How to Start an LLC in Wisconsin
Starting an LLC in Wisconsin means choosing a business name, appointing a registered agent, and filing Articles of Organization. Once your company is registered with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, you must take additional steps to prepare the business for success.
Create a WI LLC in 5 Steps:
Step 1: Name Your Wisconsin LLC
Practically speaking, you have to name your Wisconsin LLC early on in the formation process. Without a name, you can’t file Articles of Organization. Consider a couple of factors when picking a name:
- Your Wisconsin LLC must include the phrase “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or an abbreviation like “LLC” or “LC.”
- Your name must be distinguishable from other entities already registered in Wisconsin. That means it can’t be the same or very similar to another name. You can search Wisconsin corporate records to find out if a name has already been taken, but keep in mind that search results are tentative and don’t guarantee that a name will be available when you’re ready to file formation paperwork.
If you find out your preferred business name is available in Wisconsin, don’t stop there. See whether someone is already using it as a domain name or social media handle. Also check to see if it’s been trademarked at the federal level. These steps are important because you’ll want to create a business presence with the same or similar names across multiple platforms.
When you hire us to form your Wisconsin LLC, we’ll register your domain name for free and give you three free months of email and website services.
Step 2: Choose a Wisconsin Registered Agent
The next step to starting your Wisconsin LLC is choosing a Wisconsin registered agent.
A registered agent can be either an individual or an existing entity. Whoever you pick must maintain a registered office where they accept legal mail, including notice of lawsuits, on your behalf. The registered office must be located at a physical location with a street address.
Step 3: File Wisconsin Articles of Organization
Filing Articles of Organization for your Wisconsin LLC officially registers your business with the Badger State. Be sure you fill out the paperwork completely before submitting it to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ Division of Corporate & Consumer Services.
You can submit the form online or by mail. Online filings cost $131 ($130 plus a $1 portal fee), while mail filings cost $170. You should include the following information:
1
Company name
Include the required business identifier like “limited company” or “LLC.”.
2
Registered agent info
List their name, email address, and a street address.
3
Principal office address
This address does not have to be in Wisconsin.
4
Name and address of LLC organizers
Include a name and complete address. If there’s not enough room, attach a separate sheet labeled “Article 7” with additional information.
5
Additional provisions (optional)
Attach additional pages if you want to include information like the purpose of the company.
6
Organizer’s signature
Whoever is filing the Articles signs here.
7
Delayed effective date (optional)
If you don’t want your business to be formed immediately, choose a date up to 90 days in the future.
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Step 4: Set Up Business Operations
Once Wisconsin signs off on your formation paperwork, your LLC will be registered. Yet there are more steps you should take to get everything working properly and maintain your limited liability.
Create an operating agreement.
Think of an operating agreement as a handbook for your LLC’s day-to-day operations. It includes detailed information on topics including how membership interests get distributed, how voting works, and how the LLC is managed. This is an internal record, but you should bring a copy of it when you go to the bank to open a business account.
Get an EIN.
Most LLCs need an Employer Identification Number (EIN). At minimum, you’ll need it for opening a business bank account and hiring employees. Using an EIN is also more secure than using your Social Security number, which is possible if you’re forming a single-member LLC.
Open a business bank account.
Separate your personal finances from your business finances is a vital part of maintaining your limited liability status. That means you should open a business bank account or risk losing the personal asset protection provided by an LLC.
Get business licensing and permits.
Your business may need to register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. For instance, you’ll need a seller’s permit if you’re selling taxable products in Wisconsin. You should also check with your city and/or county to see if you need any licenses or permits before setting up shop.
Step 5: File BOI Report
Federal law requires most businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI Report) as of 2024. The report is part of a federal effort to root out fraud and money laundering.
On the BOI Report, you must list information about the company’s beneficial owners, aka the people with a significant amount of control or influence over the business. If you formed your LLC after January 1, 2024, you’ll also need to provide information about the person or entity who filed your LLC’s formation paperwork.
We can file your BOI Report for you when you hire us to form your Wisconsin LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an LLC cost in Wisconsin?
It costs $131 to file your Wisconsin LLC Articles of Organization online, or $170 to file by mail
What is needed to start an LLC in Wisconsin?
The filing that officially forms your LLC in Wisconsin is the Articles of Organization. To submit it, you must first select a name for your LLC and appoint a registered agent with a registered office in Wisconsin. You must also pay the filing fee of $131 (online) or $170 (mail).
Does Wisconsin require an annual report?
Yes, Wisconsin LLCs must file an annual report. The due date is based on when you originally registered your business with the state. For instance, if you registered your business on February 2, your annual report due date would be March 31, the end of the first quarter. An annual report costs $40 to file by mail or $26 to file online.
Do LLCs pay taxes in Wisconsin?
By default, Wisconsin LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities, which means members report the profits or losses on their personal tax returns. Wisconsin also has a personal income tax that starts at 3.50% and tops out at 7.65%. You should also be aware of any self-employment taxes, city and county taxes, and sales and use taxes.