Wisconsin LLC Costs

by How to Start an LLC Team

Last updated: June 21st, 2024

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Small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit when forming a limited liability company in Wisconsin. It allows business owners access to liability protection, unique taxes, state-specific incentives, and a workable management structure. Commonly, business owners believe that LLC formation in Wisconsin is difficult and expensive. However, it is a straightforward process that is cost-effective for many people.

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Costs to start an LLC in Wisconsin

1
LLC Articles of Organization ($130 online)

You must file Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
The cost to file Wisconsin Articles of Organization is $130 if you file online and $170 by mail.
Wisconsin offers expedited LLC services for filings done by mail.

2
Wisconsin annual report fee ($25)

You will file an annual report with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
You will file your LLC’s annual report online using the Wisconsin DFI website.
The annual fee in Wisconsin is $25 and is due at the end of the quarter of the LLC anniversary month.
Wisconsin does not impose a monetary penalty for not filing an annual report. However, you could face possible involuntary dissolution.

3
Wisconsin registered agent fee (varies between $50 to $300)

Wisconsin requires that you appoint a registered agent when forming an LLC in the state.
When you appoint a registered agent, it alerts the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Anyone can act as a registered agent in Wisconsin as long as they meet the state requirements, even yourself.
The LLC cost of appointing a registered agent in Wisconsin will depend on the commercial agent, LLC needs, and the state filing fees.

4
Fees to form a foreign LLC in Wisconsin ($100)

If you have an existing LLC in a different state, you will need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in order to expand into Wisconsin.
You will complete the Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Certificate of Registration form and submit the form online or by mail.
The cost to register a Wisconsin foreign LLC is $100.

5
LLC name reservation fee ($15)

In Wisconsin, you do not have to reserve an LLC name before formation.
However, when you register a business name, you are ensuring that no one else can reserve and register the same one.
Wisconin LLC names must be unique and entirely distinguishable from any other company name in the state.
You can reserve an LLC name for up to 120 days before formation.
The Wisconsin One Stop Business Registration website can register the LLC name.
Or, you can complete the Name Reservation Application and return it to the DFI Division of Corporate and Consumer Services.
The filing cost to reserve a Wisconsin company name is $15.

6
DBA filing fees in Wisconsin ($15)

The business acronym DBA means ‘doing business as.’ A DBA, or an assumed name, is any name an individual or business uses to operate that is not the legal name.
Wisconsin does not mandate that an LLC register a DBA.
A DBA name in Wisconsin must be unique and available for sure.
You will use the State of Wisconsin DFI website to register a DBA.
The LLC filing fee for a DBA in Wisconsin is $15.

7
Cost of certified document copies ($10)

You will use the Wisconsin DFI website to order certified document copies.
The cost of Wisconsin certified documents is $10.

8
Wisconsin Certificate of Status ($10)

In Wisconsin, financial institutions and money lenders will require you to submit a Certificate of Status before you can open a business bank account.
You can order a Wisconsin Certificate of Status using the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Or, you can complete the Certificate of Status and Simple Copywork and submit it to the State of Wisconsin DFI.
The filing fee for a Wisconsin Certificate of Status is $10.

Steps to start an LLC in Wisconsin

1
Choose a business name

When deciding on an LLC name in Wisconsin, you will want to consider a few things.

An LLC name in Wisconsin must be unique and available for use.
Your LLC name in Wisconsin must meet all state naming requirements.
It is always a good idea to check web domain availability to keep branding and marketing easy.

You will use the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Corporate Records website to conduct a name search for LLC name availability.

LLC name reservation fee

In Wisconsin, you are not required to reserve an LLC name before the formation process.

You will reserve the Wisconsin LLC name online or by mail. LLC name reservation is valid for up to 120 days before formation.

The cost to reserve a company name in Wisconsin is $15. An LLC name is good for up to 170 days. Wisconsin does not require you to reserve an LLC name.

2
Appoint a Wisconsin registered agent

You must appoint a registered agent when you form an LLC in Wisconsin.

The price for a Wisconsin registered agent or service varies between $50 and $100 a year. The cost depends on the state and your LLC needs.

