How to Dissolve an LLC in Michigan – LLC Cancellation 2024


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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dissolve an LLC

Dissolving a business often involves complex procedures. However, for a limited liability company in Michigan, dissolving it takes a handful of paperwork. When an LLC is formed in Michigan, the owner(s) draft the operating agreement. If the owner(s) decide to dissolve the business, the dissolution takes place following the articles mentioned in the operating agreement.

In this article, LLCBuddy editors shared the ins and outs of dissolving an LLC in Michigan. LLCs must file the Articles of Dissolution with the Michigan Secretary of State like the formation certificate was filed at the time of forming an LLC in Michigan. It takes a few days to process and a handful of fees to be paid to the SOS. Many people hire a professional service to do the paperwork to process it hassle-free.

How to Dissolve an LLC in Michigan

At the time of forming an LLC, an operating agreement draft must be written. Generally, the process of dissolution takes place following the operating agreement (read: Michigan LLC operating agreement). Before the dissolution process, there are a few things to consider in the LLC.

First, make sure all the members of the LLC agree to dissolve the business. Once all the members are ready, their consent should be recorded via voting. After casting their vote in favor of the dissolution, the legal process must be started.

Dissolution of Michigan LLC requires three broad procedural steps. Having a Michigan LLC Operating Agreement, closing all the tax accounts, and finally submitting the Articles of Dissolution form to the Michigan Secretary of State.

Step 1: Follow the LLC Operating Agreement in Michigan

operating agreement

When you have started an LLC as a business entity, then there is an operating agreement that is formed. There are complete details of how the company will function and grow in that operating agreement, which acts as a comprehensive guide. There is also a dissolution process, which is added to your agreement. The common dissolution steps that almost every LLC follows are:-

First of all, the dissolution vote will take place among the LLC members in the dissolution meeting. If the majority is with the YES, then the process goes into legal proceedings.

  • All the dissolution votes will be noted down and recorded with the minutes of the meeting or a consent form.
  • After that, a formal date for dissolving the LLC will be decided.
  • The next step is counting the LLC assets and dividing them among the stakeholders and members accordingly.
  • Finally, the creditors of the business are notified, and the debts of the business are settled.

This is a general process. However, it is strongly recommended to seek professional help to avoid any complications when it comes to terminating an LLC in Michigan.

Get a Professional Agent Service

When it comes to a limited liability company dissolution, it is important to get professional help. Michigan registered agent will guide you with everything you need to close your limited liability company. While choosing a registered agent make sure they have a physical street address in the state. A professional service provider helps you to file the Article of Dissolution and close your various tax accounts without any hassle. Below are the best LLC services in Michigan that we strongly recommend for you.

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Step 2: Close All Tax Accounts

Every action that an official business takes is legally bound to some minimum business taxes. For that, various accounts, especially business entity tax accounts, are maintained by the state government with the help of various departments. You should consider all the taxes that you have paid for your LLC’s duration and make a list of them.

You must contact all government entities and clear the amount of outstanding taxes due by the date you have decided to dissolve. All the taxes must be paid in advance so that you don’t face any issues in the process of shutting down your LLC.

tax

Some of the common taxes that limited liability companies have to pay are:

  • Unemployment insurance tax
  • Employee withholding tax if your LLC has employees.
  • If your LLC is engaged in selling taxable goods then they are liable to pay the sales and use tax.

Most of these taxes are normally filed, but some departments require official paperwork, without which it is impossible for the business to close their accounts. Apart from business taxes, federal taxes, personal income taxes, and franchise taxes are to be considered. For the franchise taxes, a franchise tax form is required. That is why the LLC owner should go through the sales tax guide and hire an accounting service.

Tax clearance

While dissolving the Michigan LLC, the owner is not required to obtain a tax clearance certificate. However, if you have filed federal taxes, then you must go through the final return option on your IRS form.

The IRS form for the LLCs that are classified as partnerships is Form 1065, and those LLCs who have registered themselves as corporate should check IRS Form 1120.

BOI Reporting

If you’re going to dissolve your LLC this year, make sure to update your BOI reporting. From January 1, 2024, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) implied a rule to all businesses, including LLCs in Michigan to file the BOI Report. The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) in Michigan is a report that states about in and out of the company. This report must be up-to-date and submitted to the FinCEN before you proceed to the dissolution.

