Understanding the filing requirements is an important step to starting a Limited Liability Company in Michigan. Knowing the process and what information needs to be included can help ensure that your filing is done quickly and accurately.
Here, I’ll go over the steps of filling out the Michigan LLC Articles of Organization so you can launch your LLC.
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Steps To Fill Out The Michigan LLC Articles Of Organization
The Michigan LLC Articles of Organization is the official document filed with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau to establish a Michigan Limited Liability Company (LLC). After the state approves the filing, the business can officially begin operating and register for the necessary business licenses and permits.
To file the Michigan Articles of Organization, you will submit the completed CSCL/CD-700 LLC Articles of Organization form to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division. The form can be downloaded and sent by mail or file on the LARA website.
To get started with the online filing, visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
Step 1: Pick a Name for the LLC
The first step in filling out the Michigan Operating Agreement is to pick a business name. There are a couple of requirements when choosing a Michigan LLC name.
1. The name of your LLC must not be too similar to the name of another business entity already registered with the state of Michigan. You can verify name availability by doing a Michigan LLC name search with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to be sure the LLC name is available.
2. The name of the LLC must include one of the following entity identifiers at the end of the business name:
– Limited Liability Company
– L.L.C.
– LLC
– L.C.
– LC
To continue, enter the LLC name, including the identifier. If you choose a name that is already taken, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will return your application.
Step 2: Describe the Business
This section covers the LLC’s purpose.
You are allowed to provide more information about what the LLC will do; however, you can keep the included text “The purpose or purposes for which the limited liability company is formed is to engage in any activity within the purposes for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Limited Liability Company Act of Michigan” and not add anything else.
Leaving this section blank is generally recommended unless there is a specific reason to limit the LLC’s activities. If you add a more specific purpose and then the business changes from what was listed, an amendment will need to be made.
Step 3: Choose the LLC’s Duration
This section is optional and not common for most LLCs to fill in. However, if there is a specified date on which the LLC will cease to exist, enter the date here. This is more common for investment-related entities.
If there isn’t a specific date to close the LLC, leave this section blank.
Step 4: Appoint a Resident Agent
One requirement for having an LLC in Michigan is to appoint a Michigan resident agent (called a registered agent in many states). The resident agent is a party physically located in the state of Michigan who will receive important notices and service of process (which means accepting papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC.
You can either appoint an individual such as yourself as the resident agent or appoint someone else, such as a friend or family member, or an entity such as a professional registered agent service.
The main requirements for a Michigan resident agent are that they are an adult and be at a physical address during normal business hours.
A different mailing address can be added should you not want correspondence from the state going to the registered office address.
Related: Should you be the resident agent?
Step 5: Include Any Additional Information
If there are additional rules that should be applied to the LLC, enter those in this section.
Step 6: Sign the Articles of Organization
At least one of the LLC’s organizers will review the LLC Articles of Organization and sign the document.
The Organizer is someone who is involved with the LLC formation. The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but any of the initial member(s) could be listed as an organizer.
If the organizer agrees to the terms, they will sign and provide their contact information and send the state filing fee.
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Michigan LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to file Articles of Organization in Michigan?
The cost to file the Articles of Organization and form an LLC in Michigan is $50.
How long does it take to form a Michigan LLC?
The state usually takes 10-15 business days to process the Articles of Organization.
Expedited processing is available for an additional filing fee.
Do you need to renew your LLC every year in Michigan?
Yes – Each year, Michigan LLCs file a Michigan LLC annual statement (called an annual report in many states) and pay the state filing fee of $25.
Can a Limited Liability Company act as its own resident agent?
While a company, such as a resident agent service, can act as the agent, the entity being filed can’t act as its own resident agent in Michigan.
Does Michigan require an LLC to have an operating agreement?
Under state law, statute § 450.4308 shows that a Michigan LLC operating agreement is optional. Although it isn’t required, it is recommended that most LLCs have one, as it can help prevent disputes among members and better protect the LLC’s legal status.
Does Michigan allow single-member LLCs?
There is no limit to the number of LLC members in Michigan. In addition, there is no age or residency requirement.