A registered agent in Wisconsin is an individual or business entity that receives tax forms, legal documents, subpoenas, civil notices, service of process, and other official government correspondence on behalf of a sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLC.

The registered agent you choose must be a Wisconsin resident or a registered agent service authorized to conduct business in the state.

Northwest

Total Out The Door State LLC Formation Service Package – $42 a month and includes:
- State fee
- Filing service fee
- Registered Agent
- Tax ID
Annual Plan – $225 plus state fees a year

ZenBusiness

Starter Plan – $39 a year plus state fees
Pro Plan – $149 a year plus state fees
Premium Plan – $249 a year plus state fees

ZenBusiness has a stand-alone registered agent service. The price is $99 per year.

LegalZoom

Economy – $79 plus $153 state filing fees
Standard – $329 plus $153 state filing fees
Express Gold – $349 plus $255 state filing fees

3
File Wisconsin Articles of Organization

When forming an LLC in Wisconsin, you must file Articles of Organization with the Department of Financial Institutions.

You can file the Articles of Organization online using the Wisconsin DFI website.

Or, you can complete the Articles of Organization form and submit it to the Department of Financial Institutions.

The LLC cost to file Wisconsin Articles of Organization is $130 online or $170 when you file by mail.

Wisconsin offers expedited LLC services for forms filed by mail for an additional fee. 1 business day -$25.

Mailing address:
State of Wisconsin
DFI
PO Box 93348
Milwaukee, WI 53293

Physical address:
4822 Madison Yards Way
North Tower
Madison, WI 53705

Phone Number: 608-261-9555

The form you submit for the Articles of Organization will ask for certain information.

LLC name
Registered agent information
Management structure

The fee in Wisconsin for filing the LLC Articles of Organization is $130 if you file online, and $170 if you file by mail.

4
Get a Wisconsin LLC EIN

An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, can also be referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax ID Number (FTIN).

The 9-digit EIN is a Social Security Number for companies for income tax purposes. The IRS issues the EIN for no additional cost.

To convert a sole proprietorship into an LLC in Wisconsin, you must apply for an EIN with the Internal Revenue Service.

Applying for an EIN is a simple process online through the IRS website.

Business banking for a Wisconsin State LLC

Banking professionals recommend opening a business bank account that is separate from your personal one. Forming an LLC in Wisconsin protects assets and future credit scores.

In Wisconsin, financial institutions will require an LLC owner to submit a copy of the LLC’s Articles of Organization, operating agreement, and EIN before allowing you to do business banking.

Business banking accounts are generally free, and do not have additional charges or fees.

Business attorney fees in Wisconsin

Business attorneys in Wisconsin keep LLC formation on a simple track. And, when retaining an attorney, you have someone available to handle future business-related issues.

In Wisconsin, business attorneys typically offer free consultations for first-time clients.

Professional services such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer offer LLC formation packages that include comprehensive legal services.

On average, a business lawyer in Wisconsin will cost $300 per hour.

LLC taxes in Wisconsin

In Wisoncon, LLCs are considered pass-through entities. As the owner of the LLC, you will pay personal taxes rather than the company’s tax return.
The Wisconsin state tax rate is 6.50%, and the max local and county rate is 4.00%.
Wisconsin has an annual franchise tax of 7.9% of annual income.
You must register for a seller’s permit if you sell physical products in Wisconsin.
When hiring LLC employees, you must register for the Unemployment Insurance Tax with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
You will also register for the Employee Withholding Tax with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
You can help ensure that you do not miss important deadlines, accrue late fees, or face possible dissolution by hiring a tax expert.

Business licenses and permits in Wisconsin

The total price of business licenses and permits will vary depending on where the company is located and the type of business.

You will use the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website to locate the licenses and permits you need to operate.

A business licence in Wisconsin varies between $10 to $100. The total cost of permits and licences will depend on where your LLC is, and the type of LLC.

Local government agencies in Wisconsin will have different license processes and rules. You will want to contact the office to inquire about the process, price, and office hours.

Notary public

Various Wisconsin LLC formation documents may require a notarization from a notary public.