Step 3: File Articles of Dissolution

There is a list of dissolution documents that you, as an LLC owner, have to file. Once these articles are filed, the legal existence of the LLC will be over. Like a Michigan Articles of Organization, one has to file Michigan LLC Articles of Organization. The dissolution procedure and filing the articles of dissolution form is very easy and is discussed below.

articles of organization
  • First of all, the LLC owner(s) has to file the Article of Dissolution. There are multiple methods of filing available, such as filing by mail, in-person drop, or/and online filing.
  • You can follow the filing instructions on the official portal so that the steps for dissolution will be easier to complete.
  • For offline filing, LLCs must download the form and submit it to the Michigan Secretary of State physical office along with the state filing fee.
  • If you want to dissolve Michigan Foreign LLC then look for the Foreign LLC Dissolution process.
  • You must fill in all the important and legal information in the form, so you should be extra careful.
  • After filling in all the important information, you must choose the mode of payment you want to use to pay the LLC dissolution filing fees.
  • After filling in every detail, one should submit the form through an official mail address and make a payment.
FilingForms and Details
Online ApplicationsNot Applicable
Offline ApplicationsLLC Certificate of Dissolution
SOS Contact (if offline application is available)Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909
Filing Time3 to 5 working days if filed by mail and 24 hours if filed online.
Filing Fee$10

The LLC you own is dissolved, and you are free from all the liabilities linked with the LLC and its taxes. A copy of both original articles and recorded articles should be submitted in front of the probate judge. Now it’s his call whether he accepts your expedited dissolutions or not.


Points to Be Noted When Dissolving an LLC in Michigan

Apart from these three steps, no major dissolution rules are there in Michigan. However, there are some other tasks one has to keep in mind while dissolving an LLC legally.

Winding Up

Some purposes of LLC require some attention even after dissolution, known as winding up. The task of winding up includes.

  • For a certain period, the property of a business requires preservation.
  • If there is any civil case against the LLC, then the owner needs to finish them.
  • Settle all the existing disputes of LLC.
  • Transfer all the property of the LLC to the names of partners.
  • Release all the liabilities that the LLC owes to others.
  • Rightful distribution of all the assets among members, according to their percentage of partnerships.

Cost of Dissolving LLC

LLC costs in Michigan include the formation as well as dissolution fees. To dissolve an LLC in Michigan, LLCs have to file an Article of Dissolution. The filing fee is $10. The details are mentioned in the articles of dissolution filing form. Following are the ways to pay for the dissolution,

  • You can select a payment pick-up option.
  • There is an option for direct account transfer through your prepaid accounts.
  • LLC owners can also use their Credit cards, providing their complete details and types. Along with that, an original signature is required to authorize the transaction the state will make.

After Dissolving Your LLC

After you dissolve an LLC in Michigan, you can reinstate or revive the same within a given time. In Michigan, the LLC name will be available up to 2 years. After this, the name will be available to other LLCs. Besides, you might revive or reinstate the LLC in Michigan if that is available. According to the Michigan SOS, you can revive your LLC anytime as there is no time limit for reinstatement. but after 2 years the name will be gone so you need to file an amendment document..

Reasons Behind Dissolving an LLC in Michigan

People always think they can leave the company without any notice and there will be no issue. But if you have an LLC that you created with a legal obligation, it needs to be ended that way. Yes, if someone will dissolve an LLC in Michigan, they will have to do it while taking care of the government. For dissolving the company, there is always a reason. The reason can be voluntary or involuntary too. Let’s get to know about the involuntary reasons,

  • If the company was caught doing illegal business.
  • If the company’s member died due to some reason or went bankrupt.
  • The dissolution will be mandatory if the assets of the business are used unwisely.
  • If the time being of the company was already determined in the will, then the company will go into dissolution at that time.

Top Businesses in Michigan

With the population of 10,135,438, Michigan is one of the favorable places to start an LLC. According to several reports, starting an LLC for Affiliate Marketing Business can be profitable as various places in the state showed steady growth in this business over the past few years. On the other side, based on the city or region you’re going to start your LLC, you can decide the type of business to start. Following are the top 5 businesses you can start in Michigan.

  • Affiliate Marketing Business
  • Custom Prints Business
  • Grooming Company
  • Clothing Boutique
  • Financial Advisor

Michigan LLC Dissolution Review – A Quick Recap

Here’s a recap of the steps you must follow when dissolving your Michigan LLC. Click on the steps in this list if you want to read the full details.

  • Follow Your Michigan LLC Operating Agreement: Remember that when you started, you created an operating agreement. Use this agreement as a guide in proceeding with the dissolution of your LLC.
  • Close All Tax Accounts: Make sure you close all your tax accounts to avoid incurring further costs.
  • File Articles of Organization: File the article of dissolution to make it known to the state where your LLC operates that you are indeed no longer in business.

