How To Register As A Business In Michigan

Step 1: Choose Business concern Structure

Recommended: Nosotros typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this structure comes with personal asset protection, has no double revenue enhancement, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If you would similar to use a service, read our guide on the best LLC formation services.

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships

By default, sole proprietorships operate as the same proper name as the owner while full general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

To employ a dissimilar name to acquit business organization, the business possessor(due south) must file for a Michigan assumed name — also commonly referred to as a doing business as (DBA) proper noun.

Step 2: Check Name Availability

When registering a concern name, information technology's of import to make sure it's unique and no ane else in your state formed a company with it or has control of it online as a domain proper name.

Domain Proper noun Search

Nosotros strongly recommend that you also bank check to see if your business organization name is available as a spider web domain (URL). Even if y'all don't program to create a business website today, you may desire to buy the web address to prevent others from acquiring that domain name. If the web domain is available then it's likely the proper name will also be available in a business search.

Michigan Business Name Search

Adjacent, search the Michigan concern entity search tool. This is an important footstep in the process because your filing will be denied if you try to file for a proper name already in use.

Search requirements tin vary depending on your business organization needs. For example, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business structure.

A state-level proper noun search isn't required for breezy business structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Michigan. But, if you decide to register an assumed proper noun or DBA name, you'll need to search the database to see if your desired name is unique and available.

Step 3: Course Your Business With the State of Michigan

Once you have selected your business structure and proper noun, you volition need to file your formation documents with the land, which will register your business concern with the State of Michigan.

To register your Michigan LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Arrangement with the Michigan Corporations Segmentation. You can apply online or by mail. Read our Form an LLC in Michigan guide for details.

Or utilize a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.

To register your Michigan corporation, y'all'll need to file the Articles of Incorporation with the Michigan Section of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Read our Form a Michigan Corporation guide to learn more.

Boosted Considerations

Protect Your Business Proper noun With a Trademark (Optional)

One time you ostend the availability of your business name and secure information technology, you tin can choose to utilize for a trademark for your business organization. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees likewise as a renewal fee every ten years.

While this cost can be high for a commencement-upward or fledgling business concern, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That means if others endeavor to do business with the same — or a similar — name as yours, you'll accept legal precedent on your side. For most small businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Modify the Name of a Michigan Business

Irresolute the name of a business in Michigan can be done in two means: by filing for an assumed name or by submitting an amendment to the legal name of an existing business.

The commencement method, filing for an assumed proper name (besides known as a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your concern using a different proper noun without needing to change its legal name.

A DBA proper noun is the only way for sole proprietorships and full general partnerships to have a different business organization proper name. It'south too the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avoid filing an amendment or complicating their business organization operations while enabling them to operate with make names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If y'all want to change the legal proper noun of your LLC or corporation, however, filing an subpoena to the legal proper noun of an existing business is your best selection. Here are links to forms for both options:

Document of Subpoena for LLCs
Certificate of Amendment for Corporations

Yous may submit either Certificate of Amendment by mail or in-person along with the filing fee: $25 for LLCs or $10 for corporations.

Often Asked Questions

How much does it price to start a business organization in Michigan?

Starting an LLC in Michigan costs $50 to file Manufactures of System with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Is a business organization license required in Michigan?

Michigan doesn't offer a statewide, general business license. But, licenses and permits specific to your business type may utilise. You tin notice a complete list of Michigan business licenses on their State License Search folio.

How practice I get a tax ID in Michigan?

In Michigan, your Employer Identification Number (EIN) provided past the IRS also serves as your land tax ID. For more than data on obtaining your EIN, refer to our total guide.