How to File Michigan Articles of Incorporation


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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File Michigan Articles of Incorporation

Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Articles of Incorporation, business owners in Michigan can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file Michigan Articles of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.

Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Articles of Incorporation in Michigan, popularly known as The Great Lakes State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to Michigan, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in Michigan.

What is Articles of Incorporation in Michigan?

The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the Michigan Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in Michigan officially. The Articles of Incorporation is similar to filing the Michigan LLC Articles of Organization while filing an LLC in Michigan.

Michigan, also known as The Great Lakes State, has some rules when it comes to file the Articles of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the Michigan SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.

It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the Michigan SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to File Michigan Articles of Incorporation

You can file the Articles of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In Michigan, you can file it in three ways, online, by mail and in-person. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-

Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details

The first step is to get the Articles of Incorporation form from the Michigan Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $60 for filing online, in person, and by mail when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-

Name of the Entity

The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the Michigan corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,

  • You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
  • You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
  • Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
  • You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.

Address of the Corporation

The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in Michigan. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.

Michigan Resident Agent

The next point is to provide information about the Resident Agent. The Michigan Resident Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Resident Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Resident Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.

Shares and Stocks

The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Articles of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In Michigan, to start a corporation, you need at least Three director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.

If you amend Michigan Articles of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the Michigan SOS while filing the Articles of Incorporation amendment.

Additional Documents

You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In Michigan, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in Michigan, then you must add one document along with the Articles of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in Michigan must submit the Michigan Certificate of Good Standing along with the incorporation documents.

Signature

Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in Michigan. Get their signatures to file the Articles of Incorporation.

Step 2: Submit the Articles of Incorporation in Michigan

Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in three ways, online, by mail and in-person. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.

  • Online filing: Get the online form from Secretary of State, fill it up, and submit. Don’t refresh the page during the process. It will erase everything.
  • Offline filing: Send the form by mail to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909. Drop it off in person at 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI

Cost of Filing the Articles of Incorporation in Michigan

The cost of filing the Articles of Incorporation in Michigan is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of Michigan. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their Michigan in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Articles of Incorporation in Michigan, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $60 for filing online, in person, and by mail.

