Starting a Business in Michigan Checklist
Search business name availability with the Michigan LARADo a search to see if your business name is available: Michigan LLC name requirements: Must contain the words “limited liability company” or the abbreviations “L.L.C.”, “L.C.”, “LLC”, or “LC.” Michigan corporation name requirements: A corporate name must contain the word: corporation, company, incorporated, or limited. One of these abbreviations could be used instead: corp., co., Inc., or ltd. They may be used with or without periods. Michigan LARADepartment of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs |
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File paperwork to create my businessStart by forming your business with the LARA Corporations Division. To form a corporation, file the articles of incorporation and pay the $60 filing fee. To form a Michigan LLC, file the articles of organization and pay the $50 fee.If you mail or drop off your articles, they will be processed within 10 days. If you fax file, they are generally processed much quicker. If you want to fax your articles, first set up a fax account with the Corporations Division. Expedited processing is available if you submit an expedite request sheet and pay an additional fee. One hour ($1000); 2 hour ($500); same day ($100); and 24 hour ($50). To form a corporation or LLC in Michigan, you’ll need to include this information in your business filing: -Business name and address(es) -Registered agent name and address(es) -General Purpose -Name and addresses of incorporators/organizers -Name of person making the filing fee payment -Authorized share information (corporations only) -Each incorporator/organizer must sign -Filer’s name and contact information Incorporate in Michigan with Northwest Registered Agent if you’d rather have someone else complete the filing for you. LARA Corporations DivisionCorporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing |
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Register with the Department of TreasuryYou can register with the Department of Treasury online using Michigan Business One Stop. This online system is actually a really easy way to track all of your registration requirements. http://www.michigan.gov/business Sales Tax:The Michigan sales tax rate is 6%. Income Tax:The Michigan individual income tax rate is 4.35%. Michigan Department of TreasuryBusiness Tax Registration |
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Get a business licenseThere is no general state business license but some types of businesses need to have a state occupational license. For a list of occupational licenses: http://www.michigan.gov/statelicensesearch Any other registration requirements?Additional registrations may be necessary depending on the type of business you do. Keep in mind that you may need certain permits or an occupational license, in addition to any business licenses. The Michigan Business One Stop is useful in tracking your business requirements and fees. In Michigan, most businesses are licensed at the city/town level. City of DetroitThe City of Detroit governs the businesses located within city limits. Only certain types of businesses need a Detroit license. For more information, including forms and fees: City of Grand RapidsThe city clerk issues business licenses. Not every business is required to have a license. The city provides a list of activities requiring a license, as well as forms and fees: Local License InfoCity of DetroitBusiness License Center City of Grand RapidsGrand Rapids City Clerk-Licensing |
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Collect and Charge Sales TaxDo I need to collect Michigan sales tax?Individuals or businesses that sell tangible personal property to the final consumer must register for a sales tax permit. What is the Michigan sales tax rate?The Michigan sales tax rate is 6%. How do I register for Michigan sales tax?You can register with the Department of Treasury online using Michigan Business One Stop. You can use this online system to track all of your registration requirements. http://www.michigan.gov/business How much does a Michigan sales tax permit cost?There is no fee to register. Business Tax RegistrationBusiness Tax Registration
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