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How to Start an LLC in Michigan (2026): 7 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services
Lesson answer for Michigan in 2026: if you want help with starting an LLC, use MI Registered Agent.org ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and Michigan Registered Agent.co ($199), in that order. Whichever route you take, the state charges $50 to file; the 7 steps below show the rest.
The Founder Classroom teaching team · Updated November 12, 2026
Disclosure Founder Classroom is reader-supported. We may earn money when you buy through links on this page, and the companies we rank are our partners. Prices come from each company's own pages and official state sources.
Lesson map Who we'd use How to do it The costs FAQ References Key facts
Annual statement $25 a year Payable February 15
State fees over three years $100 State charges only
Steps in this lesson 7 In order By the end you will know How the Michigan formation filing works Who can be your resident agent How to stay in good standing Our picks and the reasoning
Teacher's pick
Michigan: our recommended services Graded with our
rubric : three-year cost 30%, lesson steps handled 35%, then renewal, state fit and clear pricing.
Best overall
1. MI Registered Agent.org: best for a small first bill
$199 + fees, $99 yearly after
First on our list, MI Registered Agent.org: $199 plus the state fee with the first agent year included, then $99 a year.
It costs less than Mainstay Filing over three years, and three-year cost is worth 30% of our grade.
Its prices do not include the annual statement, so plan to file that yourself every year.
What you get The formation filing First year of agent service What we like Low $99 renewal $199 to form Year one of agent service in the price Watch out for You file the annual statement Charges $99 for the EIN step
Works in every state
2. Mainstay Filing: best for one bill for filing and upkeep
$199/year + $50 state fee
Mainstay Filing ranks second: it takes the formation, the resident agent and every annual statement off your list for $199 a year.
Over three years it costs $200 more than MI Registered Agent.org, and cost carries 30% of our grade.
Each annual statement is filed for you (state fee $25, at cost).
What you get Formation prepared and filed Resident agent for the full year Annual statement filed each cycle EIN application State fee charged at cost What we like $199/year for the bundle No renewal jump ($199) Does the EIN application Watch out for $100 yearly premium over MI Registered Agent.org
Local choice
3. Michigan Registered Agent.co: best for LLCs that stay in Michigan
$199 + fees, $99 yearly after
Third place goes to Michigan Registered Agent.co: $199 plus the state fee with the first agent year included, then $99 a year.
Its prices do not include the annual statement, so plan to file that yourself every year.
Its prices match MI Registered Agent.org, so either is a fine choice.
What you get The formation filing First year of agent service What we like $199 to form Low $99 renewal Year one of agent service in the price Watch out for You file the annual statement Charges $99 for the EIN step
Prices at a glance
Each company's listed price on November 12, 2026. Every row excludes the $50 state fee.
Forming the LLC, in order
Step 1
Step 1: Pick the LLC's nameYour first homework: search the state's business records for the name you want. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) keeps that list.
Tip Check the matching web domain at the same time.
Step 2
Step 2: Line up your resident agentEvery LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. A Michigan resident, or a corporation or LLC formed in Michigan or authorized there, whose business office (or, for a person, residence) is the registered office.
The address has to be a registered office in Michigan, which does not have to be the place of business. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
Tip Any of the services in our picks fills this role.
Official source: legislature.mi.gov (October 2026)
Step 3
Step 3: File it yourself, or hire it outThe state fee ($50) is the same either way; a service adds $199. See the picks .
Step 4
Step 4: Complete and file the Articles of OrganizationFile the Articles of Organization (Form CSCL/CD-700) with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA); the fee is $50 (MCL 450.4202). Expect processing of Up to 10 business days for non-expedited.
Official source: legislature.mi.gov (September 2026)
Step 5
Step 5: Get your EINNext, the federal side: an EIN from the IRS, applied for after the Michigan approval. Mainstay Filing's yearly price includes the EIN application.
Step 6
Step 6: Write an operating agreementAn operating agreement is internal. Sign it, keep it with the records, and the state never needs a copy.
Step 7
Step 7: Keep up with Michigan's yearly filingMark the annual statement in your calendar: every year, due February 15, fee $25. If you miss it: $10.
Official source: michigan.gov (August 2026)
Michigan costs by step
Item Paid to Cost
Formation filing The state $50 Annual statement The state $25 every year If the report is late The state $10 Filing service (optional) The service $199 first year Three years of state fees The state $100
The state rows are official figures; the service row uses each company's published price. The three-year total leaves service fees out.
Behind the ranking What decided it: three-year cost, 30% of our rubric.
A founder paying MI Registered Agent.org spends $397 by the end of year three, keeping $200 that Mainstay Filing would cost.
Quick answers
What does it cost to form an LLC in Michigan? Michigan charges $50. Service fees among our picks: $199.
Which form creates the LLC? You submit the Articles of Organization (Form CSCL/CD-700) to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Is a resident agent required? Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
How long does Michigan take to process the filing? Posted processing: Up to 10 business days for non-expedited.
What does Michigan require each year? The annual statement: $25, every year, due February 15.
Can I form the LLC without a service? Yes, file it yourself ($50) and appoint a resident agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use? MI Registered Agent.org first, then Mainstay Filing and Michigan Registered Agent.co; MI Registered Agent.org leads on three-year cost.
Official references Confirmed August 2026: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, michigan.gov Confirmed August 2026: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, michigan.gov Confirmed August 2026: Michigan report due date, michigan.gov Confirmed August 2026: MCL 450.4202, legislature.mi.gov Confirmed September 2026: Michigan formation fee: Filing fee, official source, michigan.gov Confirmed September 2026: Michigan formation fee: Filing fee, official source, legislature.mi.gov Confirmed October 2026: Michigan registered agent statute, legislature.mi.gov Confirmed September 2026: Processing time, official source, michigan.gov MI Registered Agent.org, pricing page (read November 12, 2026) Mainstay Filing, Michigan service page (read November 12, 2026) Michigan Registered Agent.co, pricing page (read November 12, 2026)