Michigan has several types of corporations for use by business and charitable organizations. Filers may form any of the following kinds of Michigan corporations: for profit, nonprofit, professional service and ecclesiastical. The Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) provides the forms and processes registrations for corporate entities in Michigan. Filers should go online and obtain the necessary filing forms. They can then fill out the forms and submit them to DELEG to start a corporation in Michigan.
Step 1:
Go to the Document Management System page on the DELEG website (see Sources). You will see four “Articles of Incorporation” links–one for each type of Michigan corporation. In the case of an ecclesiastical corporation, at least three individuals must be jointly filing to start a church or other organization for religious teaching. Licensed professionals like lawyers can start a professional services corporation, while other businesses start a for-profit corporate entity. Of course, charities not eligible for an ecclesiastical entity file as a Michigan nonprofit corporation.
Step 2:
Click on the “Articles of Incorporation” for the entity you would like to establish. Take care to create a corporate name consistent with Michigan law. Read the instructions in your filing form to determine the legal requirements for your Michigan business name.
Step 3:
Fill out the applicable filing form (articles) according to the instructions and particular needs of your own corporate organization. Note that Michigan’s preexisting filing forms provide only the minimum provisions needed to create a corporation in Michigan. You may need to consult a Michigan business attorney for advice when creating a new business of any kind.
If starting a Michigan nonprofit or ecclesiastical corporation, keep in mind that only certain organizations may qualify for a federal tax exemption. You should read Publication 557 to determine the federal requirements for obtaining tax-exempt status. Find that publication by running a search at the IRS.gov website.
Step 4:
Prepare the filing fees. Read the instructions for full details on necessary Michigan corporation filing fees. As of 2010, the basic fee for business corporations is $50 for up to 60,000 authorized shares plus a $10 processing fee. The cost goes up as the number of authorized shares increases. Refer to the form’s instructions for other amounts. The total cost to file a Michigan nonprofit or ecclesiastical corporation is $20. Make out a check to the “State of Michigan.”
In addition, you may pay additional fees for expedited service ($50 for 24-hour service, $100 for same-day processing, $500 for a two-hour turnaround and $1000 for one-hour service).
Step 5:
Send or personally deliver the completed forms and fee to the applicable address listed below:
Mail:
Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
Bureau of Commercial Services
Corporation Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
In Person:
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI
517-241-6470
Sources:
DELEG Document Management System Corporate Forms
