How Do I File Articles of Incorporation in Michigan? How to Start a Corporation in Michigan

Filing Articles of Incorporation

To form a corporation in Michigan, you must file Articles of Incorporation with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This document should include the company’s name, type of corporate structure, and number and type of authorized shares. The filing fee is based upon the number of authorized shares of stock with a minimum total fee of $60.

The process involves submitting your Articles of Incorporation to LARA, creating corporate bylaws, choosing your initial director(s), and paying the required fees.

Forming a Nonprofit Corporation

Filing the Necessary Documents

To start a domestic nonprofit corporation in Michigan, file the Articles of Incorporation for Use by Domestic Nonprofit Corporations. If the goal is to form a 501(c)(3) charity, you also need to file Articles of Incorporation and follow a specific set of steps to establish your nonprofit organization officially.

Forming an LLC

To file articles of organization for your LLC, follow these steps:

  1. Contact Your State’s Secretary of State or Business Filing Agency.
  2. File Your Articles of Organization.
  3. Pay the LLC Formation Filing Fee.
  4. Receive a Certificate of Formation.
  5. Publish Notice of Formation, If Required.

In Michigan, the Articles of Organization is a document created by LLCs to outline how the company will operate. To fill out this document, you will designate a business purpose, a registered agent, and whether your LLC will be perpetual or have a defined end date.

Obtaining and Filling Out Legal Documents

Online Filing

Filling out Articles of Incorporation in Michigan is most conveniently done online through the LARA Corporations Online Filing System. This allows for drafting articles, paying fees, and submitting documents online.

Requesting Certified Copies

To obtain a certified copy of your Articles of Incorporation, contact the office, find out the application process, necessary documents, and fees, and choose a submission method.

Business Existence

When filling out your Articles of Incorporation, you can opt for "perpetually" to keep the business existing indefinitely or provide a specific timeframe with the option for dissolution or transfer of ownership in the future.

What Comes Next?

Once your articles of incorporation are approved, you may operate your business as a corporation. This includes applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), opening business bank accounts, and acquiring all necessary licenses and permits.

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