Michigan Registered Agent Search & Requirments in 2023

Finding the right Michigan registered agent for your business can seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple when you know the requirements and the steps to take. In this blog article, we’ll take a look at the Michigan registered agent search process, as well as what the requirements are for a Michigan registered agent. We’ll also cover how to select the best registered agent for your business, so that you can ensure that your company is compliant with the state of Michigan.

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Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
August 7, 2023
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What is a Michigan Registered Agent?

A Michigan Registered Agent is a person or business entity that is authorized to receive legal documents, such as service of process, on behalf of a business registered in the state. This individual or entity must have a physical address in Michigan, and must be available during regular business hours to accept these documents. The Registered Agent must also forward any received documents to the business in a timely fashion.

When registering a business in Michigan, a legal Registered Agent must be appointed. This requirement exists in all states, and is important for ensuring that the business is aware of any legal actions taken against them. It also provides a reliable point of contact for business transactions.

Choosing the right Michigan Registered Agent is an important step in setting up a business. The Registered Agent must be available to receive legal documents and forward them to the business. It's important to find an agent with a physical address in Michigan, as P.O. boxes are not acceptable. To find out more about Michigan Registered Agents, visit Nolo.com.

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Why is it Important to Have a Michigan Registered Agent?

A Michigan Registered Agent is an important part of the legal structure of any business that is incorporated in the state of Michigan. The Registered Agent is a person or business entity that has agreed to accept legal documents on behalf of the corporation. This includes documents such as service of process, court filings, and notices from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, as well as other state and federal agencies. By having a Registered Agent, a business ensures that it is informed of any legal action against it and that it is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

A Registered Agent must maintain a physical address in the state of Michigan, and must be available during normal business hours to accept documents. This is important because it allows the corporation to respond to legal notices and other documents in a timely manner. It is also important for maintaining good standing with state and federal agencies, and for keeping the business in compliance with regulations.

Having a Michigan Registered Agent is also important for the protection of the corporation’s assets. A Registered Agent acts as a buffer between the corporation and any potential legal action or proceedings. By having a Registered Agent, the corporation can better protect its assets against potential creditors and other legal claims.

In summary, having a Michigan Registered Agent is an important part of any business that is incorporated in the state of Michigan. It ensures that the business is in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, is informed of any legal action against it, and is better able to protect its assets from potential creditors and other legal claims. For more information, please visit the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.

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Who can be a Registered Agent in Michigan?

A Registered Agent in Michigan must be either a Michigan resident, a Michigan corporation, or a foreign corporation authorized to do business in the state. The agent must have a physical street address in Michigan, not a P.O. box. The Registered Agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process (i.e. any legal documents that may be served on the company) on behalf of the company.

The Registered Agent must be willing to forward any legal documents served on the company to its appropriate contact person. It's important to note that the Registered Agent must remain the same until changed with the state, and in some cases, the change must be approved by the state.

You can learn more about Registered Agents in Michigan by visiting the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website here.

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Do you Need a Registered Agent for Your Michigan Business?

Yes, you need a registered agent for your Michigan business. A registered agent, also known as a resident agent, is an individual or business entity designated to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of a business. In Michigan, businesses that are incorporated, limited liability companies, nonprofit corporations, and foreign corporations are required to appoint and maintain a registered agent in the state.

In Michigan, a registered agent must have a physical street address in the state and be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and other official documents. The registered agent must also be authorized to conduct business in the state. If the business changes its address or goes out of business, the registered agent must also be changed or cancelled.

Having a registered agent is essential for businesses. It provides a reliable, secure, and legally compliant way for businesses to receive important documents, like service of process and tax forms. Additionally, it ensures that businesses remain in compliance with the state regulations. To learn more about Michigan registered agents and how to appoint one for your business, visit IncAuthority.com.

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How to Designate a Michigan Registered Agent?

Designating a Michigan Registered Agent is an important step in forming a business in Michigan. A registered agent is a person or business entity that accepts legal documents on behalf of the company. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state of Michigan and be available during normal business hours.

To designate a Michigan Registered Agent, the business must provide the name and address of the agent to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This can be done through the Corporations Division of LARA, either online or by mail.

When submitting the form, the business must also provide the following information:

  • The name of the business
  • The address of the business
  • The name and address of the registered agent
  • The type of business entity (i.e. LLC, corporation, etc.)

