This is the first and most important step in starting your LLC. Do some research to make sure the name you choose is suited to your business venture and is easily searchable by potential clients.
- Follow the naming guidelines: Your entity name must contain the words Limited Liability Company or the abbreviation L.L.C. or LLC. Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) require additional paperwork and may require a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of the LLC. Prohibited words are those that would confuse the name of your LLC with a federal or state agency (e.g. FBI, Secret Service, Treasury etc.)
- Is the name available in Wisconsin? Make sure the name isn't already taken by doing a name search on the State of Wisconsin website.
- Is the URL available? Check to see if the name of your LLC is available so that you can reserve your domain name. Even if you don't plan to make a website today, you may want to buy the domain name in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
An email address is also something to consider when choosing a name. Get a professional email (@yourcompany.com) with Google apps. Also get access to the top business tools, cloud storage, and business-grade security. - Try it for free
You are required to nominate a Registered Agent for your Wisconsin LLC.
What is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is a person or business that agrees to send and receive legal papers on behalf of your LLC. Such papers include service of process of legal action (if you are sued) and state filings.
Who can be a Registered Agent? The registered agent must be a resident of Wisconsin or a corporation authorized to transact business in Wisconsin. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.
Click here to learn more about the role of a registered agent, and why you may wish to consider hiring a professional registered agent service.
* Recommended: INCFILE.COM provides free registered agent service for the first year as part of their LLC Packages.
To register your LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the State of Wisconsin. This can be done online or by mail
When filing the Articles of Organization you will need to decide if your LLC will be member managed or manager managed. Read our article on the topic to learn more.
File the Articles of Organization for a Domestic LLC.
File Online- or -
Download the PDFFee: Nonrefundable $170 by mail. File online for $130.
Follow the instructions on the form you choose.
Important: If you're expanding your existing LLC to the State of Wisconsin you are forming a Foreign LLC. Learn how.
An operating agreement is not required in Wisconsin, but it's a good practice to have one.
What is an Operating Agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of your LLC. Learn more about operating agreements here.
* Recommended: Check out our free sample operating agreement
What is an EIN? The Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Federal Tax Identification Number, is used to identify a business entity. It is essentially a social security number for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required when filing state and federal taxes. In addition, banks may require an EIN to open a business checking account.
Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done by one of two ways:
Click here to learn more about EINs and further details on how to register for one with the IRS.
Opening a business bank account is an important first step, as it:
- Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
Getting a business credit card allows you to:
- Separate personal and business expenses.
- Build your company's credit history, which can be useful to raise money for your company later.
* Recommended: Compare business credit card offers at CreditCards.com.
Do I need to register for State taxes?
- If you have employees in Wisconsin, you will have to register for Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance, and Employee Withholding Tax on behalf of your Employees.
- Register for Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Tax through the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
- Register for Employee Withholding Tax through the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
- Register for Wisconsin Sales Tax through the State of Wisconsin Department of Revenue
*Recommended: Learn more about sales tax by reading our informative guide: Sales Tax for Small Businesses.
Even if you haven’t officially opened for business – it’s critical to get your books in order. A well managed accounting system will help you:
- Track your business finances, including bills, expenses and income.
- Simplify your annual tax filings.
The right software makes accounting easy. Look for software that:
- Syncs with your bank automatically.
- Matches transactions to invoices, bills and purchase orders.
- Can be accessed from your phone.
*Recommended: Xero has the features that all small businesses need.
Try Xero FREE for 30 days and get 30% off your first 6-months.
Do I need business licenses and permits?
To operate your LLC you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. For example, restaurants likely need health permits, building permits, signage permits, etc.
Find out how to obtain necessary licenses and permits for your business:
- Federal: Use the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide to federal business licenses and permits.
- State: Learn more about licenses, permits and registration from Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Local: Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and ask about local licenses and permits.
- Alternatively, you can use a professional service to research all of your business licensing needs.
