Filing the Articles of Incorporation is a critical step in starting a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in Michigan. Whether you have been running a charity for a while or are just starting out, your nonprofit organization will need to fill out the Articles of Incorporation and file them with the State of Michigan. This will allow you to file for 501(c)(3) status and reap the benefits of having an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
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Starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Michigan is easy, just follow these easy steps to file the Michigan Articles of Incorporation:
If you are starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Michigan, you have come to the right place. After reading the comprehensive guide for Michigan nonprofit formation, follow this guide to file the Michigan Articles of Incorporation with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
What is covered in this guide:
Information you will need to file the Michigan Articles of Incorporation
To become a nonprofit corporation in Michigan you must file the Articles of Incorporation.
Here are the sections that you will need to complete.
Article 1: Name
Enter the name you have selected.
For help with selecting a name for your nonprofit read our comprehensive guide on how to name a Michigan nonprofit.
Article 2: Purpose
Describe the purpose of your nonprofit organization.
In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, the organization’s purpose must explicitly be limited to one or more of the following:
- Charitable
- Religious
- Educational
- Scientific
- Literary
- Testing for public safety
- Fostering national/international amateur sports competition
- Preventing cruelty to animals/children
NOTE: You can read the IRS guidelines to learn more.
Article 3: Stock/Nonstock
- Decide if your organization will issue stock.
- If your organization will issue stock, decide the total number of shares.
- If your organization will not issue stock, list the values of your organization's assets / how it will be financed.
- Indicate whether your organization will be primarily led by its members or by the directors.
Article 4: Registered Agent
Enter the information of the Registered Agent you have appointed.
For more information read our guide: What is a registered agent? and The Michigan Registered Agent Guide.
Article 5: Incorporator
The incorporator can be any person helping the nonprofit incorporate. This can be you or your attorney. The incorporator does not need to be a part of the nonprofit.
Additional Article
You must include provisions ensuring that in the event your organization is dissolved, the assets of the organization will be used towards tax-exempt purposes.
Section 5 of this sample document provides an example of these provisions required for 501(c)(3) eligibility.
How to file the Michigan Articles of Incorporation
You can submit your Articles of Incorporation in one of three ways: online, by mail, or in-person.
Online:
File the Articles of Incorporation through the Secretary of State's online portal.
In-Person:
Submit the completed Articles of Incorporation at the following address:
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations Division
2501 Woodlake Cir.
Okemos, MI 48864
By Mail:
Submit the completed Articles of Incorporation at the following address:
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909
The filing fee is $20.
- Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover): Online and in-person submissions only
- Check: Mailed and in-person submissions only
- Money order: Mailed and in-person submissions only
Michigan Nonprofit Formation FAQ
How do I contact the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for more information?
You can call for information at (517) 241-6470 or visit them at their website.
State of Michigan Nonprofit Resources
IRS - Information for Charities & Nonprofits
IRS - Required Provisions for Organizing Documents
IRS - 990 Series for Tax-Exempt Organizations
IRS - Applying for Tax-Exempt Status
IRS - 501(c)(3) Compliance Guide
Small Business Administration - License and Permits
Michigan Department of Treasury - New Business Registration