If you cannot locate a notary, most government agencies have one in the office.

According to Wisconsin law, a notary public can only charge a max of $5 per act.

Employer obligations in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you have several employer obligations when you decide to hire employees.
According to federal law, businesses must verify that all employees are eligible to work in the United States using Form I-9 from the USCIS Website.
You must enroll in worker’s compensation insurance.
In Wisconsin, you will report all new hires to the New Hire Reporting Center.
You can find a complete list of the Wisconsin employer obligations using the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Developer website.

Benefits of a Wisconsin LLC

LLC formation makes business banking more accessible. It protects future liability. And, banks will require that you open separate personal and business banking accounts.
LLCs have different compliance requirements than other business structures. Incorporations must answer to shareholders and stock owners when they make business decisions.
All LLCs in Wisconsin are considered pass-through entities. Owners file personal tax returns rather than the LLC’s tax returns.
You help prevent double-taxation when you form an LLC. C-corporations are double-taxed while LLCs are not.
Wisconsin offers Sales and Use Tax Exemptions for specific industries. Certain types of manufacturers are exempt from sales and use taxes.
Wisconsin has state-specific incentives that are available to LLCs. The Wisconsin Enterprise Zone and Development Opportunity Zone Tax Credit (DOZ) are available to LLCs in the state.

FAQs

How long does it take to register an LLC in Wisconsin?

All LLC registrations filed online are processed immediately. If you file by mail, it will take 5 business days.

You can opt for expedited 1-day LLC services for mail-in documents for an additional $25.

How do I dissolve my Wisconsin LLC?

Owners of inactive LLCs will want to file Articles of Dissolution with the Wisconsin Secretary of State to avoid ongoing costs and fees.

The LLC cost for cancellation in Wisconsin is $20.

Does Wisconsin have a publishing requirement for LLCs?

Certain states, such as Nebraska and Arizona, have extensive publishing requirements for LLCs.

However, Wisconsin has no additional publishing requirements.

Do I need a business operating agreement for my LLC in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, an LLC is not required to submit a copy of an operating agreement. But, it is always a good idea to have one on file to avoid future misunderstandings.

Banks and money lenders will require you to present a business operating agreement in order to do business banking.

Find out how much it costs to start an LLC in your state

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Wisconsin LLC Costs

by How to Start an LLC Team

Recommended LLC Services

Costs to start an LLC in Wisconsin

1 LLC Articles of Organization ($130 online)

2 Wisconsin annual report fee ($25)

3 Wisconsin registered agent fee (varies between $50 to $300)

4 Fees to form a foreign LLC in Wisconsin ($100)

5 LLC name reservation fee ($15)

6 DBA filing fees in Wisconsin ($15)

7 Cost of certified document copies ($10)

8 Wisconsin Certificate of Status ($10)

Steps to start an LLC in Wisconsin

1 Choose a business name

LLC name reservation fee

2 Appoint a Wisconsin registered agent

Northwest

ZenBusiness

LegalZoom

3 File Wisconsin Articles of Organization

4 Get a Wisconsin LLC EIN

Business banking for a Wisconsin State LLC

Business attorney fees in Wisconsin

LLC taxes in Wisconsin

Business licenses and permits in Wisconsin

Notary public

Employer obligations in Wisconsin

Benefits of a Wisconsin LLC

FAQs

How long does it take to register an LLC in Wisconsin?

How do I dissolve my Wisconsin LLC?

Does Wisconsin have a publishing requirement for LLCs?

Do I need a business operating agreement for my LLC in Wisconsin?

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1
LLC Articles of Organization ($130 online)

2
Wisconsin annual report fee ($25)

3
Wisconsin registered agent fee (varies between $50 to $300)

4
Fees to form a foreign LLC in Wisconsin ($100)

5
LLC name reservation fee ($15)

6
DBA filing fees in Wisconsin ($15)

7
Cost of certified document copies ($10)

8
Wisconsin Certificate of Status ($10)

1
Choose a business name

2
Appoint a Wisconsin registered agent

3
File Wisconsin Articles of Organization

4
Get a Wisconsin LLC EIN