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Michigan State Filing Requirements

Nonprofits in Michigan must comply with specific state requirements to maintain their good standing and tax-exempt status.

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Required Non-profit Forms

Non-profits in Michigan are required to complete several forms as part of their compliance obligations.

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) FormsMichigan Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section FormsDepartment of Revenue FormsFederal Forms (Required for State Compliance)
  • Form 1023 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code): For most charitable organizations
  • Form 1024 (Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a) or Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code): For other types of nonprofits.
  • Form 990 (Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax): Annual information return for
    tax-exempt organizations.

State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Nonprofit organizations in Michigan typically begin with incorporation at the state level. The Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act (1982 PA 162) governs the formation and operation of nonprofit corporations in the state.

To establish a nonprofit corporation in Michigan, organizations must:

  1. File Articles of Incorporation
    Submit Articles of Incorporation with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations Division. This document establishes the nonprofit as a legal entity in Michigan.
  2. Appoint a Registered Agent
    Designate a registered agent with a physical address in Michigan who can receive legal documents on behalf of the organization.
  3. Develop Bylaws
    Create organizational bylaws that outline the nonprofit's governance structure, though these are not filed with the state.
  4. Hold Initial Board Meeting
    Conduct an initial meeting to appoint directors, adopt bylaws, and authorize pursuit of tax-exempt status.
  5. Apply for Federal Tax Exemption
    Submit Form 1023 or 1023-EZ to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain 501(c)(3) or other tax-exempt status.
  6. Register with the Attorney General
    If the organization will solicit or receive charitable contributions in Michigan, it must register with the Michigan Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section before beginning solicitation activities.
State Filing Requirements for Non-Profits

Filing Deadlines for Non-Profit Forms

Adhering to filing deadlines is essential to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.

Below are the key deadlines for non-profit filings in Michigan:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Forms Deadlines
Articles of Incorporation for Nonprofit CorporationsUpon establishing the nonprofit
Annual Report for Nonprofit Corporations (Form CSCL/CD-2000)October 1 each year after incorporation
Attorney General's Charitable Trust Section Deadlines
CTS-01 Initial Solicitation FormDue before soliciting or receiving contributions in Michigan
CTS-02 Renewal Solicitation FormDue at least 30 days before expiration date (expiration occurs)
CTS-03 Request for Exemption FormNo specific deadline but must be approved before operating without registration.
CTS-04 Dissolution Questionnaire FormWhen dissolving a charitable organization
Federal Deadlines
Form 990 SeriesDue on the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization's accounting period ends
Example: For calendar year organizations, Form 990 is due by May 15
Form 1023/1023-EZMust be filed within 27 months of incorporation to receive retroactive exemption to the date of incorporation
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Registration & Annual Filing (Non-Profits)

To operate legally as a non-profit in Michigan, organizations must file the Articles of Organization and pay the $20 filing fee.

Initial Registration

1. Nonprofit Corporation Registration

Start by filing the Articles of Incorporation with Michigan LARA and paying the incorporation fee. Include required information: corporate name, purpose, registered agent, incorporators. This formally creates the nonprofit as a legal entity in Michigan.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal and official notices on behalf of your organization. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Michigan.

3. Obtaining an EIN

After incorporating with the state, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website.

4. Charitable Solicitation Registration (Attorney General)

If the nonprofit intends to solicit donations from the public, register with the Charitable Trust Section of the Michigan Attorney General using the Initial Solicitation Form (CTS-01). There is currently no fee for this registration.

5. Applying for Federal Tax-Exempt Status

If your non-profit intends to be recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, you will need to apply to the IRS. This typically involves filing Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ, along with the required filing fee.

Annual Filing Requirements

1. Annual Corporate Filings

File your nonprofit annual report (Form CSCL/CD-2000) by October 1 each year with LARA to update organizational details like the address and officers.

2. Renew Charitable Solicitation License (if applicable)

Renew the license annually before it expires.

3. State Tax Exemptions

Apply separately for Michigan sales and use tax exemption using Form 3372 if applicable.

4. Filing IRS Form 990

Tax-exempt organizations must file the appropriate IRS Form 990 series return annually with the Internal Revenue Service. The deadline is generally the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of your fiscal year.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Michigan nonprofit have to pay sales tax?

Non-profit entities engaged in retail sales of any kind are required to have a Sales Tax License, which must be filed with the Michigan Department of Treasury.

2. When is the Michigan nonprofit annual report due?

The annual report is due on or before October 1st of each year, beginning the year following the organization's incorporation.

3. What is the difference between incorporation and charitable solicitation licensing?

Incorporation establishes your organization as a legal entity, while charitable solicitation licensing permits you to solicit donations from the public.

4. Is it mandatory to file bylaws with the state of Michigan?

No, Michigan does not require nonprofits to file their bylaws with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). However, having well-defined bylaws is crucial for good governance and is often required by the IRS when applying for federal tax-exempt status.

5. What happens if I miss a filing deadline?

Missing deadlines can result in penalties, late fees, or even revocation of your organization's licenses or tax-exempt status. It's crucial to track deadlines and file on time.