FAQs

What are the requirements for dissolving an LLC in Michigan?
In Michigan, an LLC must file articles of dissolution with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to formally dissolve.
How long does it take to dissolve an LLC in Michigan?
The timeline for dissolving an LLC in Michigan can vary, but it typically takes around 2-4 weeks for the process to be completed.
Are there any fees involved in dissolving an LLC in Michigan?
Yes, there is a filing fee required to dissolve an LLC in Michigan. The current fee is $10.
What happens to the assets and liabilities of an LLC when it is dissolved in Michigan?
After an LLC is dissolved in Michigan, its assets are used to pay off any outstanding debts and liabilities. Any remaining assets are then distributed to the members of the LLC.
Can an LLC be reinstated in Michigan after it has been dissolved?
Yes, in Michigan, an LLC can be reinstated within two years of its dissolution by filing the necessary forms and paying the required fees.
What are the steps to dissolve an LLC in Michigan?
The first step to dissolve an LLC in Michigan is to hold a meeting of the members to vote on the dissolution. Then, the LLC must file articles of dissolution with the state.
Do I need to notify creditors and employees when dissolving an LLC in Michigan?
Yes, it is important to notify creditors, employees, and other stakeholders when dissolving an LLC in Michigan. This can help avoid legal issues down the road.
Can I dissolve my LLC in Michigan if it is still in debt?
Yes, an LLC can be dissolved in Michigan even if it is still in debt. However, it is important to use the remaining assets to pay off those debts before distributing any assets to the members.
What are the tax implications of dissolving an LLC in Michigan?
When dissolving an LLC in Michigan, it is important to pay any outstanding taxes owed by the LLC before distributing any remaining assets to the members.
Can I sell my LLC instead of dissolving it in Michigan?
Yes, in Michigan, you have the option to sell your LLC instead of dissolving it. This can be a good option if you want to transfer ownership of the business to another individual or entity.
How do I dissolve an LLC in Michigan?
To dissolve an LLC in Michigan, you must file articles of dissolution with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
What is the fee to dissolve an LLC in Michigan?
The fee to dissolve an LLC in Michigan is $10.
Do I need to notify creditors before dissolving my LLC in Michigan?
Yes, you are required to notify creditors before dissolving your LLC in Michigan.
Can I dissolve my LLC in Michigan if it is in debt?
Yes, you can dissolve your LLC in Michigan even if it is in debt, but you must first settle all debts.
What is a Certificate of Dissolution in Michigan?
A Certificate of Dissolution in Michigan is a legal document that officially dissolves an LLC and terminates its existence.
Can I reinstate my LLC in Michigan after dissolution?
Yes, you can reinstate your LLC in Michigan after dissolution by filing a reinstatement form and paying any outstanding fees.
What happens to the assets of my LLC after dissolution in Michigan?
After dissolution in Michigan, the assets of your LLC will be distributed to creditors and members according to state law.
Do I need to file a final tax return for my LLC in Michigan after dissolution?
Yes, you are required to file a final tax return for your LLC in Michigan after dissolution.
Can I dissolve my LLC in Michigan if it is involved in ongoing legal proceedings?
It is recommended to resolve any ongoing legal proceedings before dissolving your LLC in Michigan to avoid any complications.
Is there a specific form to dissolve an LLC in Michigan?
Yes, you must file articles of dissolution with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to dissolve an LLC.
Can I request a waiver of the dissolution fee in Michigan?
No, the dissolution fee in Michigan is mandatory and cannot be waived.
What is the deadline for filing articles of dissolution in Michigan?
There is no specific deadline for filing articles of dissolution in Michigan, but it should be done promptly after the decision to dissolve the LLC.
Can I dissolve my LLC in Michigan if it is inactive?
Yes, you can dissolve your inactive LLC in Michigan by following the proper dissolution procedures.
Do I need to notify the Michigan Department of Treasury when dissolving my LLC?
Yes, you must notify the Michigan Department of Treasury when dissolving your LLC to settle any tax obligations.
Can I dissolve my foreign LLC operating in Michigan?
Yes, you can dissolve your foreign LLC operating in Michigan by following the dissolution process outlined by the state.
What is the Articles of Dissolution form in Michigan?
The Articles of Dissolution form in Michigan is the document used to formally dissolve an LLC and terminate its existence in the state.
What information is required on the Articles of Dissolution form in Michigan?
The Articles of Dissolution form in Michigan requires basic information about the LLC, its members, and the reason for dissolution.
Do I need to cancel my LLC’s tax ID number with the IRS when dissolving in Michigan?
Yes, it is important to cancel your LLC’s tax ID number with the IRS when dissolving in Michigan to avoid any future liabilities.
Can members of an LLC be personally liable for the debts of a dissolved LLC in Michigan?
Members of an LLC may be personally liable for the debts of a dissolved LLC in Michigan if they have not followed proper dissolution procedures.
Is there a waiting period after filing articles of dissolution in Michigan?
There is no specific waiting period after filing articles of dissolution in Michigan, but it may take several weeks to process the dissolution.

Also Read

In Conclusion

Dissolving a business is not an easy task as a lot of homework is involved with the process. The official process might have only a few steps, however, before and after dissolving the LLC, there might be a lot of other tasks. In this case, it is highly recommended to get a professional service. If you are looking to file an LLC at $0, then ZenBusiness is your answer.

Limited liability companies reduce owners’ personal liability. Having an LLC is quite cost-effective. However, if it is required to close down the business, then the dissolution process should be done legally. This article shared the general steps. Let us know if you have any queries.

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