The registered agent must be available to accept legal documents during normal business hours. If the registered agent is unavailable, the documents may be served at the business address. It is important to keep the registered agent information up to date so that legal documents can be delivered in a timely manner.

For more information on registering a Michigan business and designating a registered agent, please visit LARA's Corporations Division website.

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How Does a Registered Agent in Michigan Resign?

A Registered Agent in Michigan is a third-party individual that is responsible for accepting service of process and any other official documents on behalf of a Michigan business entity. When the Registered Agent is no longer needed or desired, they are able to resign from the position.

The resignation process is done by filing a form with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This form is known as the “Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent” and is available for download on the LARA website here.

The form must be signed by the Registered Agent or their authorized representative. It should also include the name and address of the business entity, the name of the Registered Agent, the date of resignation, and the signature of the Registered Agent or their authorized representative.

Once the form is completed and signed, it must be mailed to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The current mailing address can be found on the LARA website.

Once received, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will process the resignation. Upon completion of the process, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs will send a confirmation of the resignation to the registered address of the business entity.

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Is There a Penalty for Not Designating a Registered Agent in Michigan?

If you are forming an LLC in Michigan and are required to designate a Registered Agent, the consequences for not doing so can be severe. In Michigan, if a LLC does not designate a Registered Agent and fails to maintain their Registered Agent information on file with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, the LLC will be administratively dissolved. This means that the LLC will no longer have legal standing in Michigan and will no longer be able to conduct business in the state.

The dissolution of your LLC will mean that the LLC will no longer be able to access important protections and benefits offered by the state and federal government. These include the limited liability protection, tax benefits, and the ability to conduct business in the state. Additionally, a LLC's dissolution could affect its ability to enter into binding contracts, open a bank account, and hire employees.

For more information regarding the importance of designating a Registered Agent in Michigan, as well as the consequences of not doing so, check out this resource from the Michigan Secretary of State.

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What is the Michigan Secretary of State Contact Information:

If you need to contact the Michigan Secretary of State, you can reach them through a variety of different methods. You can call their toll-free number at 1-888-767-6424, email them at SOS-SOS@michigan.gov, or reach out to them directly through their website here.

The Michigan Secretary of State office is located at 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48918. The office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM Monday through Friday. You can also visit the Secretary of State's website for more information about their services and hours.

The Michigan Secretary of State also offers an online chat service so you can get your questions answered quickly and easily. The online chat option is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM. There is an online contact form available as well.

If you need to speak directly to a representative, you can call the Michigan Secretary of State's main phone number at 517-335-1420. You can also contact the office via their online contact form. The office staff is available to answer your questions and help you with your needs.

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How Much Does a Registered Agent in Michigan Cost?

The cost of a registered agent in Michigan can vary depending on the type of service you need. Generally, a basic service will cost between $100 and $250 per year. This type of service will provide you with a physical address in Michigan where legal documents can be sent, and the registered agent will forward those documents to you.

More comprehensive services may cost more, depending on the level of service you need. If you require registered agent services with additional features such as scanning and forwarding of documents electronically, this may cost more. Many services also include a secure online portal for you to access documents, as well as additional features such as compliance monitoring and filing services.

It is important to research the services offered by different registered agent providers to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. The Michigan Department of State is a great place to start.

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This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax and business advisers, as needed. We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What are the Steps Needed to Find a Registered Agent in Michigan?

Finding a registered agent in Michigan can be a straightforward process, as long as you know what steps to take. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Determine if you need a registered agent. Generally, you will need one if you are a business entity such as a corporation, LLC, or partnership that is doing business in Michigan. A registered agent is required to receive and forward important legal documents, such as service of process and tax notices, on behalf of your business.

Step 2: Find a registered agent. You can either appoint yourself or an individual within your organization as the registered agent, or find an outside company or individual to serve as your registered agent. If you choose an outside company, make sure it is reputable and qualified. You can check out the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for a list of registered agents in the state.

Step 3: Contact the registered agent. Once you’ve found one, contact them to make sure they are available to serve as your registered agent. You should also ask about their fees and services they offer.

Step 4: Appoint the registered agent. Once you’ve found a registered agent that is willing to serve your business, you will need to formally appoint them. This is usually done by filing a form with the state.

Step 5: Maintain the registered agent. You will need to keep your registered agent updated with your business’s contact information, and make sure you pay any fees associated with their services. You may also need to renew your appointment every year.

By following these steps, you can easily find a registered agent in Michigan who can serve the needs of your business.

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Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.