It costs $130 to file an LLC in Wisconsin online with the DFI QuickStart system. Filing by mail or the One Stop portal costs $170. This one-time Wisconsin LLC filing fee paid to the DFI is for Articles of Organization. Wisconsin LLCs also need to pay a $25 Annual Report fee yearly.
Additional costs depend on a registered agent, legal document fees, and business license fees by location and type. Other costs can include name reservation, annual reports, and business and license taxes based on type and income.
Before starting a Wisconsin LLC, the name must be available. An operating agreement, while not required, helps avoid future issues.
Formation costs include:
- filing fee online ($130) or by mail ($170)
- registered agent fee
- operating agreement draft
Ongoing costs include annual report filing fees. Failure to file annually causes penalties and inability to operate.
Taxes are lower than other structures but remain more than sole proprietorships or partnerships.
Important things to know when estimating Wisconsin LLC costs include filing fee, registered agent fee, and annual report filing fee.
Do you have to pay an annual fee for a Wisconsin LLC? Yes, all Wisconsin LLCs need to pay $25 per year for the Annual Report. These state fees are paid to the Wisconsin DFI.
The cost of obtaining a business license in Wisconsin varies depending on the type of license you need and the city or county where your LLC will be located.
How often does an LLC in Wisconsin need to file an Annual Report? An LLC in Wisconsin needs to file an Annual Report every year by the end of the calendar quarter during which the LLC was formed.
To form a Wisconsin LLC you’ll need to:
- file the Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin DFI ($130 online, more by mail)
Research and obtain any necessary permits/licenses from various authorities depending on your business’s nature, location, and industry.
Do a business entity name search on the State of Wisconsin’s government website to ensure your chosen name isn’t already taken.
Below are 5 simple steps to start a Wisconsin LLC:
- Choose a unique business name and secure it.
- File the Articles of Organization and choose a registered agent.
- Understand and fulfill the state-specific legal requirements.
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
- Ensure to have a designated street address for your LLC, which can be outside the state and can be a P.O. Box.