Formation / States / Michigan

Start a Business in Michigan

Michigan offers a straightforward formation process with competitive fees and a diverse economy spanning automotive, technology, healthcare, and agriculture. With over 900,000 small businesses and a growing startup ecosystem in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan provides founders with affordable entry and strong market access.

Filing Fees

Entity TypeFiling Fee
LLC$50
Corporation$60
Nonprofit$20
DBA / Trade Name$10
Annual Report$25

No franchise tax; annual report/statement fee of $25

Processing Times

  • Standard: 5-7 business days
  • Expedited: Same day ($50 fee, in-person only)
  • Online: 3-5 business days via LARA COFS

Key Facts

  • LLC filing fee is only $50 — tied for lowest nationally
  • Annual report/statement costs just $25
  • Corporate income tax rate of 6% (CIT)
  • No publication requirement
  • Resident agent must have a Michigan street address

Compliance Deadlines

ItemDuePenalty
Annual Statement (LLC)February 15 annuallyAdministrative dissolution
Annual Report (Corp)May 15 annuallyAdministrative dissolution
Resident AgentMaintain continuouslyAdministrative dissolution

Official Resources

  • Michigan LARA: Business Formation Forms
  • Michigan LARA: Start a Business
  • Michigan Treasury: Business Taxes
  • IRS: Apply for EIN Online
  • SBA Michigan District Office (Detroit)

Related Guides

  • LLC Formation Guide
  • Formation Cost Breakdown
  • Business Compliance Guide
  • Registered Agent Guide
  • EIN Application Guide
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