| Requirement or Form | Cost / Fee | Deadline or Frequency | Official Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form CSCL/CD-700) | $50.00 | One-time at formation | Michigan LARA |
| Resident Agent | $0 (Self)/ $99–$199/yr (Third Party) | Continuous requirement | Michigan LARA |
| Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) | $0.00 | After state formation approval | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting | Exempt ($0) | Exempt under 2026 rules | FinCEN |
| LLC Annual Statement | $25.00 | February 15 annually (skip 1st cycle if formed post-Sept 30) | Michigan LARA |
| Annual Statement Late Penalty | $50.00 | Applied after February 15 | Michigan LARA |
Understanding Michigan LLC Fees and Requirements
Forming a domestic LLC in Michigan requires filing Form CSCL/CD-700, the Articles of Organization, with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). According to LARA, the official filing fee is $50.
After state formation, you can request an Employer Identification Number (EIN). According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), obtaining an EIN directly from the IRS costs $0. You must form the entity with the state before applying for an EIN so that the business name matches state records. Never pay a third party for an EIN because the IRS provides this service at no cost.
Under regulations effective August 14, 2026, published by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), U.S.-formed companies are exempt from federal Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. Michigan business owners carry no federal BOI reporting requirement.
To maintain good standing, Michigan requires ongoing filings. According to LARA, every domestic LLC must file an Annual Statement with a $25.00 fee, due by February 15 each year following the year of organization. However, LARA rules specify that LLCs formed after September 30 skip the next February 15 statement.
According to LARA, submitting the Annual Statement after February 15 results in a $50.00 late penalty. Failure to file causes loss of good standing, revocation, or administrative dissolution.
DIY vs. Professional Formation Services
Filing directly with LARA costs $0 beyond the mandatory $50 state fee. Michigan residents can act as their own resident agent at no cost by using their local physical address.
Commercial filing services offer address privacy and compliance assistance. Below is a comparison of commercial formation platforms (listed alphabetically, not ranked) alongside filing yourself directly with LARA.
| Service Provider | Entry Tier Price | Registered Agent Fee | Features & Notes (as of 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Direct via LARA) | $0 + $50 state fee | $0 (Self) | File Form CSCL/CD-700 directly with LARA. |
| Bizee | $0 + $50 state fee | Free 1st year, then $119/yr | Entry tier includes basic state filing. |
| LegalZoom | $0 + $50 state fee | $249/yr | Offers state filing and document templates. |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + $50 state fee | $125/yr | Focuses on privacy and registered agent service. |
| Rocket Lawyer | $99.99 + $50 state fee | $249.99/yr | Provides ongoing legal consultation services. |
| Tailor Brands | $0 + $50 state fee | $199/yr | Bundles formation with branding tools. |
| ZenBusiness | $0 + $50 state fee | $99 1st yr ($199/yr renewal) | Starter tier is $0; Pro is $199/yr; Premium is $299/yr. |
If you are comfortable submitting forms online, serving as your own agent, and tracking annual deadlines, filing yourself is the best choice. It limits costs to $50 initially and $25 annually.
If you prefer automated compliance management and privacy, using ZenBusiness is a good option. Starter is $0 plus state fee, Pro is $199/yr, and Premium is $299/yr. Registered agent service is $199/yr across all tiers, discounted to $99 for the first year when forming through them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Michigan LLC filing fee and Articles of Organization cost with LARA?
The filing fee for Articles of Organization (Form CSCL/CD-700) with LARA is $50. This is a one-time charge paid directly to the state.
What are the LARA Michigan LLC Articles of Organization filing fee and annual statement fee on michigan.gov?
According to michigan.gov, LARA charges $50 for Articles of Organization and $25 for the annual statement due February 15.
Does Michigan LARA charge $50 for domestic LLC Articles of Organization?
Yes, Michigan LARA charges a $50 non-refundable fee for domestic LLC Articles of Organization.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service, “Get an employer identification number”
- Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, “Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting”
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, “Annual Reports and Annual Statements”
This article provides general information rather than legal or tax advice; filing requirements and fees vary by state and change over time.