Account
Get our app
Account Sign up Sign in

Start a Michigan nonprofit for FREE*

Register your nonprofit in Michigan for free with a Rocket Legal+ membership

Start a nonprofit in Michigan
Register your Michigan nonprofit with Rocket Legal+ and Start Up Confidently

Start Up Confidently with a new nonprofit in Michigan

Get fast, personalized support to start your Michigan nonprofit

FREE* with Rocket Legal+

Get your first business registration FREE* as a Rocket Legal+ member and stay compliant with HALF OFF services *See details

Simple and fast protection

We'll take care of your Michigan nonprofit filing so you can focus on your organization

File with confidence

Join the 3+ million businesses that have trusted Rocket Lawyer to help them Start Up Confidently

Michigan nonprofit FAQs

  • What is a nonprofit organization? 

    A nonprofit is an entity or association created to promote and maintain the well-being and greater good of a community, in which profits (or surplus) are directed towards the business and mission rather than divided among the owners and shareholders. Nonprofits are often tax exempt. There are several different types of nonprofits, each with its own purpose, structure, regulations and limitations, and tax implications.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages to having a Michigan nonprofit?

    Advantages:

    • Michigan not-for-profits are exempt from Michigan income tax.
    • Nonprofit organizations may provide their shareholders, directors, and officers with protection from liability.
    • Some Michigan nonprofits have advantages in fundraising, especially 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
    • A nonprofit organization can outlive its original organizers, unlike partnerships and associations.
    • Grants from some federal and state government organizations may require nonprofit status.
    • Not-for-profit organizations may be exempt from property taxes on all or part of their real property.

    Disadvantages:

    • Although nonprofits are good for managing large numbers of members, they are not a good choice if you want to maintain personal control of your organization.
    • Nonprofits require more time and money to create and maintain than sole proprietorships or partnerships.
  • How to start a nonprofit in Michigan?

    Starting your nonprofit in Michigan doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Here are a few simple steps:

    1. Doing research. Is your nonprofit serving a mission in the community? And do you have the means to maintain it?
    2. Making your case. Write your mission statement, think about a name, select your directors carefully.
    3. Filing. Rocket Lawyer can help you with this step!
  • Are nonprofits and 501(c)(3)s the same thing?

    Although they’re used interchangeably, a 501(c)(3) and a nonprofit are not the same thing. 

    A nonprofit is an organization that meets the requirements of its state law. While most people think of nonprofits as charitable organizations, states recognize many types of nonprofits, including many that do not perform charitable activities. Insurance companies, industry-specific professional societies, homeowners' associations, and social clubs are just a few examples of nonprofits that are not necessarily 501(c)(3) organizations. 

    A 501(c)(3) organization, on the other hand, is an additional application on a federal level. It’s a nonprofit organization that is exempt from most state and federal income tax because it applied for recognition as exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A 501(c)(3) organization must operate for exempt purposes. The exempt purpose must be charitable, scientific, educational, religious, literary, public safety, amateur sports competition, or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals.

    In addition to 501(c)(3), the IRS recognizes 26 other types of nonprofit organizations. The most familiar type is charitable organizations. Others include:

    • 501(c)(4) Civic League, Social Welfare Organization, or Local Employee Association.
    • 501(c)(5) Labor, Agricultural and Horticultural.
    • 501(c)(6) Trade or Professional Association.
    • 501(c)(7) Social or Recreational Club.
    • 501(c)(8) Fraternal Societies.
    • 501(c)(9) Employee Beneficiary Association.
    • 501(c)(12) Local Benevolent Life Insurance Associations, Mutual Irrigation and Telephone Companies, and Like Organizations.
    • 501(c)(14) State Chartered Credit Union and Mutual Reserve Fund.
    • 501(c)(19) Veterans Organizations.
    • 501(c)(29) CO-OP Health Insurance Issuers.
  • What are the requirements and mandatory forms for starting a nonprofit in Michigan?

    • In order to start and run a nonprofit in Michigan, you must submit Articles of Incorporation to the State Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Bureau of Commercial Services, Corporation Division.
    • If your organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, submit Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption to the Internal Revenue Service. Exemption from Michigan state business tax is automatic for nonprofits that have obtained 501(c)(3) from the Internal Revenue Service.
    • Nonprofits are also automatically exempt from sales tax in Michigan.
    • Charities that either solicit or receive charitable contributions in Michigan must register with the Department of the Attorney General's Charitable Trust Division. Volunteer organizations that receive less than $25,000 annually are exempt from this requirement.
  • How much does it cost to form a Michigan nonprofit?

    Fees for registering a nonprofit can differ from county to county and even specific times of the year. Some fees may also be dependent on how much the nonprofit is expected to earn or has earned in previous years. 

    There are a few fees that you may be charged when you register an Michigan nonprofit. They include the following:

    Michigan state filing fees and processing times

    • State fee: $20.
      • Fee to expedite your filing: $110.
    • State processing time: 7-10 business days.
      • Expedited state processing time: 2 business days.
    • Rocket Lawyer state filing fee: $0 $99.99.
      • First filing FREE* for RocketLegal+ members.
      • Get additional filings HALF OFF with RocketLegal+.

