eCommerce Permits & Licenses in Ann Arbor, MI

File online or by mail; no renewal required unless name changes. Search existing names first.

Required to form LLC. Annual statement filing separate (see below).

Updates business information; filed online via Corporations Online Filing System.

eCommerce sales to Michigan customers generally require collection of 6% sales tax post-Wayfair.

Quarterly wage/tax reports required after registration. Register via MiWAM online portal.

Monthly/quarterly filing required. Register through Michigan Treasury Online (MTO).

Not applicable to standard eCommerce LLCs without PEO arrangement.

eCommerce businesses selling taxable goods (e.g., physical products) into Michigan must collect and remit sales tax. Registration is done via the Michigan Treasury Online (MTO) system. As of October 1, 2023, remote sellers with more than $100,000 in sales or 200 transactions in Michigan are required to collect sales tax under economic nexus rules.

Applies to all employers with employees working in Michigan. Includes withholding on wages for state income tax. Registration is completed through the Michigan Treasury Online (MTO) system.

All employers in Michigan must register with the UIA. The business will be assigned a tax rate based on experience rating. New employers typically pay a standard rate of 2.7% on the first $9,500 of each employee's wages (as of 2024).

Applies to all LLCs taxed as corporations or electing to be taxed as such. Single-member LLCs disregarded for federal tax purposes may still be subject to Michigan's Corporate Income Tax if they have nexus in the state. Multi-member LLCs treated as partnerships must file Form 4838 if doing business in Michigan.

Generally applies to public employers. Most private eCommerce LLCs are not required to participate. Included for completeness; likely not applicable unless employing teachers or public school staff.

Local privilege tax imposed on businesses operating within Detroit. Other Michigan cities may have similar taxes (e.g., Grand Rapids, Lansing), but most do not. Must verify with local municipality. Not applicable to remote-only operations outside city limits.

Standard eCommerce businesses not selling controlled substances are exempt. Special licensing and federal registration (e.g., ATF, TTB) may also be required for such products.

The Michigan Single Business Tax was repealed effective January 1, 2008. Replaced by the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and later the Corporate Income Tax (CIT). No current obligation, but historical context provided for clarity.

Required for most businesses operating in Detroit; eCommerce may qualify for exemption if no physical storefront but confirm with BSEED if home-based

Limits business traffic, signage, employees; no retail sales to public at residence

Confirms property zoning allows commercial/home occupation use

Required for interior alterations, additions affecting structure

Home occupation signs limited to 2 sq ft non-illuminated

eCommerce storage/shipping areas may trigger if >5,000 sq ft

Required for all commercial properties with alarm systems

eCommerce without physical retail may not require; verify with Planning

No customer visits allowed; limits on employees/traffic

Strict limits - no retail sales, signage, external storage

Required for any structural changes >$600 value

Required for all employers with one or more employees under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 418.161. Sole proprietors and partners may opt out. Corporate officers may elect exemption via Form 1049.

Not legally required by the State of Michigan for eCommerce businesses. However, recommended for protection against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. May be required by third-party platforms (e.g., Amazon, Shopify) or landlords.

Not mandated by Michigan law for eCommerce businesses. May be advisable for businesses offering advice, digital products, or services with risk of client claims of negligence.

No general surety bond requirement for standard eCommerce businesses in Michigan. Required only for specific regulated activities (e.g., debt collection, telemarketing, or contractor licensing). Not applicable to typical online retail operations.

Required under Michigan law (MCL 500.3102) for any vehicle registered to or used for business purposes. Personal auto policies do not cover business use. Applies regardless of number of employees.

Not legally required by Michigan state law for eCommerce businesses selling physical products. However, strongly recommended due to risk of claims related to defective or harmful products. May be required by third-party marketplaces or payment processors.

Only required if the business sells or distributes alcoholic beverages. Not applicable to standard eCommerce businesses unless operating as a licensed alcohol retailer. Mandated for MLCC licensees under MCL 436.1101.

Michigan does not impose additional insurance mandates specific to eCommerce businesses beyond those tied to employment, vehicle use, or product type. Compliance with general business and tax laws is required, but no sector-specific insurance is mandated for online retail.

Single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner's SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for privacy and compliance. Required for opening a business bank account and processing payments through most eCommerce platforms.

By default, a single-member LLC is disregarded and reports income on Schedule C of Form 1040. A multi-member LLC is treated as a partnership and must file Form 1065. An LLC may elect to be taxed as a corporation (Form 1120 or 1120-S).

eCommerce businesses with employees in a warehouse or fulfillment center must comply with OSHA standards including hazard communication, emergency exits, and recordkeeping (e.g., Form 300 if 10+ employees). Remote-only businesses with no physical workplace are generally exempt.

