reservation, optional | $25 |
| Certificate of Good Standing, optional | $10 |
The good standing certificate is $12.50 if expedited, and it is sent by email to your MiLogin for Business account.
What does a rush cost?
Expedite fees are paid in addition to the filing fee. For formation documents:
| Speed | Extra fee |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | $50 |
| Same day | $100 |
| 2 hours, same day | $500 |
| 1 hour, same day | $1,000 |
Pick the speed you need and nothing more. Most small LLCs can wait.
What can I name a Michigan LLC?
The name must contain "limited liability company" or the abbreviation L.L.C. or L.C. (MCL 450.4204). A low-profit LLC uses L.3.C. The name may not include corporation, incorporated, corp. or inc., and it must be distinguishable from other names on the administrator's records. Complying with the section does not give you a right to the name.
A reservation costs $25 for an LLC and lasts six months following the month of filing. After it expires you can file another application and fee. See name reservation for the general idea.
What do I need to do first and after?
Before filing, choose a name and a resident agent in Michigan. Our Michigan registered agent guide explains the rules, including that a business cannot be its own agent.
After approval, write your operating agreement. Michigan does not ask for it with the filing on the pages we read. See our Michigan operating agreement guide. Then get an EIN, which is free. Our EIN guide shows how.
What does a Michigan LLC file each year?
An annual statement, $25 for an LLC, due February 15 each year after formation. It must be filed online. The first one is skipped if the LLC was formed after September 30.
The state's report page shows a $50 penalty for statements received after February 15, listed under professional LLCs. Check whether it applies to you. Skipping the filing is worse: after a two-year grace period the business goes to not in good standing, dissolution or revocation. Restoring costs $50 plus $25 for each missing statement.
Is a Michigan LLC licensed by this filing?
No. The Corporations Division does not license businesses. It files the documents that make the entity legal. For your trade you may need a separate license.
Compare Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin next door. When you are ready, use the start an LLC form.
After approval, check the rules in our Michigan business license guide.