Michigan Corporation Formation

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Michigan incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Michigan

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Michigan corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Michigan with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• 48-hour turn-around. Michigan has a 48-hour filing option, which is outlined in our pricing.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Incorporate in Michigan

Corporate Name

The name must contain the word "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. It must not indicate the corporation was formed for a purpose other than one or more purposes permitted in the Articles of Incorporation. The name must be distinguishable from the name of any domestic or foreign corporations, domestic or foreign limited partnerships, or names currently reserved. It cannot use the words "Bank," "Industrial Bank," "Deposit," "Surety," "Security," "Trust" or "Trust Company".

Director information

The following are Michigan’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Michigan does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Michigan is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Michigan's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Michigan. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Michigan allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Michigan corporations.

Corporate records

Michigan corporations must keep complete corporate records at the principal office of the corporation.

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Michigan corporations:

• Annual report. Michigan requires corporations to file an annual report. The due date is May 15. The filing fee is $15.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Michigan corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Michigan .
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Michigan does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Michigan recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Michigan information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Michigan:

• Michigan LLC Formation

Continue Your Research

• How to Select a State for Incorporation
• Understanding Incorporation Requirements
• What is a Registered Agent?

Explore BizFilings' Services

• C Corporation Formation Service
• S Corporation Formation Service
• Registered Agent Service
• Professional Corporation