Start an LLC in Michigan — Only $50 State Fee

Your Michigan LLC name must be unique among all businesses on record with Michigan's LARA (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) and must include a required designator.

Michigan Naming Rules:

• Must include: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Cannot use: Words implying a government agency (e.g., "FBI," "State Department")
• Restricted words: "Bank," "Insurance," "University" require additional approval
• Must be distinguishable: From any existing Michigan business name on the LARA database

Every Michigan LLC must designate a registered agent — an individual or company with a physical Michigan street address — to receive legal documents, state notices, and official correspondence during business hours.

Who can be your registered agent?

• Yourself: Must have a physical Michigan address and be available during business hours
• A trusted individual: Any adult Michigan resident with a physical address
• A professional service: Like Brendat — keeps your personal address off public records

The Articles of Organization is the document that legally creates your Michigan LLC. You file it with Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — online or by mail.

What's included in Michigan's Articles of Organization?

• LLC name and registered office address
• Registered agent name and Michigan address
• Purpose of the LLC
• Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Organizer's name and signature

Michigan does not legally require an operating agreement for LLCs, but it is strongly recommended — especially for multi-member LLCs. It outlines how your LLC is owned and managed, and protects your liability shield if ever challenged.

Your operating agreement should cover:

• Ownership structure: Each member's percentage and capital contribution
• Profit distribution: How and when profits are divided
• Management: Who makes decisions and how voting works
• Member changes: Process for adding or removing members
• Dissolution: Steps to take if the LLC is closed

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. You apply through the IRS for free.

• US residents: Apply free online at IRS.gov — instant approval
• Non-US residents: Apply by fax using IRS Form SS-4 — takes 4–6 weeks
• Brendat handles this: Included in Standard and Premium packages

Michigan LLCs must file an annual report (called a "Statement of Change" or annual statement) every year with LARA to stay in good standing. Michigan's annual report is one of the most affordable in the country.

• Annual report fee: $25/year
• Due date: February 15 every year
• Filing: Online via Michigan LARA
• Penalty for non-filing: LLC falls into "not in good standing" status, eventually leading to dissolution