    501C IRS filing fees and processing times

    • IRS exemption-status fee: $275 for shorter applications or $600 for applications requiring more detailed information (including LLCs, organizations with higher income or value, foreign organizations, churches, schools, some healthcare organizations and some research organizations).
    • IRS processing time: typically 6-12 months.
      • Simple applications may be processed more quickly.
    • Rocket Lawyer IRS filing fee: $599 $1,199.
      • RocketLegal+ members get HALF OFF.

    The Business Services team at Rocket Lawyer are pros when it comes to the requirements for registering a nonprofit and the steps and processes required to file in Michigan. They can help you gather and file the necessary information quickly and at an affordable price. Rocket Legal+ members get their first business registration filing for free, paying only the state filing fees, and also get access to professional services for up to half off, including registered agent services, tax prep and filing, trademark registration, and more.

    If your nonprofit does not have a physical address in Michigan (P.O. boxes are not acceptable substitutions), you may be required to have a registered agent. Registered agents accept official and legal correspondence on behalf of your organization. While you are setting up your nonprofit, why not set up Rocket Lawyer as your registered agent at the same time? Better yet, if you have a Rocket Legal+ membership, you can save on your business registration and your registered agent services with the membership that pays for itself.

  • How much can businesses save with Rocket Legal+?

    Businesses can save up to $2,500 per year with a Rocket Legal+™ membership. This calculation is based on total savings on an initial business registration and registered agent, trademark, and business tax filing services for Rocket Legal+ members (a total cost of $924.97) compared to Rocket Legal members (a total cost of $1,949.96). This is in addition to savings on the average cost of 5 hours for document preparation by a non-Rocket Lawyer network attorney at the average attorney hourly rate in the U.S. of $300 (an estimated cost of $1,500 when purchased without any form of Rocket Lawyer membership) compared to unlimited use of customizable business documents for both Rocket Legal+ and Rocket Legal members at no extra cost.

  • Can I apply for grants or loans if I have a nonprofit organization in Michigan?

    Yes – grants and loans from federal, state, and private sources are a major source of funding for Idaho nonprofits. A not-for-profit organization is responsible for complying with grant requirements and keeping appropriate records. It is important for nonprofits to keep money received from grants separate and apart from the nonprofit's general fund. A good reputation in administering grant monies helps nonprofits obtain more funding from these sources.

  • What is a mission statement? How do I write one?

    A mission statement clarifies your goals and explains how you plan to meet them. As a guideline, describe what, where, when, and how your nonprofit's purpose will be met, as well as who is going to help your nonprofit meet it. It may take a few tries to narrow your ambitions down into a workable plan.

    Although you're creating a nonprofit because you want to give back to your community, you still have to meet certain requirements to protect yourself and to ensure that you achieve your organization's goals. When you create a mission statement, you can explain your organization's purpose. Consider what problem or issue your organization wants to address, then focus your statement on including the efforts and values that will guide your nonprofit to these goals.

  • How do I retain my nonprofit status in Michigan?

    After forming your Michigan not-for-profit organization, you must follow specific guidelines to retain your status.

    • On or before October 1, nonprofit organizations must file an Annual Report with the Corporation Division.
    • A nonprofit organization should maintain complete books and records of accounts, as well as minutes of board meetings, at its registered office.
    • The Charitable Solicitation License must be renewed 30 days prior to expiration date.
  • Michigan Nonprofit Resources

    • Michigan Nonprofit Association: The MNA website provides helpful information regarding starting and operating nonprofits, along with news of advocacy efforts on behalf of Michigan nonprofits.
    • Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth: Get official details about regulations, requirements, and further information on beginning and maintaining and nonprofit organizations in Michigan.
  • I live in Michigan. Do I need to file my nonprofit in any other state?

    If you are planning to operate in another state, you may need to register a nonprofit in that state. Rocket Lawyer can help you determine which states you should register in.

    Other states may have their own rules for foreign nonprofits that originate in Michigan or domestic nonprofits that also operate in Michigan. Talk to an attorney to understand the legal and tax requirements for the state(s) in which you plan to operate.

    AlabamaLouisianaOhio
    AlaskaMaineOklahoma
    ArizonaMarylandOregon
    ArkansasMassachusettsPennsylvania
    CaliforniaMichiganRhode Island
    ColoradoMinnesotaSouth Carolina
    ConnecticutMississippiSouth Dakota
    DelawareMissouriTennessee
    FloridaMontanaTexas
    GeorgiaNebraskaUtah
    HawaiiNevadaVermont
    IdahoNew HampshireVirginia
    IllinoisNew JerseyWashington D.C.
    IndianaNew MexicoWashington
    IowaNew YorkWest Virginia
    KansasNorth CarolinaWisconsin
    KentuckyNorth DakotaWyoming

Popular business entities

Explore more entities to find the best fit for your business.

Start an LLC

LLC registration doesn't have to be confusing. We make it easy. Start an LLC on your own or with others.

Get started

Start an S-corp

Structure your business for generations of success. An S corporation can provide tax benefits and more.

Get started

Start a C-corp

Set your business up for scale. Great for venture capital, a C corporation allows for multiple classes of stock.

Get started

Questions? We’re here to help

Our business specialists have helped thousands of businesses like yours register a nonprofit, LLC, or corporation. We'll walk you through the entire process step by step and answer any questions you might have.

customer care specialist Justina