FAQs

What is an Article of Incorporation?
An Article of Incorporation is a legal document filed with the state of Michigan that creates a corporation. It defines the purpose, name, and structure of a business entity.
Who needs to file an Article of Incorporation in Michigan?
Any business entity that wants to form a corporation in the state of Michigan must file an Article of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
What information is included in a Michigan Article of Incorporation?
A Michigan Article of Incorporation must include the name of the corporation, the purpose of the business, the type of corporation, the registered office address, the names and addresses of the incorporators, the number of authorized shares of stock, and any other information required by the state.
How do I file an Article of Incorporation in Michigan?
An Article of Incorporation can be filed online or by mail with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
How much does it cost to file an Article of Incorporation in Michigan?
The fee to file an Article of Incorporation in Michigan is $50.
How long does it take to form a Michigan corporation?
It typically takes 5-10 business days to form a corporation in Michigan.
What is the official website for filing a Michigan Article of Incorporation?
The official website for filing a Michigan Article of Incorporation is https://www.michigan.gov/corporations/.
What is the address for filing a Michigan Article of Incorporation?
The address for filing a Michigan Article of Incorporation is
Do I need to file a Michigan Certificate of Assumed Name?
Yes, a Michigan Certificate of Assumed Name must be filed if the corporation will be operating under a name other than the legal name listed on the Articles of Incorporation.
What is the difference between Articles of Incorporation and a Certificate of Assumed Name?
Articles of Incorporation are the legal documents that form a corporation and define its purpose, name, and structure. A Certificate of Assumed Name is a second document that is filed with the state of Michigan if the corporation will be operating under a name other than the legal name listed on the Articles of Incorporation.
What are the benefits of filing a Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
Filing a Michigan Articles of Incorporation provides legal protection and limited liability protection to the owners of the corporation, as well as a separate legal entity to conduct business.
Can I file an Article of Incorporation in Michigan without an attorney?
Yes, it is possible to file an Article of Incorporation in Michigan without an attorney. However, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice to ensure that all requirements for filing are met.
How do I know if my Michigan Articles of Incorporation have been accepted?
Once you have filed your Articles of Incorporation with the Michigan Secretary of State, you will be sent an email to confirm that your filing has been accepted.
What is the Michigan Annual Report?
The Michigan Annual Report is an annual filing with the Michigan Secretary of State that must be completed each year for all corporations that are registered in the state. The report must include financial information and other information about the corporation.
How do I make changes to my Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
To make changes to your Michigan Articles of Incorporation, you must file an amendment with the Michigan Secretary of State.
What is the Michigan Annual Franchise Tax?
The Michigan Annual Franchise Tax is an annual fee that must be paid by corporations that are registered in Michigan. The amount of the tax is based on the total amount of authorized shares of stock that the corporation has issued.
What is the annual fee for a Michigan corporation?
The annual fee for a Michigan corporation is $25.
What are the requirements for a Michigan registered agent?
A Michigan registered agent must be a resident of Michigan or a business entity registered in Michigan. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Michigan and must be available during normal business hours.
Can I use a PO Box as a registered office address in Michigan?
No, you cannot use a PO Box as a registered office address in Michigan. The registered office address must be a physical street address in Michigan.
What are the requirements for a Michigan corporation?
A Michigan corporation must have a minimum of three incorporators and one director, a registered office and registered agent in the state, and it must issue and maintain a minimum of one authorized share of stock.
Do I need to file a Michigan Tax ID?
Yes, a Michigan Tax ID must be obtained in order to do business in the state of Michigan.
How do I obtain a Michigan Tax ID?
A Michigan Tax ID can be obtained online or by mail with the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Do I need to obtain a Federal Tax ID?
Yes, a Federal Tax ID is required for all corporations that will be doing business in the United States.
What is the difference between a Michigan Tax ID and a Federal Tax ID?
A Michigan Tax ID is used to identify a corporation for tax purposes in Michigan and a Federal Tax ID is used to identify a corporation for tax purposes in the United States.
Do I need to register for state sales tax in Michigan?
Yes, a corporation must register for state sales tax in Michigan in order to do business in the state.
Do I need to obtain local business licenses in Michigan?
Yes, depending on the type of business you are operating, you may need to obtain local business licenses in Michigan.
How do I register for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Tax?
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Tax can be registered online with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
What is a Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
A Michigan Articles of Incorporation is a legal document, filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), that establishes a corporation in the state of Michigan.
How do I file Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
Michigan Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The filing fee is $50.
What information do I need to file Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
To file Michigan Articles of Incorporation you must include the name and address of the corporation, the names and addresses of the incorporators, the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, the name and address of the registered agent, and the names and addresses of the directors.
How long does it take to process Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
Michigan Articles of Incorporation are usually processed within two to three business days.
Are there any additional fees when filing Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
In addition to the filing fee of $50, there may be additional fees associated with filing Michigan Articles of Incorporation.
What are the benefits of filing Michigan Articles of Incorporation?
Filing Michigan Articles of Incorporation provides the business with limited liability protection and the ability to transfer ownership and raise capital. Additionally, it allows the corporation to enter into contracts, sue and be sued in its own name, and own property.

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Why Michigan Articles of Incorporation is So Important

Firstly, the Articles of Incorporation provide legal protection for the business owner(s). By incorporating a business, the personal assets of the owner(s) are shielded from any liabilities of the company. This means that if the business were to face a lawsuit or financial difficulty, the owner(s) would not be personally responsible for any debts or legal obligations of the business. This limited liability protection is one of the main reasons why many entrepreneurs choose to incorporate their businesses.

Additionally, the Articles of Incorporation establish the basic structure and governance of the business. This document outlines the powers and duties of the directors and officers, the types of shares that the company is authorized to issue, and any restrictions on the business activities. By clearly defining these parameters at the outset, potential conflicts and misunderstandings can be avoided down the line.

Furthermore, the Articles of Incorporation are necessary for obtaining certain tax benefits and financial opportunities. Many banks, investors, and government agencies require proof of incorporation before extending credit, investment, or other financial services to a business. Without this document, a company may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and expansion.

In addition, the Articles of Incorporation help to establish the company’s legal identity. Once the document is filed with the state, the business becomes a separate legal entity from its owner(s). This separation is critical for entering into contracts, acquiring assets, and engaging in other business activities. It also helps to establish the credibility and legitimacy of the business in the eyes of customers, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Finally, the Articles of Incorporation provide a sense of permanence and stability for the business. By formally registering the company with the state, the business gains a sense of legitimacy and longevity that can help to build trust and confidence among customers and investors. This can be especially important for businesses looking to establish long-term relationships and create a strong presence in the marketplace.

In conclusion, the Articles of Incorporation serve as a vital tool for establishing and growing a business in Michigan. By providing legal protection, defining the company’s structure, enabling financial opportunities, establishing legal identity, and creating a sense of permanence, this document plays a crucial role in the success of a business. Entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Michigan should consider the importance of filing the Articles of Incorporation as a fundamental step in the formation of their company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of filing Michigan Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of Michigan’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Articles of Incorporation.

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