Key Takeaways

  • Michigan LLCs must file an annual report and pay a $25 fee by February 15 each year.
  • A $10 monthly late fee applies to delinquent reports, capped at $50 per report.
  • The renewal certificate costs $10 and may require additional processing fees if expedited.
  • LLCs that fail to file for two consecutive years risk losing their business name.
  • Expedited filing options range from $100 to $1,000 depending on processing time.
  • LLCs formed after September 30 may delay their first annual report to the next year.
  • Registered agent changes require a $5 filing fee and must be kept up to date.

The Michigan LLC renewal fee is the charge domestic and foreign corporations pay to renew corporate existence, which is also called the certificate of authority. The corporation requesting renewal has to completely fill out the Certificate of Renewal of Corporate Existence. This must be submitted along with reports and unpaid fees for any years that have been missed. An extra $10 penalty is charged for each month a report is late, though a $50 penalty is the maximum amount added for each annual report that has become delinquent.

Where to Get the LLC Renewal Form

The forms are available for download from the website of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, also called LARA. However, you don't have to use the downloaded forms. You are permitted to use forms you make yourself. You also have to option to create your own forms as long as you're sure to include all the information that's required to process the form. After filing your paperwork for your registered agent service, your Certificate of Renewal is immediately available when you log into the LARA website.

Filing the LLC Renewal Form

While the forms to file for your LLC renewal are available online, they can't be filed over the internet. You can file by mail if you include a check or money order, or you can file in person using a check, money order, or credit card featuring either the VISA or MasterCard logo. If you file by mail, be sure to add your corporation name and ID number and make it out to the State of Michigan. Also be sure there is one copy of the original LARA form and your company's annual reports included in the envelope.

Where to Send Your LLC Renewal Form in Michigan

When you have all your documents ready, remember to pay any past-due fees along with your Renewal Certificate filing fees. The mailing address for LARA is:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Commercial Services

Corporation Division

P.O. Box 30054

Lansing, MI 48909

To file your LLC renewal form in person, the address is 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI.

Find Out How Much You Owe

If you're behind on reporting and aren't sure what you owe, visit the LARA Business Entity Search on their website to find out what you have filed and what reports are missing. When you know what reports you still need to file in order to catch up, you can then calculate how much you owe for each missed filing before you ask LARA to renew your LLC. You should also check to see if the name of your corporation is still available if you're filing late.

When to File Your Michigan LLC Annual Report

Michigan LLCs are required to file their annual report by February 15 each year. However, if your LLC was formed after September 30, you're not required to file the report until the following calendar year. This means new LLCs formed late in the year get additional time before their first renewal fee and annual report are due.

Staying on top of this deadline is crucial to maintain good standing and avoid additional late fees or administrative dissolution. LARA typically sends reminder notices 90 days before the due date to the LLC’s registered agent.

Filing Past Due Annual Reports

Corporation holders are required to contact LARA when filing annual reports that are past due in order to renew a foreign or domestic corporation. To contact the agency, you can email [email protected] or call (517)241-6470. If you email, include:

  • The name of your corporation
  • Your six-digit ID that was issued by LARA
  • A note stating whether you want your reports sent by email, fax or postal service mail.

You will also need to provide confirmation of your corporation's registered agent as well as that entity's mailing address and street address. This is the person or business that agrees to accept any legal documents the courts or state send to your company.

Consequences of Failing to File on Time

If your LLC fails to file the required annual report on time, LARA imposes a $10 penalty per month, up to a maximum of $50 per report. Beyond monetary penalties, failure to file for two consecutive years can lead to the administrative dissolution of your LLC. In such a case, your company will lose its legal authority to operate, and the business name becomes available for other entities to claim.

To restore good standing, you'll need to file all past-due reports and pay the associated penalties and renewal fees.

Michigan Corporation Renewal Costs

There are several different price options to consider when renewing your LLC in Michigan, including:

  • $10 for the renewal certificate
  • $25 per annual report filing fee
  • Up to $50 per year annual penalty for late filing

There are also added fees if you are asking LARA to provide expedited processing, including:

  • $100 for 24-hour processing
  • $200 for same-day processing
  • $500 for two-hour processing
  • $1,000 for one-hour processing

After the original filing, the Annual Report is due by February 15th of each year. An LLC must file this report each year because it helps the state keep its records current. It also helps gives creditors and anyone who needs to contact your business for legal reasons a way to find you. If you don't file these reports on time, after two years your business name is available for others to claim.

Other Common Fees for Michigan LLCs

In addition to the standard renewal fee, Michigan LLCs may incur the following fees during the renewal or compliance process:

  • Registered Agent Change Fee: $5 (if your LLC changes its registered agent or office).
  • Certificate of Good Standing: $10 (useful for proving your LLC's compliance when dealing with banks or investors).
  • Assumed Name Renewal Fee: $25 (if your LLC operates under a different name and the name is due for renewal).
  • Business License Renewal Fees: Vary by city or county and may range from $50 to several thousand dollars, depending on business type and location.

Make sure to consult local licensing authorities to determine what additional licenses and renewals apply to your specific business.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much is the Michigan LLC renewal fee?
    The standard renewal fee for a Michigan LLC is $25 for the annual report and $10 for the certificate of renewal if applicable.
  2. When is the Michigan LLC annual report due?
    It is due by February 15 each year. LLCs formed after September 30 can delay their first report to the next calendar year.
  3. What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
    A $10 late fee is applied for each month the report is late, up to a maximum of $50 per report. After two missed filings, your LLC risks administrative dissolution.
  4. Can I reinstate my LLC if it was dissolved for non-compliance?
    Yes, you must file all delinquent reports, pay the associated fees, and submit a renewal certificate to restore good standing.
  5. Do I need to pay for a registered agent in Michigan?
    You can act as your own registered agent or hire a service, which typically costs between $49 and $250 annually.

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