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Starting a Business in Michigan: LLC vs Corporation – Your Complete Guide

By Frank Tumminello | August 12, 2025

Michigan offers competitive business environment, skilled workforce, and strategic Great Lakes location. The Great Lakes State provides excellent infrastructure and business opportunities.

At FileForms, we simplify business formation and ongoing compliance with automated filing services and expert guidance. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your Michigan business.

Why Michigan for Your Business?

Michigan combines competitive business costs, skilled workforce, and strategic Great Lakes location. The state offers excellent infrastructure and access to major Midwest markets.

LLC Formation in Michigan

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Organization filed with Michigan Department of Licensing
  • Filing Fee: $50
  • Registered Agent: Required with Michigan physical address
  • Annual Report: Not required for LLCs
  • No Publication Requirement: Michigan doesn’t require newspaper publication

Benefits of Michigan LLC:

  • No annual report requirement
  • Low formation costs
  • Strategic Great Lakes location
  • Business-friendly environment

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Maintain registered agent service
  • File federal tax returns
  • Keep operating agreement current

Corporation Formation in Michigan

Key Requirements:

  • Articles of Incorporation filed with Michigan Department of Licensing
  • Filing Fee: $60
  • Registered Agent: Required with Michigan physical address
  • Annual Report: Due by May 15th
  • Corporate Bylaws: Must be adopted

Benefits of Michigan Corporation:

  • Low formation costs
  • Enhanced business credibility
  • Strategic location
  • Access to skilled workforce

Ongoing Compliance:

  • Annual Report: Due by May 15th with $25 fee
  • Maintain corporate records
  • Hold required board meetings

Cost Comparison: LLC vs Corporation in Michigan

Requirement LLC Corporation
State Filing Fee $50 $60
Registered Agent (Annual) $100-$300 $100-$300
Annual Report Fee None $25
Publication Requirement None None

How FileForms Streamlines Michigan Business Formation

FileForms makes Michigan business formation seamless with:

  • Automated Filing: Complete all Michigan Department of Licensing requirements
  • Registered Agent Services: Professional Michigan address across all counties
  • Simplified LLC Compliance: Take advantage of no annual report requirement
  • May 15th Deadline Management: Automated corporate compliance tracking
  • Great Lakes Access: Strategic positioning for regional opportunities

Making Your Decision

Choose an LLC if you want:

  • No annual report obligations
  • Lowest formation costs
  • Strategic Great Lakes location
  • Minimal ongoing compliance

Choose a Corporation if you plan to:

  • Build enhanced business credibility
  • Access skilled workforce
  • Pursue growth opportunities
  • Take advantage of competitive costs

Take Action Today

Ready to start your Michigan business? Don’t navigate the Great Lakes State’s requirements alone.

✅ Create a FileForms account today

✅ Get expert guidance on LLC vs Corporation choice

✅ Handle all filing requirements seamlessly

👉 Book a demo today to see how FileForms makes Michigan business formation fast, easy, and compliant from day one.

Frank Tumminello

CEO, Fileforms