How to Amend Articles of Organization in Michigan

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Amend Articles of Organization in Michigan: When you start an LLC in Michigan, you must file the Articles of Organization. This document records all the details of your LLC, such as name, address, name and address of the Resident Agent, and other business-related information. If you make any changes to the LLC, you must file Certificate of Amendment. Any changes you make to the Articles of Organization must be properly documented and filed with the Michigan SOS.

To amend your Michigan Articles of Organization, you will need to follow a specific process, which typically involves filling out a form, paying a fee, and submitting the amended articles to the Michigan SOS. The process is not a lengthy one. In this article, I will share how to amend Michigan Articles of Organization easily. I recommend you read the article till the end to learn everything about the process.

On this page, you’ll learn about the following:

What is Articles of Organization in Michigan?
Why Amend Articles of Organization?
How to Amend Michigan Articles of Organization
Important Information
- Cost to File Michigan Certificate of Amendment
- Penalties for Not Filing Certificate of Amendment
FAQs

What is Articles of Organization in Michigan?

The Articles of Organization is a document that is required to form an LLC in Michigan. The document must be submitted to the State SOS online or by mail. There are certain details that need to be added while filing the Michigan Articles of Organization. The following are the points to be added to the formation document at the time of LLC registration-

Name of your Michigan LLC
Principal address of the LLC
Name and address of the Michigan Resident Agent
Names of all the members and managers of the LLC
Summary of the LLC’s operation
Start date of the LLC
Purpose of the LLC
Signature of all the members and managers of the LLC

Why Amend Articles of Organization?

There are six reasons why you need to file the Certificate of Amendment in Michigan. Following are the six points to note-

Change of Michigan LLC Name: If you change the name of the LLC, you must file it with the SOS. LLCs do not often change the names, but in some cases, if they change it, they immediately have to inform the Michigan SOS through Amendment.

It is recommended to check if the name change is absolutely necessary. Because it can affect the whole business. In some cases, it is better to start a new LLC than change the name of an existing one.
Tip from LLCBuddy

Change of Michigan LLC Address: Like the business name, if the principal address of the LLC is changed or the company is moved to another place, then Michigan LLC has to file the amendment certificate.

Change of Registered Agent: A Registered Agent is the most important person in the LLC. However, when you change or remove the Registered Agent, you must file the amendment with the Michigan SOS.

Change of Michigan LLC Management: This is another important reason why one should file the Amendment Certificate. If the managerial structure changes in your LLC, it must be filed with the SOS. The new structure, manager, or change in ownership must be filed.

Change of the Purpose of Michigan LLC: The purpose of the LLC is mentioned in the Articles of Organization when it is filed. If the purpose is changed at anytime, for example, non-profit changes to a for-profit organization, or vice-versa, it must be filed with the SOS.

Change of Michigan Tax Structure: The Michigan LLC classification of taxes is mentioned in the Articles of Organization at the time of registration of the LLC. Later, if the LLC wants to change the tax structure, it must file the amendment certificate with Michigan SOS.

How to Amend Michigan Articles of Organization

It is easy to amend the Articles of Organization in Michigan. There are three prominent steps to follow. The steps are as follows-

Step 1: Determine What Changes You Need in Michigan LLC

The first step is to determine what changes you need to make or if you need any changes. For some business experts, it is good to make structural or some other changes to upgrade your LLC after a point of time. For example, managers can change, LLCs can be restructured or move to other places, cities, or states, and you can also change the registered agent.

These changes are common and often take place in Michigan LLC. If you think your LLC needs such changes and you determine to make those changes, then you must proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Draft the Michigan Certificate of Amendment

The next step is to draft the Amendment. To Amend the Articles of Organization, you need the following-

Name of the LLC
Purpose of the LLC
Entity filing number
Amendments
Members and Managers’ signature.

Along with these details, LLCs must submit more documents to the Michigan SOS.

Step 3: File Michigan Certificate of Amendment

The final step is to file the Certificate of Amendment. One has to submit the Certificate of Amendment (PDF) online or by mail to the Michigan Secretary of State. If there is a name change, the business name change form should be attached to the Amendment form.

Filing: To file it by mail or online, the Articles of Amendment form must be submitted to the Certificate of Amendment or uploaded to the Michigan SOS website.

Important Information

Cost to File Michigan Certificate of Amendment

The cost of filing the Amendment Certificate in Michigan is $25. For other types of filing costs, please visit the official website of Michigan Secretary of State.

Penalties for Not Filing Certificate of Amendment

Failure to amend Michigan Articles of Organization can lead to legal issues against the LLC. Not filing the amendment certificate means non-compliance with the LLC in Michigan. Another consequence of not filing an amendment in Michigan is facing legal issues by violating state laws. For example, if a member-managed LLC becomes a manager-managed one in the future and LLC does not file an amendment for that, it will be considered a violation of state law. Hence, the LLC might face legal issues.

FAQs

What is an Article of Organization?

