Starting a business in Michigan can be an exciting foray, but navigating the legal landscape can be daunting. Many entrepreneurs find themselves overwhelmed by the paperwork and regulations involved in forming an LLC. That’s where business formation services come in handy, offering expertise and convenience to streamline the process.

Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve simplified complex legal jargon and government regulations into clear, actionable insights. Our goal is to help you understand what’s legally necessary for forming your business, simplifying the path to entrepreneurship.

Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
Best LLC Service
Starts at $0 + State Fees1-day processing to start fast4.8 Trustpilot and A+ on BBB
Best for Business Building
$0 Option AvailableFree business plan included (no credit card required)Amazon gift card up to $50 included with your purchase
Best Legal Support
$0 Option AvailableOffers attorney consultationsHighly reputable with user base

The Top 6 LLC Services in Michigan

LegalZoom Best Legal Support
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2001
LegalZoom Overview

LegalZoom is a well-established name in online legal services, offering LLC formation alongside a wide range of other legal solutions for businesses and individuals.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons
Pros Extensive legal experience and resources Wide range of additional legal services available Strong customer support Cons Higher pricing compared to some competitors Upselling of additional services can be aggressive Processing times can be slower than some alternatives
LegalZoom Pricing

LegalZoom’s LLC formation services are structured similarly, with three tiers. The Basic plan is offered at no cost beyond state fees, the Pro plan is priced at $249 plus state fees, and the Premium plan costs $299 plus state fees. This structure allows customers to select a service level that aligns with their specific requirements.

ZenBusiness Best LLC Service
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2015
ZenBusiness Overview

ZenBusiness has quickly become a popular choice for LLC formation, known for its user-friendly approach and competitive pricing.

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons
Pros Affordable pricing with a free LLC formation option Excellent customer reviews and satisfaction Intuitive online platform Cons Newer company compared to some competitors Some features require higher-tier packages Customer support hours are more limited than some alternatives
ZenBusiness Pricing

ZenBusiness also provides three tiers of service. The Starter plan is available at no cost beyond state fees, while the Pro plan is priced at $199 plus state fees. Their most comprehensive offering, the Premium plan, costs $299 plus state fees. This pricing model caters to a range of business needs and budgets.

Bizee Most Cost Effective
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2004
Bizee Overview

Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, offers budget-friendly LLC formation services with a range of add-on options for growing businesses.

Bizee Pros and Cons
Pros Free LLC formation option (state fees still apply) One year of free registered agent service Lifetime company alerts for important deadlines Cons Some essential features require paid upgrades Reports of slow customer support at peak times Limited personalized guidance compared to some competitors
Bizee Pricing

Bizee provides three service tiers. Their Basic plan is free plus state fees, the Standard plan costs $199 plus state fees, and the Premium plan is priced at $299 plus state fees. This tiered structure allows customers to choose a plan based on the level of support and features they need.

Northwest Registered Agent Best for Registered Agent Services
BBB Rating A+ Founded 1998
Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Northwest Registered Agent specializes in business formation and registered agent services, offering a more personalized approach to LLC creation.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons
Pros Privacy-focused service with excellent data protection Personalized customer support from corporate guides Transparent pricing with no upsells Cons Higher base price than some competitors Limited additional services beyond formation and registered agent No free formation option
Northwest Registered Agent Pricing

Northwest Registered Agent takes a different approach, offering a single tier of service priced at $39 plus state fees. This straightforward pricing model may appeal to those seeking a simple, no-frills LLC formation service.

Swyft Filings Business Specialist Offered
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2015
Swyft Filings Overview

Swyft Filings prides itself on fast processing times and efficient service for LLC formation and other business filings.

Swyft Filings Pros and Cons
Pros Quick turnaround times for LLC formation Straightforward pricing structure Good customer support Cons Some essential features require higher-tier packages Less comprehensive service offerings than some competitors Additional costs for expedited filing
Swyft Filings Pricing

Swyft Filings also offers three tiers of LLC formation services. Their Basic plan is available at no cost beyond state fees, the Standard plan is priced at $199 plus state fees, and the Premium plan costs $299 plus state fees. This pricing structure provides options for businesses with varying needs and budgets.