The details of business licenses and permits vary from state to state. Make sure you read carefully. Don't be surprised if there are short classes required as well.
Fees for business licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of license you are seeking to obtain.
What is Workers Compensation Insurance? This form of insurance is required for most businesses with employees, but varies by state. Click here to learn more.
What is General Liability Insurance? This is an important service, but is not required in most states. Click here to learn why.
How much will the right insurance cost you? Click here to find out.
Once a business decides to hire employees, certain legal obligations are required, such as:
- Ensuring that potential employees are eligible to work in the US
- Reporting employees as "new hires" to the State of Wisconsin
- Providing workers compensation insurance for employees
- Withholding income taxes
- Printing compliance posters and place in a conspicuous location
- Ensuring payment of employees in specific increments as required by the state
Find more information at Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development under "Employer Online Services".
A great resource for posting jobs and finding qualified employees is Indeed.com
How to Start a Business
in Wisconsin
5 easy steps to starting a business in Wisconsin.
We have a far more detailed guide - How to Start a Business which will go over the points in more details.
- Identify a suitable business idea that works for you - Check out our Business Ideas Tool.
- Critically analyze your idea with our Lean Business Model Canvas Tool. You can then go on to create a full business plan with our Free Online Business Plan Tool.
- Formally organize your Business into a company. An LLC is the most popular way to structure your business. Learn how to Form your LLC in Wisconsin.
- Complete important key steps after formation such as acquiring business licences & permits, registering for state taxes, and opening a business bank account.
- Build your website and develop your brand. Learn more about marketing and brand establishment.
To maintain a Wisconsin LLC, it is necessary to make periodic filings with the State of Wisconsin. Learn how to keep your LLC in good standing and avoid state penalties.
Annual Report
Wisconsin requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
File a Report with the State of Wisconsin
File OnlineDue Date: Due by end of the quarter in which an LLC was formed.
Fee: $25
Late Filings
Wisconsin dissolves LLCs within one year for failure to file an annual report.
Prevention
Each year, thousands of LLCs are unknowingly dissolved or suspended for failing to file an annual report. When this happens, LLC owners risk loss of limited liability protection. A registered agent service can help prevent this outcome by notifying you of upcoming filing deadlines and by submitting reports on your behalf.
Recommended: INCFILE.COM offers a reliable registered agent service.
Franchise Tax
Some states impose an annual franchise tax or business license tax for the privilege of operating an LLC. As of 2013, Wisconsin LLCs are no longer required to pay any such tax.
Other Requirements
LLCs are considered “pass-through” entities and do not ordinarily pay income tax directly. Nevertheless, some states require certain LLCs to report income for informational purposes. Wisconsin requires most multi-member LLCs to file a partnership income return - Form 3.
Form with Instructions: 2016 Form 3 Instructions
Form: 2016 Form 3
A Certificate of Good Standing verifies that your LLC was legally formed and has been properly maintained. In Wisconsin, this document is known as a Certificate of Standing Several instances where you might need to get one include:
- Seeking funding from banks or other lenders
- Forming your business as a foreign LLC in another state
- Obtaining or renewing specific business licenses or permits
To order a Certificate of Status, you can order it online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
-or-
Fill Out Form SP-48
How to dissolve a Wisconsin LLC
If you no longer wish to conduct business with your LLC, it is important to officially dissolve it. Failure to do so in a timely fashion can result in tax liabilities and penalties, or even legal trouble. To dissolve your LLC, there are two broad steps:
- Close your business tax accounts
- File the Articles of Dissolution
If you have an existing LLC and want to register to do business in Wisconsin, you will need to form a foreign LLC.
Benefits of Forming a Foreign LLC
The major benefit of becoming a foreign corporation is that it allows your company to operate as one entity in many jurisdictions. For example, if you originally incorporate your LLC in the State of Delaware, you can file your existing domestic LLC as a foreign corporation in other states.