While DOJ has not issued final website accessibility rules, courts consistently interpret Title III of the ADA to cover public-facing websites, especially those involved in commerce. eCommerce sites must be accessible to individuals with disabilities (e.g., screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation). Guidance based on WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

eCommerce businesses must ensure all advertising is truthful, non-deceptive, and substantiated. Required disclosures include: clear pricing, material connections (e.g., influencer marketing), and accurate product claims. Applies to all digital marketing, including social media, email, and product listings.

eCommerce businesses offering subscriptions or free trials must clearly disclose terms, obtain affirmative consent, and provide simple cancellation methods. Violations fall under Section 5 of the FTC Act (prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts).

All U.S. employers, including eCommerce LLCs, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

eCommerce businesses with employees must comply with federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), and recordkeeping requirements. Applies regardless of business size if engaged in interstate commerce (which eCommerce inherently is).

Covers unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. eCommerce businesses meeting the employee threshold must post notices and allow eligible employees up to 12 weeks of leave per year.

Most standard eCommerce businesses (e.g., clothing, books) are not subject to EPA regulations. However, if selling products regulated by EPA (e.g., cleaning supplies, fertilizers, certain electronics), compliance with labeling, disposal, and reporting rules may be required. No general federal requirement for standard eCommerce operations.

eCommerce businesses using SMS marketing or automated phone calls must comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Requires prior express written consent for autodialed or prerecorded calls/texts to mobile phones. Must honor opt-outs and maintain Do-Not-Call lists.

Applies to all eCommerce businesses that accept orders online or by phone and ship within 30 days. Requires shipping within stated time or refund if delayed. If unable to ship within the promised time, must notify customer and obtain consent to delay or cancel with full refund.

All Michigan LLCs must file an Annual Statement of Information by February 15 each year to remain in good standing. This updates ownership, management, and contact information. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution. Effective for all LLCs regardless of formation date.

eCommerce businesses collecting sales tax must file electronically via the Michigan Treasury Online (MTO) system. Filing frequency is determined by the Department based on sales volume. All remote sellers meeting economic nexus thresholds (>$100,000 in sales or 200+ transactions) must register and file.

LLCs with employees or certain tax obligations must report changes to the IRS using Form 8822-B. While not a formal annual renewal, the IRS requires timely updates. A new rule effective January 1, 2024, requires reporting of changes in 'responsible party' within 60 days.

Single-member LLCs disregarded for federal tax purposes report income on owner’s personal return (Schedule C). Multi-member LLCs or those electing S-Corp status must file annually. Due date is March 15, with automatic extension to September 15.

Applies to LLCs taxed as corporations. Most LLCs pass income through to members and are not subject to Michigan Corporate Income Tax. S-Corps with Michigan-source income must file Form 568.

Self-employed owners of LLCs must make quarterly estimated tax payments for income and self-employment tax. Due dates are not fixed to weekends/holidays; adjusted accordingly.

Applies to owners of pass-through entities (like LLCs) who must pay estimated taxes on their distributive share. Required if withholding and credits do not cover 90% of liability.

eCommerce businesses may be exempt in some jurisdictions if no physical storefront. However, cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor require general business licenses. Verify with local clerk. No statewide business license exists.

Michigan seller’s permits do not expire but must be renewed if business details change. Required for all retailers, including online sellers with economic nexus. Registration is one-time unless changes occur.

Required postings include: Minimum Wage, EEO, OSHA, FMLA, and Michigan-specific notices (e.g., Paid Medical Leave Act). Must be visible in employee break areas. Federal posters available at dol.gov; Michigan posters at michigan.gov/leo.

Applies to most eCommerce businesses with employees. Requires recording work-related injuries. Form 300A must be certified and posted even if no incidents occurred. Exemptions apply to low-hazard industries, but most retail/eCommerce operations are not exempt.

All employers with employees in Michigan must register and file Form UIA 107 quarterly. New employers pay 2.7% for first 2 years. Must also file federal Form 940 annually.

Due annually for employers subject to FUTA. Payment and filing can be delayed to February 10 if taxes paid timely via EFTPS.

Required for all employers withholding federal taxes. Due one month after end of each quarter.

Mandatory for all employers with employees in Michigan. Coverage must be continuous. Employers must display certificate of insurance at worksite or remote location.

IRS recommends keeping all tax-related records (income, deductions, employment) for at least 3 years. Employment tax records must be kept for at least 4 years. Applies to all businesses regardless of structure.

Michigan requires LLCs to maintain records including articles of organization, operating agreements, financial statements, and ownership records for at least 6 years. Must be available for inspection by members or state upon request.

Economic nexus threshold triggers obligation to register, collect, and remit sales tax. Must file via Michigan Treasury Online (MTO). Applies to out-of-state and in-state sellers.

Required for out-of-state LLCs authorized to conduct business in Michigan. Must file annually, even if no activity.

Applies to businesses storing inventory in Michigan (e.g., via 3PLs). May create tax obligation even without income tax liability. Registration required via MTO.