How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin LLC Online Filing Fee: $130

The main cost to start an LLC in Wisconsin is the $130 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

For a look at LLC cost in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Wisconsin

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Wisconsin, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Wisconsin.

The cost for registering a Wisconsin foreign LLC is $100. You can register a foreign LLC in Wisconsin by filing a Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Certificate of Registration (Form 521).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing Form 1 and paying the $15 filing fee.

Trade Name

File for a trade name online and pay the $15 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Wisconsin

Step 1: Name Your Wisconsin LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: File the Annual Report
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Wisconsin LLC

When you name your Wisconsin LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Wisconsin
2. Meets Wisconsin naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Wisconsin guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Wisconsin.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Wisconsin must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Wisconsin registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Wisconsin
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Wisconsin Form 502 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $130 online.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Wisconsin Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Wisconsin LLCs, 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 an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Wisconsin LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: File the Annual Report

Wisconsin requires LLCs to file a $25 annual report with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions by the end of the quarter in which an LLC was formed. This can be done online.

Wisconsin dissolves LLCs within one year for failure to file an annual report.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Running an LLC in Wisconsin entails complying with federal, state, and local regulations, keeping up with tax obligations, and adhering to employment rules. Here's an overview:

• Obtain the necessary business licenses and permits. The type of licenses and permits required will depend on your type of business as well as your location.
• Stay current on Wisconsin LLC taxes. If your business involves selling a physical product, you’ll need to register to collect sales tax on taxable sales. For businesses with employees in Wisconsin, registration for Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax is necessary.
• Report your income to the IRS annually using Form 1065 Partnership Return for most multi-member LLCs or Form 1040 Schedule C for most single-member LLCs. The manner in which you pay yourself as an owner can also affect your federal taxes.
• If you plan on hiring employees, ensure you comply with the law by:
• Verifying new employees' ability to work in the US.
• Reporting employees as "new hires" to the state
• Providing workers' compensation insurance
• Withholding employee taxes
• Displaying workplace compliance posters in visible areas