By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Michigan calls it an “Annual Statement,” but don’t let the fancy name fool you—it’s just the state’s way of checking that your LLC is still alive and kicking. For $25 a year, you get to prove your business exists and keep the state off your back.
Here’s what makes Michigan different from most states: they’re surprisingly forgiving about late filings. While other states will dissolve your LLC faster than you can say “administrative penalty,” Michigan gives you a full two years to get your act together. But that doesn’t mean you should test their patience.
I’ve helped hundreds of Michigan LLC owners navigate their annual filing requirements, and the process is actually pretty straightforward once you know the insider details. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Michigan’s annual report process—including the tricks that’ll save you time and the mistakes that’ll cost you money.
Michigan Annual Report Basics: What You Need to Know
Michigan requires every single LLC to file an Annual Statement (their official term for an annual report) by February 15th each year. This isn’t optional—it applies to every Michigan LLC, whether you made $1 million or $0 in revenue.
Key Michigan Annual Report Facts:
- Cost: $25 per year (veterans file for free)
- Due date: February 15th annually
- Late penalty: None for the first 2 years
- Filing options: Online (recommended) or mail
- Grace period: 2 full years before serious consequences
What the Annual Statement accomplishes:
- Keeps your LLC in good standing with the state
- Updates your registered agent and business address information
- Maintains your right to use your LLC name
- Ensures you can access Michigan courts for legal disputes
Michigan’s Surprisingly Forgiving Timeline
Unlike most states that hit you with immediate penalties for late annual reports, Michigan operates on what I call the “Michigan Nice” approach to compliance.
First Annual Report Timing
Michigan doesn’t expect your first annual report immediately. The timing depends on when you formed your LLC:
If you formed your LLC January 1 – September 30:
- First annual report due: February 15 of the following year
- Example: LLC formed in June 2025 → First report due February 15, 2026
If you formed your LLC October 1 – December 31:
- First annual report due: February 15 two years later
- Example: LLC formed in November 2025 → First report due February 15, 2027
This gives new LLCs time to get established before dealing with annual compliance requirements.
The 2-Year Grace Period (But Don’t Push It)
Michigan allows a full 2-year grace period for late annual reports with zero penalties. File your 2025 report in 2027? No problem—you’ll still pay just $25.
What happens after 2 years:
- Your LLC loses “good standing” status
- Others can potentially claim your LLC name
- You’ll need to file a Certificate of Restoration ($50)
- You’ll owe all back annual reports ($25 each)
- Your LLC could face administrative dissolution
Jake’s reality check: Just because Michigan is forgiving doesn’t mean you should be sloppy. Set up a simple reminder system and file on time. The grace period is for emergencies, not procrastination.
Who Gets to File for Free (Veterans)
Michigan offers free annual report filing for veterans—a nice touch that shows the state values military service.
Veterans’ free filing requirements:
- Call Michigan Secretary of State at (517) 241-6470
- Request the annual report form by mail
- Submit completed form with Affidavit of Veteran Status
- Provide proof of veteran status (DD-214, etc.)
Eligible veterans: Anyone who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves
This benefit applies every year, not just once. If you’re a veteran, take advantage of this—it saves you $25 annually for the life of your LLC.
