Since your Wyoming Statutory Trust (WST) is already registered, the hard part is done. Because you are the sole owner of the Michigan corporation, you are essentially just moving the “title” of your business from your left hand (you personally) to your right hand (the Trust).
Here is exactly how to execute the transfer to ensure it is legally recognized and remains “proudly private.”
1. The “Transfer Doctrine” (Internal Paperwork)
You do not need to notify the State of Michigan or Wyoming about this specific move, but you must create a paper trail in your private corporate records:
- Corporate Resolution: Draft a “Consent of Sole Director.” It should state that you are authorizing the transfer of 100% of the corporation’s shares to the WST.
- Stock Assignment (The “Stock Power”): This is a one-page document where you sign as the “Assignor” (transferring the shares) and as the “Trustee” for the WST (accepting the shares).
- New Certificate: Issue a new stock certificate. The owner’s name should be: “[Your Name], as Trustee of [Your WST Name].”
- Ledger Update: Update the internal stock ledger of your Michigan corporation to reflect that the WST is now the 100% shareholder.
2. The 2026 Federal Requirement (FinCEN BOI)
While you are keeping this private from the public, you must update the federal government. As of early 2026, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is fully active.
- The Rule: When a “Reporting Company” (your Michigan Corp) has a change in ownership, you must file an Updated Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report.
- The Timeline: You have 30 days from the date of the stock transfer to file this update at boiefiling.fincen.gov.
- Privacy: This information is not public. It is a secure database used only by law enforcement and the Treasury. Failing to update this can result in significant daily fines.
3. Maintaining your Wyoming “Footprint”
To ensure Wyoming’s superior asset protection laws apply to your Michigan stock, you must maintain the WST’s “Situs” in Wyoming:
- Annual Report: Wyoming Statutory Trusts must file an annual report with the Wyoming Secretary of State. This is due on the first day of the anniversary month of your trust’s registration.
- Asset Tax: Wyoming’s annual fee is based on assets located within Wyoming. Since your corporation is in Michigan, your “Wyoming assets” are usually $0, meaning you likely only pay the minimum $60 fee.
- Registered Agent: Ensure your Wyoming Registered Agent is paid and active. If the agent resigns, Wyoming will administratively dissolve your trust, and your asset protection “shield” will vanish.
Comparison: Why this works for you
| Feature | Personal Ownership | WST Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Public Record | Your name (if listed as officer) | The Trust Name (Private) |
| Lawsuit Target | You personally | The Trust (Much harder to reach) |
| Probate | Required in Michigan | Avoided (Trust lives on) |
| Control | Direct | Indirect (As Trustee) |
A Note on “Asset Protection”
Because you are moving stock into a trust you already registered, Wyoming law requires a Qualified Transfer Affidavit if you want the full “Spendthrift” protection against future creditors. This is a simple document where you swear you aren’t moving the stock to defraud anyone you currently owe money to.
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The Banking Secret: When you tell your bank that the WST now owns the Michigan Corp, they will ask for a Certification of Trust. Do not give them the full trust document. Give them a 2-page summary that lists the Trust Name, the Trustee, and the Trustee’s Power to own corporate stock.
Do you have a physical stock certificate for your Michigan company, or is it “uncertificated” (meaning it only exists on your ledger)?