Tailor Brands Filings Best for Business Building
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2015
Tailor Brands Overview

Tailor Brands offers a unique approach to LLC formation by combining branding services with legal assistance. They provide a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs looking to establish their business identity alongside their legal structure.

Tailor Brands Pros and Cons
Pros Comprehensive branding services included User-friendly platform Affordable pricing options Cons Limited legal support compared to specialized services Newer company with less experience May not be ideal for complex business structures
Tailor Brands Pricing

Tailor Brands offers three pricing tiers for LLC formation services. Their Lite plan is free plus state fees, the Essential plan costs $199 plus state fees, and the Elite plan is priced at $249 plus state fees. This tiered structure allows customers to choose a plan that best fits their needs and budget.

How Do the Best LLC Formation Companies of Michigan Compare?

When it comes to LLC formation services in Michigan, these providers share some common ground. They all offer to handle the paperwork, file with the state, and provide customer support throughout the process. However, each service has its unique strengths and features that set it apart from the competition.

For example, ZenBusiness is known for its user-friendly platform and affordable pricing, while LegalZoom boasts a long-standing reputation and extensive legal services beyond LLC formation. Northwest Registered Agent stands out with its premium registered agent service and personalized customer support. Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers a free LLC formation package, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious entrepreneurs.

How Much Do LLC Services Cost in Michigan?

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with each LLC service provider:

ProviderBasic PackagePremium PackageEIN Filing
LegalZoom$79 + state fee$349 + state fee$79
ZenBusiness$0 + state fee$299 + state fee$70
Bizee$0 + state fee$299 + state fee$70
Northwest Registered Agent$39 + state fee$179 + state feeIncluded
Swyft Filings$49 + state fee$299 + state fee$70
Tailor Brands$49 + state fee$199 + state fee$60

As you can see from the table above, there’s quite a range in pricing among these LLC formation services. ZenBusiness and Bizee offer the most budget-friendly options with their $0 basic packages, only requiring you to pay the state fee. However, it’s important to note that these basic packages may not include all the features you need.

On the premium end, LegalZoom’s top-tier package is the most expensive at $349, but it includes comprehensive legal services that go beyond simple LLC formation. Northwest Registered Agent, while not the cheapest, includes their premium registered agent service in all packages, which could save you money in the long run.

Overall, if you’re looking for the most economical option, ZenBusiness or Bizee would be our recommendation. They offer free basic packages and reasonably priced premium options, making them an excellent choice for cost-conscious entrepreneurs.

Do-It-Yourself Michigan LLC Formation

While it’s possible to form an LLC in Michigan on your own, it’s important to consider the time, effort, and potential risks involved. The process requires careful attention to detail, from choosing a unique business name to filing the Articles of Organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You’ll also need to create an operating agreement, comply with ongoing state requirements, and obtain necessary licenses and permits.

Using an LLC formation service can save you important time and reduce the risk of issues in your paperwork. These services have teams of experts who are well-versed in Michigan’s specific requirements and can guide you through the process smoothly. They can also offer additional services like registered agent services, which is required for all LLCs in Michigan.

Moreover, many LLC formation services offer ongoing compliance support, making sure you’re aware of annual report timing and other state-mandated filings. This can be particularly valuable for new business owners who may not be familiar with all the legal requirements of maintaining an LLC in Michigan.

Given the complexity of the process and the potential consequences of mistakes, we strongly recommend using a reputable LLC formation service. The peace of mind and time saved are well worth the investment, allowing you to focus on growing your business rather than getting bogged down in paperwork.

Making the Right Choice for Your Michigan LLC

Choosing the right LLC formation service is a crucial step in starting your business journey in Michigan. Each of the services we’ve discussed offers unique benefits, and the best choice for your business depends on your specific needs and budget.

Remember, at The Law Dictionary, we’re here to help you navigate these important decisions. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly option like ZenBusiness or Bizee, or choose a more comprehensive service like LegalZoom or Northwest Registered Agent, the key is to select a provider that aligns with your business goals. By leveraging these professional services, you’re setting your Michigan LLC up for success from day one. Here’s to your entrepreneurial journey in the Great Lakes State!