How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Wisconsin?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Wisconsin is $130. This fee is paid to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.
How Much Does an LLC Cost 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.
Ready to Start Your Wisconsin LLC?
Explore our LLC formation services review to find the best service for you.
Wisconsin LLC Ongoing Expenses
Maintaining a successful limited liability company (LLC) in Wisconsin involves understanding and fulfilling the ongoing requirements and costs associated with compliance and legal standing.
Here are the primary ongoing requirements for a Wisconsin LLC:
- Annual Report: Wisconsin LLCs are required to file an annual report. This report serves to update the state with essential information about the LLC, including its ownership and management. The filing fee for the annual report is $25.
- Trade Name Renewal: If you utilize a trade name in Wisconsin, you must renew it every 10 years for a $15 fee.
- Registered Agent: Appointing a registered agent is required for Wisconsin LLCs. While there is no requirement to pay for a registered agent (you can act as your own agent), you can hire a commercial registered agent service for about $200 each year.
By meeting these ongoing requirements and adhering to the applicable regulations, you can ensure the legal and financial well-being of your Wisconsin LLC.
How to Register a Wisconsin LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC in Wisconsin is easy. Simply follow the steps outlined on this page.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.
Wisconsin LLC Cost FAQ
To establish an LLC in Wisconsin, you need to file Articles of Organization with the Department of Financial Institutions. You can file this document online or by mail. The filing fee is $130 online and $170 if done by mail.
A registered agent in Wisconsin serves as the point of contact for receiving important legal and tax documents for your LLC.
Yes, in Wisconsin, an LLC can operate under a trade name, often referred to as a DBA (doing business as) name. This allows the business to function under a name different from the one registered with the Department of Financial Institutions.
LLCs in Wisconsin are required to submit an annual report, accompanied by a $25 fee. This helps keep the state updated on key aspects of your business.
Using an LLC formation service can simplify the process of creating an LLC in Wisconsin. Such a service will handle the required paperwork and filing, saving you time and ensuring that the process is done accurately. Additionally, many LLC formation services provide added features such as compliance reminders and registered agent services, making them an invaluable asset to your business operations.
You can check the availability of a business name in Wisconsin by using the Corporate Records Search on the Department of Financial Institutions' website.
A Certificate of Status in Wisconsin verifies that your LLC is registered and is in good standing with the state. This certificate might be needed when dealing with banks, potential business partners, or other interested parties who want to confirm the validity of your business.
Article Sources
Wisconsin Department of Revenue:
https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/home.aspx
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions:
https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce List:
http://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/Wisconsin.html