Registering a Business Name in Michigan: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do I register a business name in Michigan?
To reserve a business name, you must file an application online or by mail. Applicants may also file by email ([email protected]) or fax (517) 241-0538. If you email or fax an application, you must create a MICH-ELF account using this form. When reserving your name, you will have to pay a filing fee.
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One of the first steps you should do if you intend to launch a business in Michigan is to register your company name. This is a crucial step to do in order to safeguard your brand identification and make sure that your company name isn’t being utilized by someone else. We’ll walk you through the steps of registering your business name in Michigan in this article.

The first step is to select a business name. Prior to registering your business name, you must select a name that accurately describes your enterprise and is both distinctive and memorable. If your preferred name is already being used by another company, you can check on the website of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Choose a business structure in step two.

After settling on a business name, you must choose a structure. You can choose to run your business in Michigan as a corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship. You must register your company name as a DBA (doing business as) if you decide to run it as a sole proprietorship.

The next step is to register your business name. You must submit a form to the LARA Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau in order to register your business name in Michigan. Your business structure will determine which form you need to submit. You must submit a Certificate of Assumed Name form if you are a sole proprietor.

Pay the filing fee in step four

In Michigan, registering your company name comes with a cost. Depending on your business structure and the kind of paperwork you must file, there are different fees. The LARA website contains the fee schedule. Then, in Michigan, How Do I Become a Sole Proprietorship?

In order to operate as a sole proprietorship in Michigan, you must register your company with the government and acquire all required licenses and permissions. If you decide to conduct business using a name other than your own, you must also register it as a DBA (doing business as).

What Drawbacks Come With a DBA?

The lack of liability protection a DBA offers the owner is one of its key drawbacks. This implies that any debts or legal problems resulting from the business are the owner’s personal responsibility. A DBA also doesn’t offer any tax advantages or unique legal recognition as an entity. How Does a DBA Operate?

A DBA enables a business owner to use a name other than their own legal name when conducting business. This might help the company establish its own identity and for branding objectives. A DBA, however, offers neither legal protection nor tax advantages, and the owner is still personally responsible for any debts or legal problems that the business may incur.

In light of this, Can an LLC Have a DBA?

An LLC may have a DBA, yes. As a result, the LLC may conduct business using a name other than its legal name. A DBA does not offer any legal protection or tax advantages, and the owner is nonetheless fully responsible for any debts or legal problems that result from the business.