Michigan LLC filing refers to the process of forming an LLC in the state of Michigan. The steps in the process of filing for an LLC are as follows:

  • Select a name for the LLC
  • Choose a person or entity to serve as the registered agent
  • File the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State
  • Write an operating agreement for the LLC
  • Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

What Are the LLC Naming Guidelines?

You should conduct research to ensure the name you select for your business venture is suitable and easy to search for your potential clients. Be sure to tack the words "Limited Liability Company" to end the of the name you select. Alternatively, you can tack on an abbreviation like "LLC" or "L.L.C."

If you want to include a restricted word in the name you choose for your LLC, the Secretary of State will likely require that you fill out extra paperwork. Restricted words include university, bank, and attorney. In certain scenarios, the Secretary of State may also request that you have a licensed individual join your LLC. Some examples of licensed individuals are lawyers and doctors.

Some words are prohibited from being used in the name of an LLC. In general, words frequently associated with government agencies are prohibited. Treasury, FBI, and Secret Service are a few examples of prohibited words.

If you would like to learn more about naming Michigan LLCs, refer to the website of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

You should look through the database on the website of the State of Michigan to confirm that the name you have selected isn't already in use by another entity within the state. You should also check to confirm that the domain name you want to use is available. If the domain name is indeed available, you should reserve it as soon as possible. This is true even if you do not plan on immediately developing your website. You want to reserve your domain name as to make it impossible for others to acquire it.

If you want the name of your LLC to be approved on the first go, you should ensure that the name is 100 percent distinguishable from the names of other LLCs in the state of Michigan.

How to Reserve a Name

If you have chosen a name for your LLC but aren't ready for Michigan LLC filing, you can still reserve the name. In the state of Michigan, you can reserve a name for a maximum of six months.

In order to file a name, you need to fill out the name reservation application and file it with Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You should file the application along with a $25 filing fee.

The name reservation application needs to include the name you want to reserve, the entity type, and your name, address, title, and dated signature. You can file the name reservation application by mail or email.

What is a Registered Agent?

As stated above, part of the process of forming an LLC is choosing an entity to serve as your registered agent.

A registered agent is a business or individual who has agreed to receive and send legal papers on your LLC's behalf. In the event that you are sued, the registered agent will deal with the service of process of legal action. The registered agent will also handle all state filings.

The registered agent needs to be a Michigan resident. If the registered agent is a corporation, the corporation must have the authorization to do business in Michigan. You can also choose an individual within your LLC to serve as the registered agent, or you can serve as the registered agent for the LLC.

Keep in mind that registered agents need to have the authorization to do business in Michigan. They also need to have a permanent address in the state. Therefore, a Michigan corporation, a Michigan resident, and a foreign corporation or LLC with a certificate of authority to do business in the state, and a Michigan LLC can all serve as registered agents for an LLC.

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