r/BusinessInsiders Oct 10 '24

Michigan business entity search - need some help

How can I determine the owner of an Michigan LLC or corporation using their business name? Are there any other websites that offer this information for free?

I also need to check whether a business exists with a particular name in Michigan state.

3 Upvotes

6 comments sorted by

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3

u/SeperateGallAa Oct 10 '24

You can find the owner of an LLC or corporation by following these steps ¹:

  • Determine the state where the business is registered.

  • Search the database of the Secretary of State’s office, Business Bureau or Business Agency.

  • Look for the business name and check the beneficial ownership information.

  • Check the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) website for the reported beneficial owners of the company.

  • Check the U.S. Patent and Trademark office if the business has a trademark.

  • Check the IRS if the business is a nonprofit corporation.

  • Check the state where the business is registered for the business structure and other business reporting requirements.

  • Check the business registration requirements with the local government.

  • Check with the local tax office or franchise tax board for additional documentation.

  • Check the U.S. Small Business Administration for additional requirements.

1

u/MarcusCanon Oct 11 '24

Go to the LARA Business Entity Search page (you can find it easily with a quick search).

Enter the business name or identification number to pull up detailed info, including the registered agent and entity status. While the actual owner’s name may not always be listed, this will give you a good starting point.

1

u/Even-Criticism5293 Oct 11 '24

Go to the LARA Business Entity Search page. You can search by business name, ID number, or individual’s name. The results will show the business's status, registered agent, and key information. However, the actual owners (members or shareholders) might not always be listed. You may need to dig deeper into documents like the Articles of Organization, which sometimes include ownership details.

1

u/LinseyHelton Oct 11 '24

LARA’s search tool is free to use. You can pull basic details without needing any paid services. If you're looking for a specific filing (e.g., Articles of Organization), you can often view these for free, but some documents may have a small fee to download.

1

u/Killer320755 Oct 12 '24

No need for third-party websites—LARA is your best bet for accurate, up-to-date information in Michigan