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Michigan Form CSCL/CD 500: Articles of Incorporation (Profit Corporation)
What this form does, who files it, what it costs, and how to avoid the errors that get Michigan filings rejected.
Reviewed and updated by the Clear Path document team. Informational only — not legal advice.
Quick Answer
What is Michigan form CSCL/CD 500?
Form CSCL/CD 500 creates a Michigan for-profit corporation. It sets the corporate name, the number of authorized shares, and the resident agent, and it must be filed with LARA before the corporation legally exists.
Who files it
The incorporator forming a new Michigan corporation.
Where it goes
Michigan LARA, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau.
Filing fee
$60 minimum — a $10 filing fee plus a $50 minimum franchise fee for the first 60,000 authorized shares.
What you need before you start
- An available corporate name including a required designator such as Inc. or Corporation
- The number of authorized shares and their class
- The resident agent's name and a Michigan street address
- The incorporator's name, address, and signature
- The corporate purpose statement
How to complete and file form CSCL/CD 500
- 1
Search the LARA database and confirm the name is available.
- 2
Decide how many shares to authorize — more shares increase the franchise fee.
- 3
Name a resident agent with a physical Michigan address; a PO box is not accepted.
- 4
File online or by mail with the fee.
- 5
After filing, hold an organizational meeting, adopt bylaws, issue shares, and get an EIN.
Mistakes that get CSCL/CD 500 rejected
- Authorizing far more shares than needed and paying a higher franchise fee
- Listing a PO box as the resident agent address
- Skipping bylaws and share issuance, which weakens the liability shield
- Missing the May 15 annual report deadline for Michigan corporations