An Article of Organization is a legal document filed with the Michigan Secretary of State that creates a Limited Liability Company (LLC).

What is required in order to amend Michigan Articles of Organization?

To amend Michigan Articles of Organization, the LLC must submit a completed Form 503 and the applicable filing fee to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

What information is required on the Form 503 to amend Michigan Articles of Organization?

The Form 503 must include the name of the LLC, the filing fee, the name and address of the registered agent, the LLC’s purpose, the name and address of each organizer, the name and address of each member, and the name and address of each manager.

How long does it take to amend Michigan Articles of Organization?

The amendment process can typically take 4-6 weeks.

How much does it cost to amend Michigan Articles of Organization?

The fee to amend Michigan Articles of Organization is $25.

What is the deadline to amend Michigan Articles of Organization?

Amendments to Michigan Articles of Organization must be filed within 90 days of the date of the original filing.

What happens if the amendment is not filed within the 90-day period?

If the amendment is not filed within the 90-day period, the LLC’s Articles of Organization will be considered void and the LLC will be required to file a new Articles of Organization.

How can I check the status of my amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization?

You can check the status of your amendment by visiting the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website and searching using the LLC’s name or filing number.

What type of information can be amended in Michigan Articles of Organization?

Information that can be amended in Michigan Articles of Organization includes the LLC’s name, purpose, members, managers, and registered agent.

What happens if the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization is not approved?

If the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization is not approved, the LLC must submit a new amendment with correct information.

What is the address to submit the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization?

The amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization should be submitted to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909.

Are there any other documents that need to be filed when amending Michigan Articles of Organization?

No, the only document required to amend Michigan Articles of Organization is the Form 503.

What is the form number for amending Michigan Articles of Organization?

The form number for amending Michigan Articles of Organization is Form 503.

Can an LLC amend its Michigan Articles of Organization without the consent of all the members?

Yes, an LLC can amend its Michigan Articles of Organization without the consent of all the members.

Is a copy of the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization required to be kept by the LLC?

Yes, the LLC must keep a copy of the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization for its records.

Who can sign the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization?

The amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization must be signed by the LLC’s manager, or a majority of the members.

Does the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization need to be notarized?

No, the amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization does not need to be notarized.

Is an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization required if the LLC changes its name?

Yes, an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization is required if the LLC changes its name.

How can I obtain a copy of my amended Michigan Articles of Organization?

You can obtain a copy of your amended Michigan Articles of Organization by requesting a certified copy from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Does the LLC need to notify the state of a change in address after amending Michigan Articles of Organization?

Yes, the LLC must notify the state of a change in address after amending Michigan Articles of Organization.

Are there any other fees associated with amending Michigan Articles of Organization?

No, the only fee associated with amending Michigan Articles of Organization is the $25 filing fee.

Does the LLC need to file a separate amendment for each change to Michigan Articles of Organization?

No, the LLC can file a single amendment for multiple changes to Michigan Articles of Organization.

Is an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization required if the LLC is adding or removing a member?

Yes, an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization is required if the LLC is adding or removing a member.

Are there any other forms required to be filed when amending Michigan Articles of Organization?

No, the only form required to be filed when amending Michigan Articles of Organization is the Form 503.

Can an LLC amend its Michigan Articles of Organization without the consent of the managers?

Yes, an LLC can amend its Michigan Articles of Organization without the consent of the managers.

Is it possible to make changes to an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization after it has been filed?

No, it is not possible to make changes to an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization after it has been filed.

Does the LLC need to provide proof of registered agent when amending Michigan Articles of Organization?

Yes, the LLC must provide proof of registered agent when amending Michigan Articles of Organization.

How often can an LLC amend its Michigan Articles of Organization?

An LLC can amend its Michigan Articles of Organization as often as needed.

Is an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization required if the LLC is changing its registered agent?

Yes, an amendment to Michigan Articles of Organization is required if the LLC is changing its registered agent.

What are Michigan Articles of Organization?

Michigan Articles of Organization is the document filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to create a Michigan Limited Liability Company (LLC).

How do I amend the Michigan Articles of Organization?

To amend Michigan Articles of Organization, you must file a Certificate of Amendment with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

What information do I need to include in the Certificate of Amendment?

The Certificate of Amendment must include the name of the Michigan LLC, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) file number, the amendment being made and the signature of an authorized member of the LLC.

How much does it cost to amend the Michigan Articles of Organization?

The fee for filing a Certificate of Amendment with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is $25.

Conclusion

In conclusion, amending Michigan Articles of Organization is a simple process that requires a few steps to report any changes made to an LLC. Filing the Certificate of Amendment is crucial, and failure to do so can lead to legal issues and non-compliance with state laws. By following the steps outlined in this article and submitting the necessary documents to the Michigan Secretary of State, LLCs can successfully amend their Articles of Organization and maintain compliance with state regulations.