How much does an LLC cost in Michigan? (details)
Forming a Michigan LLC entails more than just paying the first filing fee; it doesn't have to be extremely expensive.
We outline all up-front and continuing costs for a Michigan LLC and advise how to successfully cut these out of the budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Michigan?
There is a $50 filing fee for the Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs when forming an LLC in Michigan.
This is important in creating your LLC's legal standing, allowing it to function under Michigan regulations if approved.
Apart from the LLC filing fee mentioned above, additional expenses are associated with establishing a Michigan LLC (Limited Liability Company).
Costs of Forming a Michigan LLC
Forming an LLC includes a one-time state filing fee of $50.
There are also ongoing costs like a $25 Annual Report fee and possible Business License fees, which we discuss below.
LLC Costs in Michigan
| Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|
| LLC Name | $0 |
| Registered Agent | $0 or $125 per year |
| Articles of Organization | $50 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 (free on our site) |
| EIN Number | $0 (free to the IRS) |
| Annual Report | $25 |
| Taxes | varies (filed and/or paid every year) |
The filing fee for a Michigan LLC Articles of Organization is $50
In Michigan, forming an LLC requires paying the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs a $50 filing fee for the Articles of Organization. This paper creates your LLC legally if it is accepted.
After formation, you only need to pay the $50 one-time charge; after that, you won't need to pay any more monthly or yearly fees to keep your Michigan LLC active.
✎ Note:
LLCs represent the predominant business structure in Michigan, chosen for their robust liability protection afforded to owners, making them highly favored among business entities.
The form used to establish an LLC can vary by state; it may be referred to as the Articles of Organization.
In Michigan, it is specifically known as the Articles of Organization. Despite these variations in naming, they all serve the same purpose to legally create your LLC.
Reserving a business name in Michigan entails a fee of $0
The creation of your Michigan LLC Name Reservation is completed simultaneously if you want to file online. An additional $0 filing fee is required for an online name reservation when filing online.
If you want to file by mail, remember to include the Name Reservation with your application.
But before forming your LLC, you have to wait for the Name Reservation to be approved. Even though filing by mail can save you a few bucks, it can take longer to form your LLC.
How much does a DBA cost? ($25)
In Michigan, a DBA is filed with the town clerk rather than the Secretary of State. Therefore, the cost of a DBA will vary depending on the town where your LLC is doing business.
✎ Note:
A DBA, also known as a Trade Name, Fictitious Name, Assumed Name, or Fictitious Business Name, refers to the same concept.
★ Tip:
Obtaining a DBA for your LLC is optional and not a requirement.
Michigan Registered Agent Fee ($0 to $125/ annually)
Under Michigan law, every LLC formation requires the appointment of a Registered Agent.
Your Michigan Registered Agent acts as the liaison for legal documents and state notifications on behalf of your LLC, necessitating a physical address within the state and availability during regular business hours.
You can appoint yourself, a trusted associate, or a family member as your Registered Agent without incurring additional expenses.
Alternatively, hiring a Registered Agent service costs between $100 and $300 per year. These services offer additional business support and safeguard your privacy.
Hiring a Registered Agent service is a good idea if:
- You lack a physical address in the state (Michigan law mandates Registered Agents to have an address within the state).
- You prefer to keep your address private (some companies allow you to use their address for confidentiality).
Exclusive Offer!
Hire a Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC for just $39 plus the state fee and receive a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
LLC Operating Agreement Fee ($0)
A Michigan LLC Operating Agreement functions as a written contract among the LLC's members. It outlines specific details regarding ownership, how the LLC is managed, and the distribution of profits.
Both Single-Member and Multi-Member LLCs should create an Operating Agreement, maintain it within their business records, and provide each member with a copy.
Online services generally charge between $50 to $200 for crafting an LLC Operating Agreement.
LLC EIN Number Fee ($0)
An EIN, also referred to as an Employer Identification Number or FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number), is essential for handling tax filings, setting up an LLC bank account, and potentially facilitating employee hiring.
While some platforms may charge a fee, you can obtain an EIN for your LLC free of charge directly from the IRS. The process to apply online is simple and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.
Michigan LLC Annual Report Fee ($25/year)
In Michigan, the LLC Annual Report is referred to as the Periodic Report.
The state requires you to keep your LLC's information up to date by filing a Michigan Periodic Report annually.
This keeps your LLC in good standing and compliance with state law so it can continue operating. You simply confirm the information on your Periodic Report, file it with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and pay the Periodic Report filing fee.
The Michigan LLC Periodic Report is free annually. These costs are required each year for the duration of your LLC's existence.
✎ Note:
Other business entities may file different reports, but LLCs only need to file the Periodic Report each year.
Michigan Business License and Permit Fees
The locations and industry sectors in which your LLC operates in Michigan may require you to apply for additional business licenses or permits. For your LLC's specific operating area, for example, it may be necessary to obtain a city business permit.
