Wisconsin LLCs default to pass-through taxation, with profits flowing to members who report them on personal tax returns. LLCs in Wisconsin can be classified as Single-Member LLCs or Multi-Member LLCs, each with distinct tax treatment. By default, the IRS will classify a single-member LLC (SMLLC) as a sole-proprietor. Multi-member LLCs (those with two or more owners) will be taxed as a partnership. Unless otherwise noted, a Wisconsin LLC will be taxed as a pass-through entity, meaning business profits pass-through to members, who then report their earnings on their personal income taxes.
To form a Wisconsin LLC, you file Wisconsin articles of organization and pay the $170 fee. You can apply online or by mail. When filing, you will need to state whether your LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed. Every LLC operating in Wisconsin must have a registered agent, which can be you or someone at your company, to accept official documents on behalf of the business.
The fee for filing an LLC online in Wisconsin is $130. Starting an LLC in Wisconsin costs a minimum of $130, which includes the state filing fee with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Additional costs may include a registered agent service, name reservation, and annual report filing fees. For LLCs with a principal office in Wisconsin, the filing fee for formation and registration is $170.00, plus $5.00 for each member shown on the Articles of Organization. In addition, when applying online through the Business Organizations Section of the Department of Financial Institutions website you need to pay a convenience fee of $2.50.
Steps on How to Start an LLC in Wisconsin:
- Name your LLC in Wisconsin.
- Hire a Registered Agent in Wisconsin.