How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan

Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation are the main documents used in establishing your LLC in Michigan. The document is required to be filed with the Secretary of State in Michigan. Each form has a long list of details to be shared by the limited liability company owner before sending or uploading the document.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Michigan. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Michigan to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

Articles of Organization in Michigan

The Articles of Organization for an LLC are the most important document of all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures, such as a corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, the Articles of Organization are one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with the Michigan Secretary of State.

Each state has different requirements to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually include the following:

The name of the LLC in Michigan,
The effective date of the LLC,
The company’s principal office,
The business purpose,
The duration of the business,
A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
The name and address of the Resident Agent, organizers, and
At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Michigan are a legal requirement, not to mention the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Michigan LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Michigan LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). State-wise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Michigan, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Michigan Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Offline Filing: Articles of Organization PDF Form
Online Filing: Articles of Organization Online Form

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Michigan LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Registered Agent in Michigan. It is recommended to explore the best LLC services in Michigan for hiring a professional registered agent and other formation-related services.

For the ones who are residing outside of Michigan and want to set up a foreign LLC in Michigan, you must file another type of document, similar yet different from the Articles of Organization. For filing a foreign LLC, you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states, along with Michigan.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Michigan?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909. For online filing, you must log in to the Michigan Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in a Demand Draft (if available). Most states do not accept cash payments for security reasons. Check with the SOS before filing your document.

Cost of Filing Michigan Articles of Organization

LLC cost in Michigan includes all types of fees, starting from the name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($25 for LLCs and $10 for LPs), Resident Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Michigan, the filing fee for a formation document is $50. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and it can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while forming an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring LegalZoom as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Michigan Articles of Organization: Amending the articles of organization is required when any changes are made. Change of a registered agent, change of a physical address, or any information related to your existing LLC must be filed. Hence, you need to amend the Michigan Articles of Organization.

FAQs

What is the purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

The purpose of filing LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan is to officially establish a limited liability company in the state.

What information is required to be included in LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

The required information typically includes the LLC’s name, registered agent’s name and address, principal office address, purpose of the LLC, and names and addresses of the organizers.

How can I file LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan can be filed online through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website or by mail.

What is the filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

The filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan is $50 as of the time of writing, payable to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Can I reserve a name for my LLC when filing Articles of Organization in Michigan?

Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC when filing Articles of Organization in Michigan by submitting a Name Reservation form and the required fee to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Are there any naming requirements for LLCs in Michigan?

Yes, there are naming requirements for LLCs in Michigan, such as including “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” in the company name.

Do I need an operating agreement when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

Although not required by law, it is highly recommended to have an operating agreement when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan to outline the business structure and operating procedures.

How long does it take to process LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

The processing time for LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan can vary, but typically it takes around 7-10 business days for online filings and 15-25 business days for mail filings.

Can I expedite the processing of LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

Yes, you can expedite the processing of LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan by paying an additional fee for expedited service.

Can an individual serve as the registered agent for an LLC in Michigan?

Yes, an individual can serve as the registered agent for an LLC in Michigan as long as they have a physical address in the state.

What is a registered agent in Michigan?

A registered agent in Michigan is a person or entity appointed to receive legal documents on behalf of an LLC and is responsible for ensuring that important communication is relayed to the company in a timely manner.

Can I change the registered agent for my LLC in Michigan?

Yes, you can change the registered agent for your LLC in Michigan by completing and submitting a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Do I need to publish my LLC Articles of Organization in a local newspaper in Michigan?

No, Michigan does not require LLC Articles of Organization to be published in a local newspaper.

How do I check the availability of an LLC name in Michigan?

You can check the availability of an LLC name in Michigan by conducting a search on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website or by contacting the department directly.

Can I amend my LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

Yes, you can amend your LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan by filing an Articles of Amendment form with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

What happens after my LLC Articles of Organization are approved in Michigan?

After your LLC Articles of Organization are approved in Michigan, you will receive a certificate of organization from the state confirming the establishment of your LLC.

Does Michigan require annual reports for LLCs?

Yes, Michigan requires LLCs to file annual reports with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to maintain compliance and good standing.

What information is required in an annual report for an LLC in Michigan?

The information typically required in an annual report for an LLC in Michigan includes the company’s name, principal place of business, nature of business, name and address of the registered agent, and names and addresses of managers or members.

Is there a way to dissolve an LLC in Michigan?

Yes, there is a way to dissolve an LLC in Michigan by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, along with any required fees.

Can I convert my LLC to a Corporation in Michigan?

Yes, you can convert your LLC to a Corporation in Michigan by filing a conversion application with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Can an LLC in Michigan be taxed as an S corporation?

Yes, an LLC in Michigan can choose to be taxed as an S corporation by filing Form 2553 with the Internal Revenue Service and meeting all requirements.

Can a foreign LLC operate in Michigan?

Yes, a foreign LLC can operate in Michigan by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Can I file articles of organization for multiple LLCs in Michigan at the same time?

Yes, you can file articles of organization for multiple LLCs in Michigan at the same time, as long as you provide the required information for each individual LLC.

Can I include a DBA (doing business as) name in my LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

Yes, you can include a DBA (doing business as) name in your LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan by indicating the alternate name in the documents filed with the state.

Can I file LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan on behalf of someone else with their authorization, typically in the form of a Power of Attorney.

What are the consequences of not filing LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

Failure to file LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan may result in the LLC being unable to conduct business legally and may expose the organizers to personal liability.

Can I file LLC Articles of Organization for an existing business in Michigan?

Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization for an existing business in Michigan by following the necessary procedures to establish the company as an LLC under state law.

Can I use online legal services to help me file LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

Yes, you can use online legal services to help you file LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan, but it is advisable to also consult with a business attorney for personalized guidance.

Are there any ongoing compliance requirements for LLCs in Michigan?

Yes, LLCs in Michigan are required to comply with various ongoing requirements, such as filing annual reports, maintaining a registered agent, and keeping accurate records of company activities.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan?

An LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan is a legal document that officially creates a Limited Liability Company in the state of Michigan.

In Conclusion

The formation document, or the Articles of Organization, is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Michigan. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Michigan, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend LegalZoom, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also offers other services such as Resident Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.