Form Your Michigan LLC in the Great Lakes State
Michigan offers a resurging economy, manufacturing expertise, and growing tech sectors. With Detroit's revival, Ann Arbor's innovation, and Grand Rapids' growth, Michigan provides diverse opportunities at competitive costs with no franchise tax. The state maintains no franchise tax for LLCs with same-day formation available for quick business setup. Michigan serves as a manufacturing and automotive hub while developing a growing tech ecosystem throughout the region.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation | Inc Authority Free Formation | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees |
| EIN Service | $99 | $70 | $70 | $159 | $99 |
| Operating Agreement | $99 | $99 | $50 | $99 | ✓ Free |
| Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat |
| Best For | Best Overall Value | Fastest Formation | Free Formation | Best for Legal Support | Legal Documents |
| Get Started | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → | Get Started → |
Compare Michigan with Neighboring States
Michigan
💡 Pro Tip: While neighboring states may have different fees, consider other factors like business environment, tax policies, and where you'll actually operate when choosing your LLC formation state.
Michigan LLC Formation Costs
Michigan LLC formation costs:
- State filing fee: $50 (one of the lowest nationally)
- Annual statement: $25 (due by February 15th)
- Registered agent: Required (typically $99-$299/year)
Michigan’s total first-year cost is just $75 plus registered agent fees, making it one of the most affordable states for LLC formation and maintenance.
Formation Timeline
Michigan offers quick processing:
- Online filing: 5-7 business days
- Same-day processing: Available for online filings before 2 PM ET
- Paper filing: 7-10 business days
- Expedited paper: 24 hours for $50 additional fee
Michigan’s CORPS online system provides immediate confirmation and is generally faster than paper filing.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Michigan requires an annual statement by February 15th each year with a $25 fee. This fixed date applies to all LLCs regardless of formation date. The statement updates basic information including registered agent and principal office. Michigan doesn’t send reminders, so mark your calendar. Late filing incurs penalties and can lead to dissolution.
Key Industry Sectors
Michigan offers unique manufacturing advantages:
- Automotive expertise: Century of manufacturing experience
- Skilled workforce: Trained in advanced manufacturing
- Supply chain: Established supplier networks
- R&D infrastructure: Major research universities
- Transportation: Great Lakes shipping and highway access
- Lower costs: Competitive vs coastal states
These factors make Michigan ideal for manufacturing, automotive, and industrial businesses.
Business Climate and Advantages
Michigan offers several tax advantages:
- No franchise tax for LLCs
- Corporate income tax of 6% (LLCs typically not subject)
- No local income taxes in most areas
- Various tax credits for job creation
- Renaissance Zones with tax exemptions
Most LLCs pay only federal taxes plus Michigan’s 6% sales tax on applicable transactions.
Registered Agent Requirements
Michigan requires both a registered agent and a registered office, which must be a street address in Michigan. The registered agent must be available during business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence. The registered office can be the same as your principal place of business or your registered agent’s address, and must be open during normal business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Michigan address, but most businesses use professional services for reliability and privacy.
Top 3 Recommended Services for Michigan
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Best For
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
Pros
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons
- • Some features require upgraded plans
- • More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Best For
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Pros
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons
- • Operating agreement not included in basic package
- • Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Best For
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Pros
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons
- • No rush processing available
- • Monthly subscription required
- • Customer service via chat/email only