How to File the Articles of Incorporation for a Michigan Nonprofit

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:

1. Information you will need to file the Michigan Articles of Incorporation
2. How to file the Michigan Articles of Incorporation
3. Michigan Nonprofit Formation FAQ

To become a nonprofit corporation in Michigan you must file the Articles of Incorporation.

Here are the sections that you will need to complete.

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. Indicate whether your organization will be primarily led by its members or by the directors.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Michigan Attorney General - Forms

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs