How To Fill Out The Michigan Articles of Organization
Understanding the filing requirements for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an important first step to starting a business 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 creating the Michigan Articles of Organization so you can fill these out yourself and launch your LLC.
Steps To Fill Out The Michigan LLC Articles Of Organization
The Michigan 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 filing is approved by the state, the business can officially begin operating and register for the necessary business licenses and permits.
To file the Michigan Articles of Organization, you will need to 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.
Zenbusiness and IncFile are running a special where you only pay state fees for your LLC formation!
Let’s go over how to fill out the LLC Articles of Organization in Michigan. To get started, 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
Enter the LLC name, including the identifier, to continue. If you choose a name that is taken, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will return your application.
Step 2: Describe the Business
This section covers what the LLC’s purpose is.
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 more.
Leaving this section blank is generally recommended, unless there is a specific reason to limit what activities the LLC can participate in. 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 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 to have an LLC in Michigan is to appoint a Michigan resident agent (called a registered agent in many states. The resident agent is a party that is physically located in the state of Michigan that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept 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 to be 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 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, along with sending the state filing fee.
Related: Who can be an LLC Organizer?
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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 get an LLC in the state of Michigan?
It usually takes the state 10-15 business days for the state to process the Articles of Organization.
Expedited processing is available for an additional filing fee.
Can you be your own registered agent in Michigan?
Even though all corporations and LLCs in Michigan are required to have and maintain a resident agent, that doesn’t mean a resident agent service has to be hired.
The resident agent is a party that is physically located in the state of Michigan that will receive important notices and service of process (which means to accept papers that start a lawsuit) on behalf of the LLC. Any individual can be the registered agent, provided they will generally be available at an address in the state during normal business hours.
Related: Who can be a Michigan resident agent?
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 Michigan state law, statute § 450.4308, a Michigan LLC operating agreement is optional. Despite the operating agreement not being required, it is recommended to have one as it can help to prevent disputes among members and protect the LLC’s legal status.
Do you need a business license in Michigan with an LLC?
Most businesses in Michigan will need to register with a variety of government agencies. Michigan business license requirements are based on what the business does or where it is located in the state, not on the type of entity.
Here is a list of common business licenses in Michigan.
Should I use an LLC formation service or do it myself?
Two of my top formation companies have a special offer where you can get your LLC formed without paying any additional fees (state fees still apply). Check out Zenbusiness and IncFile to learn more.
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.
Do you need to renew your LLC every year in Michigan?
Yes – Each year Michigan LLCs will file an Annual Statement and pay the state filing fee of $25.
What should be included in article 2 of the Michigan LLC Articles of Organization?
This section covers what the LLC’s purpose is.
You are allowed to provide more information about what the LLC will do; however, you can also keep this blank and keep the state-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.”