Location and industry specifics can affect the cost of these licenses or permits. These costs are usually fair. Local governments such as towns, cities, or counties are responsible for administering some licenses and permits, while the state issues others.
LLC Taxes
Michigan LLC owners face a range of tax obligations, leading to varying annual costs.
Some of the taxes LLC owners pay include:
- Federal taxes
- State income tax
- Local income tax
- Business taxes
- Self-employment taxes
- Sales and use tax
- Payroll tax (if you have employees)
- Property tax (if the LLC owns property)
The Taxes of Your Michigan LLC taxes are affected by your industry and business activities, making it difficult to predict. Every business is different, and the taxes your LLC owes depend on your specific situation.
✎ Note:
Typically, a Single-Member LLC is taxed similarly to a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed similarly to a Partnership.
Hiring an Accountant
Accounting fees can vary, but in general, expect to pay about $300 a year for basic tax returns and up to $900 for more comprehensive filings.
The best person to help you determine your small business tax liability in Michigan is a certified accountant.
While accounting costs can vary, you should generally budget $300 for simple tax returns and up to $900 for more complicated filings annually.
Need to save time?
Consider hiring a professional to set up your LLC: Northwest Registered Agent offers LLC formation services starting at $39 plus the state fee.
(Find out why Northwest is the top choice for LLC formation)
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
If you're curious about the expenses involved in starting a Michigan LLC, feel free to contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for detailed information.
Michigan LLC Costs FAQs
How much does an LLC cost per year in Michigan?
All Michigan LLCs need to pay $25 per year for the Annual Report (aka Annual Statement). These state fees are paid to LARA. And these are the only required annual state fees. You have to pay this to keep your LLC in good standing.
If you hire a Resident Agent service, you’ll have an annual fee to pay each year. This is usually about $125 per year.
Some LLCs may need a business license in Michigan. This depends on your industry and where your LLC is located. You’ll need to check with your municipality to see if there are any annual fees for the business license.
Do I need to hire an attorney to form an LLC?
No, you aren’t required to hire an attorney to form your LLC in Michigan. A small business owner can complete the LLC formation process on their own if they want to.
However, some people may want to hire an attorney if their LLC has a complex ownership or management structure, has investors, uses unusual business structures, or requires industry-specific documentation.
A business attorney usually charges between $800 and $2,500 to form an LLC.
Should I hire an LLC formation service?
You aren’t required to hire an LLC formation service company to form your LLC in Michigan. You’re allowed to form your LLC yourself if you’d like.
However, if you want to save time and make sure your LLC is filed correctly, we recommend hiring Northwest ($39 + state fee).
Northwest Registered Agent has excellent customer service and they include Registered Agent services free for the 1st year. They also offer other services, like an Operating Agreement and filing your Annual Statement.
What’s the cheapest way to start a Limited Liability Company?
You can get a Michigan LLC cheaply by filing your LLC formation documents yourself. You’ll also save money by being your own Resident Agent and using our free Operating Agreement templates.
By forming your LLC yourself and being your own Resident Agent, you can save over $250.
Keep in mind, just because a certain state has cheap LLC fees doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to form your LLC there. There are usually disadvantages to forming an LLC out of state. Check out what’s the best state to form an LLC for more information.
How much does a Michigan business bank account cost?
It varies. Some banks charge monthly fees ($10 to $20 per month), but these can sometimes be avoided by meeting certain requirements. For example, if you make a certain number of direct deposits or maintain a specified minimum balance, then they’ll waive the monthly fees.
And you might be able to find a bank that doesn’t charge any monthly fees.
Before you open your LLC bank account, we recommend calling and asking if there are ways to avoid the monthly maintenance fees. You can learn more about LLC bank accounts in our guide.
How much is a Foreign LLC in Michigan?
A Foreign LLC is an LLC formed in another state that must register (aka foreign qualify) in Michigan. This is because the LLC is doing business in both states.
The Michigan Foreign LLC cost is $50. The form to file is called the Certificate of Authority to Transact Business (Form 760). This is the form to register an LLC in Michigan after it was formed in another state.
You can download the Foreign LLC form from the state’s Foreign LLC page: Michigan Limited Liability Company Forms.
How long does it take for LLC approval in Michigan?
How long it takes to get an LLC approved in Michigan depends on how you file your Articles of Organization.
You can get an LLC in Michigan in 10 business days if you file online. On the other hand, filing by mail takes 10 business days (plus mail time).
If you need your LLC faster, you can pay for expedited processing in the LLC formation process and get it in 24 hours or less.
What are the steps to forming an LLC in Michigan?
Here are the steps to starting an LLC in Michigan:
- Choose an LLC business name and make sure it’s available
- Choose who will be your Michigan Resident Agent
- File the Michigan Articles of Organization
- Complete and sign an LLC Operating Agreement
- Get a Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS
- Open an LLC bank account
- Check whether you need a business or sales tax license in Michigan