Registration FAQs

New Business Registration Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals or businesses that sell tangible personal property to the final consumer also need a sales tax license. In order to register for sales tax, please follow the application process outlined on Form 518 , Complete Registration Booklet.

General Information

• How do I register my business online?
  Michigan Treasury Online(MTO)  is a secure way to register a business for taxes in the State of Michigan. For additional MTO assistance, visit our Resources and Help section .
• Can I submit a registration application without providing a Social Security Number (SSN)?
  Providing the social security number of at least 2 partners or at least 1 officer/owner is required. This information is required to verify, identify, and protect the principal parties for a business. Treasury takes the safeguarding of taxpayer personal information seriously and utilizes appropriate physical, technical, and administrative procedures to safeguard the information we collect and process.
• I am a taxpayer from another country and my personal identification number contains letters. I do not have any ID number equivalent to a SSN. What should I enter in the SSN field?
  Foreign taxpayers who have their Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN are able to bypass the required social security number field during e-registration. The IRS issues ITINs to individuals who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have and are not eligible to obtain a SSN from the Social Security Administration. The SSN or Taxpayer Identification Number is required to complete Step 6 of the E-Registration application .
• What form do I use to register for Michigan Business Taxes?
  MTO is a secure way to register a business for taxes in the State of Michigan.  You may register your business by completing Form 518, Complete Registration Booklet. The completed paper application may be mailed to the address listed on the form. If mailed, please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
• May I register my business over the phone?
  No. You must complete Form 518 sign the form and mail it to the Department of Treasury. The mailing address is Michigan Department of Treasury, PO Box 30778, Lansing, MI  48909. Alternately, businesses can register for State of Michigan taxes securely, through MTO.
• Can Form 518 be mailed to me?
  Yes, but for faster processing of your application, please use the online E-Registration application .
• If we have more than one Michigan location, do we have to submit a form 518 for each individual location?
  No. When a new registration is received, indicating that business will be conducted from more than one location, the registration application/form must list each location. When the application is processed, a copy of the sales tax license will be sent to the legal address. You can also print additional copies of the Sales Tax licenses from the letters and licenses tab in the MTO application.
  If you are currently registered and are adding locations, utilize MTO to add locations.
• Which “business category” should I select on the 518 form if my exact business type is not listed?
  Pick the code that most closely represents your business type. In addition, fill out the “define your business activity” section explaining exactly what you are selling/producing.
• I will be selling my product on the Internet. How do I register my business?
  Michigan residents who will be making Internet sales should register using the Streamlined Sales Tax Registration.
• I want to sell my product at one show in Michigan and I don't have a Michigan sales tax license. Do I need to register?
  No.  If you will be doing 2 or less shows a year intermittently, file Form 5089, Concessionaire’s Sales Tax Return and Payment.
  Note:  If you will be selling your product every year consecutively, create a MTO profile and register your business through e-Registration to obtain a sales tax license. 
• How do I notify you that my business is closing?
  MTO  is the preferred method of contact to update account information.   To discontinue your business please submit  Form 163, Notice of Change or Discontinuance. Be sure to include your name, address, account number, valid signature, valid title and an effective date of discontinuance of tax liability. Our mailing address is: Michigan Department of Treasury, Registration, PO Box 30778, Lansing, MI 48909. 
• How do I notify you that my business is moving?
  MTO is the preferred method of contact to change your address or submit Form 163, Notice of Change or Discontinuance. Be sure to include your name, address, account number, valid signature and valid title. Our mailing address is: Michigan Department of Treasury, Registration, PO Box 30778, Lansing, MI 48909.
• How do I notify you that my business name or account number has changed? 
  MTO  is the preferred method of contact to update account information. You may submit IRS verification with Form 163, Notice of Change or Discontinuance. Be sure to include your name, address, account number, valid signature and valid title. Our mailing address is: Michigan Department of Treasury, Registration, PO Box 30778, Lansing, MI 48909.
• Will a tax booklet be mailed to me?
  Effective 2015, tax booklets will no longer be mailed. We prefer that you e-file your tax returns. If you choose not to or are unable to use MTO to e-file, you will need to download the appropriate forms.
• Do I file under my ME number or my Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)?
  All ME numbers were discontinued December 31, 2014, at which time, all business tax obligations were transferred to the FEIN for filing purposes with Michigan Department of Treasury. If you were actively using ME numbers for tax years 2014 and prior, SUW taxes should be filed under those respective numbers through the 2014 tax year (including annual returns).  For tax years 2015 and beyond, taxes must be filed under the respective FEIN number.

Other Government Requirements

• How do I get a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)? 
  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues a FEIN or EIN to all persons or business entities with employees who are subject to the income tax withholding provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The number is also issued to corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships. Individuals with no employees do not need a FEIN. For additional information and forms to apply for a FEIN, visit the Internal Revenue Service Web site or call 800-829-4933 and register over the phone.
• How do I contact the IRS with questions on Individual Income Tax or a Federal Employer Identification Number?
  All questions regarding your federal income tax return should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service or call 800-829-1040.
• What is a Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Corporate identification number?
  Michigan corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships along with out of state Corporations and Limited Liability Corporations that file authority to transact business in Michigan are given an identification number when they file with the Bureau of Commercial Services. It is a 6 or 9 digit number found on your Articles of Incorporation or Organization. Note: This should not be confused with a federal identification number or a tax identification number.
• What information do I need to be considered a corporation or limited liability company (LLC)?
  To obtain information, forms, and name availability on corporations or Limited Liability Companies (LLC) you may go to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Web site .
  You may also obtain a copy of the “Guide to Starting and Operating A Small Business” or call the toll free Small Business & Technology Development Center (toll free) at 877-873-4567.
• Who is required to submit new hire reports?
  Federal law requires all employers to report to the State of Michigan the:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Social Security Number

  of every person hired, within 2 weeks of the person starting work. For additional information, please visit the Michigan New Hire Operations Center or call 800-524-9846.