Law requires that a sole proprietor or co-partnership file the business name (if different than the real name of the person) at the county clerk's office where your business is located.  Filing the business name allows the public or anyone dealing with the business to find out who owns the business.

The law also requires that corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships be filed with the State of Michigan; therefore, corporations should NOT file with the county clerk's office.  It’s always a good idea to check with an attorney to be sure you have completed all necessary business registration forms.

Here are the basic business registration forms for counties in this region.

• Allegan County – click here
• Kent County – click here
• Muskegon County - for the sole proprietor form click here, for the co-partnership form click here
• Newaygo County – click here
• Oceana County – click here
• Ottawa County – click here

The Michigan Business Taxes Registration Booklet explains who needs to register for what types of state taxes, and how to register.  The basic business registration form is on page 7/8.  To open the booklet, click here.

To access other state business tax forms go to www.michigan.gov/taxes and click on “Business Tax Information” on the Business list in the lower right-hand corner.

After you’ve registered with the state, you’re ready to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS.  There are several ways to apply:

Apply Online – This is the easiest way to apply (and the IRS’s preferred method).  Your EIN is issued immediately once you complete the online process.  To register online go to https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp.

Use The IRS’ Toll-Free Telephone Service - Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. An assistor takes the information, assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the telephone. Note: International applicants must call (267) 941-1099 (Not a toll-free number).

Apply By FAX or Mail – Fill out an application form and either fax it to (859) 669-5760 or mail it to:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn:  EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

To open a copy of the application form click here.

To access other federal business tax forms go to www.irs.gov/formspubs.