Forming an Wisconsin LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Wisconsin (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Wisconsin, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Wisconsin, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). The filing fee is $130, and approval is granted within one day.

Here are the five steps to proceed:

Choose a Name for Your LLC

Appoint a Registered Agent

Submit the Articles of Organization

Draft an Operating Agreement

Obtain an EIN

If you prefer to set up your LLC independently, refer to our free guide below.

For professional assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost to establish an LLC in Wisconsin?

The initial cost to set up an LLC in Wisconsin is $130, followed by an annual fee of $25.

What do these fees cover? The $130 fee is for submitting the Articles of Organization, the document that officially forms an LLC. The $25 yearly fee is for the Annual Report, a required filing to maintain your LLC’s good standing. For additional information on LLC expenses, refer to LLC Costs in Wisconsin.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Wisconsin?

Filing by mail results in approval within 5 business days, plus mailing time. Filing online, however, leads to immediate approval. Check How long does it take to get an LLC in Wisconsin for potential delays.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Wisconsin

1. Conduct an LLC Name Search

Begin by searching your desired LLC name to ensure it is available within the state. This is crucial because no two businesses can share the same name in the state.

Start by comparing your proposed business name with those already registered. You can verify the uniqueness of your desired LLC name by utilizing the Corporate Records Search: Name Availability Tool.

Next, it’s important to understand the state’s naming regulations to ensure your LLC name gets approved. We’ll provide more details on this topic here: Wisconsin LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Wisconsin Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Wisconsin Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Wisconsin Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Wisconsin mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Wisconsin or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit Articles of Organization

To establish an LLC, you must submit the Articles of Organization document to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

The online filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $130, which is a one-time cost for setting up your LLC.

If you prefer to handle this process on your own, refer to our detailed guide on the Wisconsin Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you have the option to hire a company to manage it for you.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Wisconsin Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Wisconsin EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

6. Submit Your Annual Report

All LLCs in Wisconsin are required to file an Annual Report each year. This report ensures your LLC remains in compliance with state regulations.

What is the cost of filing a Wisconsin Annual Report? The filing fee for the Annual Report is $25 annually.

When is the due date for the Annual Report? The state assigns due dates based on a quarterly schedule.

When should I submit my first Annual Report? Your initial Annual Report is due the year following the approval of your LLC. For instance, if your LLC was approved on February 15, 2025, your first report is due by March 31, 2026.

How can I file my LLC Annual Report? You have the option to file your report online or by mail. We suggest filing online as it is more convenient. You can use our detailed guide to help you through the process of filing your Wisconsin LLC Annual Report.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

Once your LLC is approved, there are a few more steps to take.

LLC business bank account

Opening a business bank account for your LLC is essential. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. Having a distinct business bank account also upholds your personal liability protection by separating business finances from personal ones.

Wisconsin business licenses and permits

Fortunately, Wisconsin doesn’t require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, a local business license or permit might be necessary. For instance, if you plan to launch a daycare, you might need a business license from the city or county. For more information, visit our Wisconsin Business License page.

File and pay taxes

LLCs themselves don’t pay federal taxes. Instead, the LLC Members are responsible for paying taxes on behalf of the LLC. In other words, the owners include LLC taxes in their personal tax returns.

How will my LLC be taxed? Typically, the IRS taxes an LLC based on the number of owners: A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.

Married Couples: In Wisconsin, which is a community property state, married couples can opt for their LLC to be taxed as a Single-Member LLC (also known as a Qualified Joint Venture) instead of as a Partnership.

Besides federal taxes, there are also state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax. Learn more in Wisconsin LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)

If you have any questions about starting an LLC in Wisconsin, you can contact the DFI Corporations Bureau at 608-261-7577. Their hours areMonday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, Central Time.

How to Start an LLC in Wisconsin FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can establish your LLC online in Wisconsin. The filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $130. Once you submit your LLC online, it gets approved instantly.

A key advantage of an LLC is that it shields your personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal assets—such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain protected. This protection is applicable to all LLC owners, known as LLC Members, regardless of whether you have a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. All members are safeguarded from the business’s debts and liabilities. This level of protection is not available if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where owners aren’t protected in lawsuits. Consequently, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a preferred business structure.

Another benefit is LLC pass-through taxation, where the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits “pass through” to LLC Members, who then pay taxes on their personal returns. Similarly, Wisconsin state income taxes follow this federal tax treatment. For more details, see How are LLCs taxed.

Whether Wisconsin is a suitable state to start an LLC depends on your location and business operations. If you live or operate in Wisconsin, it’s advisable to form your LLC there. While some sources highlight tax benefits in certain states, these are irrelevant if you don’t live or work there. For instance, forming an LLC in Delaware while living and running the business in Wisconsin means you must also register your Delaware LLC in Wisconsin, incurring additional fees and taxes without benefits.

In short, if you reside and conduct business in Wisconsin, it is a favorable state to start a business. If not, Wisconsin may not be the best option unless you are purchasing real estate outside of Wisconsin, in which case you should form your LLC in the state where the property is situated. For further guidance, see Best State to Form an LLC.

The differences between D

The primary distinctions among Domestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and Professional LLCs lie in their formation locations and business purposes. A Domestic Limited Liability Company is established in its “home state,” where the owner resides and operates their business. For example, if you live and conduct business in Georgia, you’d form your Domestic LLC there.

A Foreign Limited Liability Company is an LLC formed in a state other than its home state. Here, “foreign” simply refers to the LLC being foreign to its home state. If you live and work in Georgia and later expand to Florida, you’d register your Georgia LLC as a Foreign LLC in Florida. LLCs are created at the state level, so conducting business in two states requires forming or registering LLCs in both, with a Domestic LLC in the home state and a Foreign LLC in the other.

omestic LLCs, Foreign LLCs, and Professional LLCs lie in their formation location and business purpose. A Domestic LLC is formed in its “home state,” where the owner resides and conducts business. If you live and work in Georgia, you would form your Domestic LLC in Georgia. A Foreign LLC is established in a state other than its home state. Here, “foreign” means the LLC is foreign to its home state. If you expand from Georgia into Florida, you register your Georgia LLC as a Foreign LLC in Florida.

LLCs operate at the state level, so to do business in multiple states, you must form or register an LLC in each state. This involves creating a Domestic LLC in your home state and a Foreign LLC in another state.

A Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) is a type of LLC formed to offer “professional services.” This term refers to business types that need special permissions, such as a license, registration, or certification from the state for legal operation. Professions like architects, attorneys, social work counselors, doctors, and veterinarians often establish their practices as PLLCs. For more details on PLLCs and their requirements, see What’s a Professional LLC? For additional information on Foreign and Domestic LLCs, refer to: Foreign LLCs by State and Difference between Domestic LLCs and Foreign LLCs.

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