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A Michigan certificate of good standing (MI) is a legal document that verifies that your limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was correctly formed and is in good standing with the state.
This Certificate of Good Standing Michigan guide will explain how to get a certificate of good standing in Michigan and the requirements to get a good standing certificate.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
The certificate- of good standing, aka “certificate of existence,” confirms that a company is up-to-date with its filings and has no legal issues preventing it from conducting business.
This state document verifies that you have legally formed your LLC or corporation and that your company is properly maintained.
Requirements for Getting a Michigan Certificate of Good Standing
In Michigan, the certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of compliance issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. To qualify for a Michigan certificate of compliance, make sure your corporation or LLC is up-to-date with the following state compliance requirements.
Obtain Business Licenses & Permits
Follow federal, state, and local licensing guidelines to operate your business in Michigan in a state-compliant manner. Some examples include health permits, building permits, medical and other professional licenses, etc.
To find more about state licensing requirements, visit the Michigan State License Search website.
Pay State Taxes
Different businesses are subjected to different taxes such as Michigan Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax, withholding tax, sales tax, etc. Depending on your business activity, you must register for various forms of Michigan state tax.
Timely Submit Annual Reports
All Michigan corporations and LLCs must file an annual report that summarizes their business’s finances over the past year.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs requires your business to submit an annual report from corporations and annual statements from LLCs. The Michigan LLC annual statement filing fee is $25 and is due each year by February 15.
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan?
Once your business is up-to-date with all filings and compliance requirements, you can order your certificate of Good Standing from the state authority.
The Michigan certificate of compliance is requested from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. To order your certificate of compliance online from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, click the following link.
You can also apply via phone, in-person, or mail by downloading the Michigan certificate of compliance using the following link:
Office Address:
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
2501 Woodlake Circle
Okemos, MI 48864
Mailing Address
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 241-6470
The filing Cost for the Michigan Certificate of Compliance is $10 online, by mail, and by phone. While in-person you have to pay $12.50.
Why Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Michigan?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your LLC or corporation in Michigan, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for a business loan or line of credit from a bank
- Purchasing business insurance
- Trying to lease commercial space
- Soliciting funds from potential investors
- You want to register your LLC or other business in another state as a foreign or out-of-state LLC
- You want to Transfer or domesticate your business to another state
- You’re selling your business, and the buyer wants proof that the company is in good legal standing
- You are contracting with another company
- You need to show compliance with government regulations in any other situation
FAQs on Michigan Certificate of Good Standing
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