Incorporate in Michigan Online: Everything You Need to Know

To incorporate in Michigan online, you'll follow the same process as a normal incorporation.3 min read

To incorporate in Michigan online, you'll follow the same process as a normal incorporation. The only difference is that you will file your formation documents electronically instead of by mail.

Choosing a Structure and Checking Your Name

After you've chosen the best corporate structure for your business, you must also pick a tax status. Most corporations are taxed as C corporations, which means your business will face double taxation. However, if you meet the right qualifications, you can instead elect to have your business taxed as a S corporation.

Checking name availability is the next step to incorporate in Michigan online. The name you pick for your corporation should not infringe on the registered name of another company. You can use the Corporation Division Business Entity Search database to determine if your name is available. Reserving your corporate name is optional. Your name should include one of the following words or an abbreviation of these words:

• Corporation.
• Company.
• Incorporated.
• Limited.

Next, you need to hire a registered agent for your company. This person will accept notifications of litigation and service of process for your corporation.

Create Your Company

Submitting your Michigan Articles of Incorporation will formally create your corporation. You should file this document with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Corporation Division. If you have a MICH-ELF account, you can submit your articles of corporation using either email or fax. Otherwise, you must file your Articles in person or by mail.

The filing fee you will need to pay depends on how many shares your corporation has authorized. If you have authorized 60,000 shares or less, your filing fee will be $60. Expedited service is available for between $50 and $1,000, depending on the number of shares.