Michigan Foreign LLC – Qualification and Registration


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If you already have an LLC in another state and want a Michigan LLC in Michigan, then starting an LLC would be somewhat different. You must register as a foreign LLC. We have here a guide on how you can qualify and register for a foreign LLC in Michigan

Forming an Michigan Foreign LLC

A foreign LLC does not need to be a company from another country but a business formed under the laws of another state. To start a foreign LLC in Michigan, you need to register it with the Michigan Corporation Division.

Step 1: Choose Michigan Foreign LLC Name

Obtain a name reservation certificate and submit it with your foreign qualification requirements at the Michigan Corporation Division. Your LLC’s legal name outside of Michigan will be listed on the application, along with the name it will use in Michigan. Take note of the requirements for naming your LLC

Check name availability at Michigan’s business entity names and reserve your LLC name.

Step 2: Select Michigan Foreign LLC Registered Agent

You’ll need a registered agent to form a foreign LLC in Michigan and take note that a Michigan registered agent must have a local address. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries: 

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Step 3: File Registration of Michigan Foreign LLC 

Fill out and submit a Foreign LLC Application for Registration form via email to [email protected] or by mail to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909.

Include the following:

  • LLC’s full legal name. 
  • A fictitious name or a DBA (only if your LLC’s legal name is not available); Attach a statement of adoption of the fictitious name signed by all LLC members.
  • LLC’s principal office and mailing addresses.
  • LLC formation state and date.
  • Registered agent’s name and address in Michigan
  • Date when your LLC will start operations in Michigan.
  • Credit card information on the last page of the form for the $150 application fee. 

The LLC cost in Michigan, even for foreign LLCs will differ between online filing and by mail.

Step 4: Determine How Your Michigan Foreign LLC is taxed

Foreign LLCs are also subjected to the Michigan Business Privilege Tax, and they must file LLC annual reports each year.

Note that forming a foreign LLC would be good for your business as you can legally operate in a different state thus reaching a larger market and opening more opportunities for higher profit.

Steps to Filing Michigan Foreign LLC Online

Time needed: 5 minutes.

When you are registering for the foreign LLC in the State of Michigan, you will have to submit your Application for Registration of foreign LLC with the Secretary of State which costs $50. After approval, you will receive a Verification Certificate from the State Office. The State offers offline as well as online filing options. We have explained the aspects you need to cover when you apply for Michigan Foreign LLC.

  1. Go to the Official State of Michigan website

    Visit the Corporations Online Filing System on the Secretary of State website. The portal offers a one-stop solution to all business filings and information.

  2. Select the Online Form

    Scroll down the page to the Online form sections. Select the link ‘760 – Application for Certificate of Authority to transact Business in Michigan’ under the heading Foreign Limited Liability Company.

  3. Proceed to fill in the details

    On the following page, start to fill in the needful details in the proper blank spaces provided in the online form. In the first section, provide the name of your Limited Liability Company.

  4. Original Country of Establishment

    In the next section, provide the details about the country and state of the original establishment of your limited liability company. Also, provide the details of the date of the organization. Next, in case your LLC does not aim to have a perpetual establishment in the target State, provide the duration of the company.

  5. Details of the office

    In the succeeding section, provide the street address of your office that is to be maintained in the State of Organization.

  6. Details of the Registered Agent

    In the next section, provide the details of your resident agent, such as name, street address, and the registered office mailing address.

  7. Effective date

    If the effective date of operation is different from the date of filing, mention the exact date from which the business shall become effective in the State of Michigan.

  8. Details of the administrator

    In this section, provide the details of the manager, such as the name and address to whom the State documents shall be addressed to.

  9. Details of your business LLC

    In the final section, provide the details about the nature of the business your Limited liability company intends to carry in the State of Michigan.

  10. Certificate of Good Standing

    Attach the Certificate of Good Standing issued by the relevant authority in the State of Original Establishment stating that your LLC is in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. The Certificate should not date earlier than 30 days prior to the date of receipts in this office.

  11. Signature

    Add the signature of the person in authority. Mention any special instructions that might be applicable to your application.

  12. Submitter’s details

    Enter your details, such as Name, Business name, mailing address, phone number, and email.

  13. Review the information

    Before making the payment, review the information provided in the application carefully to be accurate and correct to your knowledge to avoid any future rejection.

  14. Make the payment

    After reviewing the application, proceed to make the payment of $50. If you wish to expedite the process, accordingly pay the additional fees. Next, submit the application.

    You can also submit the application offline via mail. Download the Application Form PDF. Fill in the required details. Make the check or money order of $50 payable in the name of the State of Michigan. Attach all the documents and submit them to the following address: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau Corporations Division P.O. Box 30054 Lansing, MI 48909. You can also deliver the application in person to the address, 2501 Woodlake Circle Okemos, MI.

After Forming Michigan Foreign LLC

Here are added things you need to accomplish after forming your Michigan Foreign LLC

  1. Obtain Business Licenses. Find the business licenses you’ll need using the Business License Search.
  2. File LLC annual reports and Business Privilege Tax.
  3. Pay State Taxes like sales tax; you’ll need an EIN for your LLC

It is convenient plus easy to file for the foreign LLC if you are doing it online. The steps are very easy and that’s why it’s possible to go along with the steps and form the foreign LLC in Michigan. 

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Foreign LLC in Michigan

To register as a foreign LLC in Michigan, you can file through mail by paying $50 to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Registering a foreign LLC in Michigan involves a series of steps and costs. The process of registering a foreign LLC in Michigan is relatively straightforward, but it is important to understand the costs associated with the process.

The first step in registering a foreign LLC in Michigan is to choose a name for the business. The name must be unique and not already taken in the state of Michigan. Your chosen name must end with the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviation “LLC”. The name can be up to 75 characters long. The cost of selecting a name is typically nominal and is usually included in the filing fee.

The next step is to file an Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. This form can be found on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ website. The filing fee for this application is $50.

The next step is to obtain a Certificate of Authority from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. This certificate grants permission to the foreign LLC to conduct business in the state of Michigan. The filing fee for the certificate is $25.

The next step is to obtain a Michigan Registered Agent. A registered agent is an individual or business that is authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the foreign LLC. The registered agent must be located in the state of Michigan. The cost of hiring a registered agent varies, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 per year.

The final step is to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service. The EIN is required for any business that has employees and will be used to file taxes. The filing fee is typically nominal and is usually included in the filing fee.

In total, the cost of registering a foreign LLC in Michigan is typically between $175 and $400. This cost includes the filing fees for the application and certificate of authority, the cost of hiring a Michigan registered agent, and the cost of obtaining an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service.

Registering a foreign LLC in Michigan is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to understand the costs associated with the process. The total cost of registering a foreign LLC in Michigan is typically between $175 and $400 and includes the filing fees for the application and certificate of authority, the cost of hiring a Michigan registered agent, and the cost of obtaining an EIN from the Internal Revenue Service.

F.A.Qs

What is a foreign LLC in Michigan?

If your LLC is formed under the laws of another state, it is referred to as a foreign LLC in Michigan.

Do I need a foreign LLC?

Businesses incorporated outside of the state where they operate must have “foreign qualifications” issued in the other states.

What is the main difference between domestic and foreign LLC?

A domestic LLC is a company registered in Michigan as an LLC. The entity type that has a physical presence in another state is a foreign LLC.

In Conclusion

Starting a foreign LLC in Michigan does not require a lot of documentation or tasks. However, it is always good to seek help from a professional when it comes to running your business. Get a professional registered agent and form your foreign LLC anywhere without a hassle.

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