Michigan Annual Report Filing Process: Step-by-Step
Option 1: Online Filing (Recommended)
Online filing gives you immediate confirmation and is much faster than mail. Here’s exactly what you need:
Required information:
- Your LLC’s CID (Customer ID Number) and PIN
- Current registered agent name and address
- Your contact information for filing confirmation
- Credit or debit card for $25 payment
Step-by-step online process:
- Access the filing system
- Go to Michigan LARA’s online filing portal
- Log in using your CID and PIN
- Select “Annual Statement” from available filings
- Verify LLC information
- Confirm your LLC name (you can’t change it here)
- Review Entity ID Number (should auto-populate)
- Select the filing year (usually current year)
- Update registered agent information
- Review current registered agent details
- Make any necessary changes to name or address
- Ensure all information is current and accurate
- Add signature information
- Click “Add new entry to this list”
- Enter your name and select appropriate title:
- “Member” if you’re a member in a member-managed LLC
- “Manager” if you’re a manager in a manager-managed LLC
- “Authorized Agent” if filing on behalf of the LLC
- Accept and finalize the signature
- Provide submitter contact details
- Enter your name as the point of contact
- Add mailing address and phone number
- Provide email for confirmation and future notices
- Leave “Business Name” blank unless specifically needed
- Choose service level
- Select “Standard Review” (expedited processing isn’t necessary)
- Pay only the $25 filing fee
- Submit the completed filing
- Complete payment
- Pay $25 using credit or debit card
- Receive immediate confirmation of filing
- Save confirmation email for your records
Option 2: Mail Filing
Michigan will mail pre-printed annual report forms to your registered agent. While this option works, it’s slower and provides no immediate confirmation.
Mail filing process:
- Wait for pre-printed form from Michigan LARA
- Review all information for accuracy
- Make any necessary corrections
- Sign and date the form
- Include check for $25 payable to “State of Michigan”
- Mail to: Michigan Corporations Division, PO Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909-7554
Processing time: 2-3 weeks including mail delivery
Recovering Your CID and PIN
Lost your CID and PIN? Don’t panic—Michigan makes recovery straightforward:
- Find your Entity ID Number
- Go to Michigan’s Business Entity Search
- Search for your LLC name
- Note the Entity ID Number from search results
- Request CID/PIN recovery
- Visit Michigan LARA’s CID/PIN Recovery page
- Enter your Entity ID Number
- Follow prompts to recover login credentials
- Check email for recovery information
Alternative: Call Michigan LARA at (517) 241-6470 during business hours for phone assistance.
Common Michigan Annual Report Mistakes
Mistake 1: Waiting for Reminder Notices
The problem: Michigan’s reminder system is unreliable. Sometimes they send email reminders, sometimes mail, sometimes nothing.
The solution: Set your own calendar reminders for February 1st each year. Don’t depend on the state to remind you.
Mistake 2: Using Outdated Registered Agent Information
The problem: Filing with incorrect registered agent details can cause compliance issues and missed legal notices.
The solution: Review and update registered agent information every year during your annual report filing.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to File for Multiple LLCs
The problem: Each LLC needs its own annual report. Owning three LLCs means three separate $25 filings.
The solution: Create a master list of all your Michigan LLCs with their Entity ID Numbers and due dates.
Mistake 4: Paying for Expedited Processing
The problem: Expedited processing costs extra but provides no real benefit for annual reports.
The solution: Use standard processing. Even if filed on February 15th, it’s considered on time regardless of processing delays.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Grace Period
The problem: Assuming the 2-year grace period means you can file whenever you want.
The solution: File on time to maintain good standing. Use the grace period only for genuine emergencies.
Michigan Annual Report Costs and Fees
Standard Filing Costs
- Annual report fee: $25
- Expedited processing: Additional $50 (not recommended)
- Certificate of Restoration (if needed): $50 plus back fees
Late Filing Scenarios
- 0-2 years late: $25 (no additional penalties)
- Over 2 years late: $50 restoration fee + $25 per missed report
- Name taken by another business: Additional fees for name change
Professional Filing Services
Some registered agent companies and attorneys offer annual report filing services:
- Registered agent services: Usually $50-$100 including state fee
- Attorney services: $100-$200 including state fee
- DIY filing: Just the $25 state fee
Jake’s take: Annual report filing is straightforward enough that most business owners should handle it themselves. Save the professional fees for more complex legal matters.
