How to Form an LLC in Michigan

State fee: $50Processing: 5-7 business daysTrueFormed bundle: $89 + state fee
Full disclosure: You can form an LLC in Michigan yourself for just the $50 state fee. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairsdoesn't care who submits the form. Our $89 bundle is for people who'd rather not spend the hour — and it adds EIN, Operating Agreement, and the first year of Registered Agent service.

Michigan LLC Cost Summary

Articles of Organization (state fee)$50
Annual Report$25
Registered Agent (1st year, included in bundle)Included
EIN (IRS — included in bundle)Included
TrueFormed formation service fee$89
Total Year 1 with TrueFormed$164

Year 2+: Registered Agent renewal is $99/yr. Compare: ZenBusiness Year 1 runs about $448 (Pro formation $199 + RA $199 + state fee) for the same services. We publish our full cost breakdown.

Step 1: Choose a name for your Michigan LLC

Your LLC name must be unique in Michiganand include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company." Search the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs database at Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website to check availability.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Michigan requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. A registered agent receives legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Michigan address, or use a service like TrueFormed. Our $89 formation bundle includes the first year; renewal is $99/year.

Step 3: File Articles of Organization

File your Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You can file online at cofs.lara.state.mi.us. The filing fee is $50 and processing typically takes 5-7 business days.

Or let TrueFormed handle it — our $89 bundle includes this filing plus EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. You pay the $50 state fee on top.

Step 4: Get an EIN from the IRS

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business's tax ID. It's free from the IRS and takes about 5 minutes online. You'll need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire employees.

See our complete EIN guide →

Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement

Michigan doesn't legally require an operating agreement, but every LLC should have one. It defines ownership percentages, management structure, and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often require it to open a business account.

Step 6: Stay compliant — Michigan annual requirements

Michigan requires a n annual report filed with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Deadline: By February 15 each year. The fee is $25.

Miss the deadline and your LLC can be administratively dissolved. If you keep our $99/yr Registered Agent service active we track this deadline automatically; filing the report is a $99 + state-fee add-on when it comes due.

See our annual reports guide →

Michigan tax notes

4.25% flat income tax rate.

Ready to form your Michigan LLC?

Our $89 bundle covers formation, EIN, Operating Agreement, and your first year of Registered Agent service. State fee ($50) is paid to Michigan at cost.