Certificate of Good Standing Wisconsin
A Wisconsin certificate of good standing verifies that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
In our Certificate of Good Standing Wisconsin guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Wisconsin.
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ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Wisconsin?
You can obtain your certificate of good standing, known as a certificate of status in Wisconsin, by requesting it from the Department of Financial Institutions.
There are two main steps for getting your certificate of good standing:
2. Order your certificate of good standing
What is a certificate of good standing? A certificate of good standing is a state document that verifies your business was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
Step 1. Make Sure Your Wisconsin Business is Compliant
To qualify for a Wisconsin certificate of status, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:
Licenses & Permits
To operate your business in Wisconsin, you must follow federal, state, and local licensing guidelines. This can include regulations like health permits and building permits.
You can find out more about state licensing requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services website.
State Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Wisconsin state tax. This can include sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax.
Annual Reports
All Wisconsin LLCs and corporations must file an annual report. This report verifies the business’s basic information including its principal office address and registered agent information.
The report must be filed online with the Department of Financial Institutions. It is due by the end of the quarter in which the business was formed. The filing fee is $25.
Step 2. Order Your Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing
Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a Wisconsin certificate of status from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. This can be done online or by mail.
ORDER A WISCONSIN CERTIFICATE OF STATUS
OPTION 1: Order Online With the Department of Financial Institutions
Order Online- OR -
OPTION 2: Order by Mail
Download FormFiling Cost: $10
Mailing Address:
State of WI
P.O. Box 93348
Milwaukee, WI 53293
Need Help Filing?
Use a dependable service to help you order your Wisconsin Certificate of Status
Our favorite choice is ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Wisconsin?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your business in Wisconsin, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:
- Purchasing business insurance
- Applying for business loans
- Opening a business checking account
- Registering to do business in other states
Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing FAQ
A certificate of good standing is a legal document that confirms that your business is compliant with state regulations.
In Wisconsin, a certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of status.
Certificates of good standing are also known as certificates of existence or certificates of compliance.
You can get a Wisconsin certificate of status by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online or by mail.
In Wisconsin, ordering a certificate of status costs $10.
Because many banks and insurance companies will want a business’s certificate of good standing in order to do business, we recommend getting one as soon as possible.
A Wisconsin certificate of status does not have an expiration date. However, requesters — such as banks, creditors, and foreign business states — often have their own guidelines for a certificate's validity.
Obtaining a Wisconsin certificate of status means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.
Wisconsin businesses often need a certificate of status in order to do business outside of Wisconsin, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.
Wisconsin businesses are not legally required to obtain a certificate of status. However, your business may choose to get one if you decide to do business outside of Wisconsin or get a business bank account.
After ordering your Wisconsin certificate of status online, it will be available immediately to view and print. If you order a certificate by mail, you can pick it up in person, or have the Department of Financial Institutions mail, email, or fax it to you.