Annual Report Reminders and Organization
Set Up Automatic Reminders
Don’t rely on Michigan to remind you. Here are reliable reminder systems:
Google Calendar:
- Create annual recurring event for February 1st
- Set multiple alerts (30 days, 14 days, 2 days before)
- Include Entity ID Number and CID/PIN in event details
Phone reminders:
- Set annual recurring reminder for February 1st
- Include all necessary login information in notes
- Consider backup reminder for January 15th
Business calendar:
- Mark February 15th as “Michigan Annual Report Due”
- Block time in early February for filing
- Include contact information for Michigan LARA
Record Keeping Best Practices
- Save confirmation emails for all annual report filings
- Keep copies of filed annual reports in business records
- Maintain updated list of all CID/PIN numbers
- Document any changes made to registered agent information
What Happens After You File
Immediate Confirmation
Online filing provides immediate confirmation with:
- Filing confirmation number
- Copy of filed annual report
- Email confirmation sent to address provided
Ongoing Compliance Status
After filing, your LLC maintains:
- Good standing status with Michigan
- Right to use LLC name for another year
- Access to Michigan court system
- Compliance with state requirements
Next Year Preparation
Start preparing for next year’s filing by:
- Setting calendar reminder for next February
- Updating any changed business information
- Reviewing registered agent service contracts
- Planning for any business structure changes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Can’t Access Online Filing System
Problem: CID/PIN recovery isn’t working or system shows errors Solution: Call Michigan LARA at (517) 241-6470 during business hours (8am-5pm ET, Monday-Friday)
Registered Agent Information Changes
Problem: Need to update registered agent during annual report filing Solution: Make changes directly in the annual report form—no separate filing required
Multiple LLCs with Same Owner
Problem: Managing annual reports for several Michigan LLCs Solution: Create spreadsheet with Entity ID Numbers, CID/PIN combinations, and filing status for each LLC
Payment Processing Issues
Problem: Credit card payment rejected or processing errors Solution: Try different payment method or call Michigan LARA for assistance with payment problems
Michigan Annual Report vs. Other States
Michigan’s annual report process is more forgiving than most states:
Compared to other states:
- California: $20 fee, strict penalties for late filing
- Delaware: $300 fee, immediate penalties
- New York: $9-$4,500 fee depending on LLC size
- Michigan: $25 fee, 2-year grace period
Why Michigan is business-friendly:
- Low annual fee compared to many states
- Generous grace period for late filing
- Simple online filing process
- Free filing for veterans
- Reasonable restoration costs
Frequently Asked Questions
What If I Miss the February 15th Deadline?
You have 2 years to file without penalties. After 2 years, you’ll pay a $50 restoration fee plus back annual reports.
Can I File Multiple Years at Once?
Yes, if you’re catching up on late filings, you can file multiple years’ annual reports at the same time.
What If Someone Else Is Using My LLC Name?
If your LLC loses good standing and someone claims your name, you’ll need to choose a new name during the restoration process.
Do I Need to File If My LLC Had No Activity?
Yes, the annual report requirement applies to all Michigan LLCs regardless of business activity or income.
Can I Change My LLC Name During Annual Report Filing?
No, name changes require a separate amendment filing. The annual report only updates contact information.
The Bottom Line on Michigan Annual Reports
Michigan makes annual report compliance about as painless as any state can. The $25 fee is reasonable, the 2-year grace period is generous, and the online filing process is straightforward.
My recommendation: Don’t test Michigan’s patience. File by February 15th each year to avoid any complications. Set up automatic reminders, keep your CID/PIN handy, and treat it like any other routine business expense.
Annual Michigan LLC maintenance budget:
- Annual report fee: $25
- Registered agent (if hired): $100-$200
- Professional services (if needed): $0-$100
- Total annual cost: $125-$325
The key to Michigan annual report success is consistency. File on time every year, keep good records, and don’t rely on the state to remind you. It’s a small price to pay for maintaining your LLC’s good standing and protecting your business name.
Need help with other Michigan LLC requirements or considering forming a Michigan LLC? Check out my comprehensive Michigan LLC guide and formation service reviews at llciyo.com.
About Jake Lawson: With 15+ years helping entrepreneurs navigate U.S. business compliance, Jake has guided hundreds of Michigan LLC owners through successful annual report filings. His practical advice focuses on simple systems that prevent costly mistakes.