What's the difference between a C-Corp and S-Corp?

A C-Corp is the default corporate structure and is taxed separately from its owners (potentially leading to 'double taxation'). An S-Corp is a tax election that allows corporate income to pass through to shareholders, avoiding double taxation. S-Corps have restrictions on number and type of shareholders.

Why choose a corporation over an LLC?

Corporations are often preferred when: you plan to raise investment capital (VCs typically prefer C-Corps), you want to offer stock options to employees, you have many shareholders, or you're planning for an eventual IPO. LLCs are often simpler for smaller businesses.

What is a registered agent?

A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents (like lawsuits) and official government correspondence on behalf of your corporation. The agent must have a physical address in the state of incorporation and be available during business hours.

How many shares should I authorize?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Many small corporations authorize a large number of shares (like 10 million) with a low par value to provide flexibility for future issuance. We can discuss typical approaches, but this decision may benefit from professional advice.

Do I need corporate bylaws?

Yes. Bylaws are internal rules governing how your corporation operates—meeting procedures, officer duties, voting requirements, etc. While not filed with the state, they're essential for proper corporate governance and required for many business activities like opening bank accounts.

Michigan corporation formation document preparation

Business Formation Services

Corporation Formation Documents

Complete corporate formation package for C-Corps and S-Corps.

3-5 business days•Starting at $299

Important: We prepare formation documents but cannot provide legal or tax advice.Read full disclaimer

Build a Foundation for Growth

Corporations offer strong liability protection and are ideal for businesses planning to raise capital, issue stock options, or eventually go public. Our formation package includes everything needed to properly establish your corporation.

Issue stock

Attract investors

Perpetual existence

Michigan corporation document preparation

Complete Package

What's Included

Articles of Incorporation - The charter document that creates your corporation

Corporate Bylaws - Rules governing how your corporation operates

Initial Resolutions - Board resolutions establishing officers, banking, etc.

Stock Certificates - Templates for issuing shares to shareholders

Shareholder Agreement Template - Agreement between shareholders (if needed)

EIN Application Guide - Instructions for obtaining your tax ID number

Filing Instructions - Step-by-step state filing guide

What You'll Need

Requirements Checklist

Desired corporate name

Principal business address

Registered agent name and address

Names of initial directors

Names and titles of officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Authorized shares and par value

Shareholder names and share allocations

State filing fee (varies, typically $100-$500)

How It Works

Choose Structure

Decide on C-Corp or S-Corp election.

Provide Details

Directors, officers, shareholders, and shares.

Document Preparation

We prepare your complete corporate package.

Review & Approve

Review all formation documents.

File & Organize

File with state and hold organizational meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

LLC Formation

More flexible business structure

DBA Filing

Trade name registration

Nonprofit Formation

501(c)(3) organization setup

Ready to Incorporate?

Start your corporation formation documents today.

Quick Answer

How do I incorporate a business in Michigan?

To incorporate in Michigan, file Articles of Incorporation with Michigan LARA and pay the $60 state filing fee. Your corporation will need a Registered Agent, corporate bylaws, an organizational meeting, and an EIN from the IRS. ClearPath prepares your Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, initial resolutions, and stock certificates so you can file and hold your first organizational meeting with confidence.