How Much Does Wisconsin LLC Cost? (2023 Fees Revealed)
Hire Professionals to Create a Wisconsin LLC (from $0 + state fees)
Establishing a Limited Liability Company in Wisconsin entails more than just the price of filing its paperwork. Don’t worry, though; it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and leg! Herein lies all the pertinent details concerning initial & ongoing Wisconsin LLC costs as well as handy advice on how to save cash.
Ready to start your own LLC, but don’t know where to begin? See our guide on how to start your own LLC.
If you want to skip the hassle of starting a Wisconsin LLC yourself, consider using professional help for the best price in the market:
- Northwest Registered Agent ($39+state fees) (best support)
- ZenBusiness ($0+state fees) (best price)
- Hire Professionals to Create a Wisconsin LLC (from $0 + state fees)
- Quick Costs for Wisconsin LLC Breakdown & Best Options
- Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own LLC in Wisconsin
- How Much Does an LLC Cost in Wisconsin? Full Breakdown
- Other LLC Filing Costs (Optional)
- Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
- Wisconsin Business Licenses and Permits Fees (varies)
- LLC Taxes (varies)
- Costs Change Often. Where Can I Find the Most Up-to-date Cost & Tax Info?
- How to Start Your Own LLC in Wisconsin (Quick Guide)
- Things To Do After Setting Up Your Own LLC
- Get Professional Help in Forming an LLC in Wisconsin
- FAQs
Quick Costs for Wisconsin LLC Breakdown & Best Options
| Who forms the LLC? | Total fees |
You form the LLC in Wisconsin Yourself | $170 = ( $130 Articles of Organization + $25 Annual Fee + $15 Name reservation) |
| by using ZenBusiness | $0 + state fees |
| by using Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fees |
| see our other best LLC service providers | varies |
Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own LLC in Wisconsin
Here are some PROS and CONS that every Business Owner must go through before setting up their LLC in Wisconsin.
PROS
Starting your own LLC in Wisconsin can be an excellent way to create a sustainable, professional business that carries limited liability and provides several tax benefits.
With these advantages in mind, starting your own LLC in Wisconsin may be the perfect choice for entrepreneurs who want freedom and security from their business structure as well as competitive taxation.
CONS
Starting a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Wisconsin may present some unique challenges for an individual entrepreneur. Although LLCs provide a number of benefits, such as protecting personal assets, certain taxes and compliance requirements must be weighed carefully before moving forward.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Wisconsin? Full Breakdown
Wisconsin LLC Online Filing Fee ($130)
Establishing an LLC requires paying the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions a one-time fee of $130 for filing your Articles of Organization online.
Wisconsin Annual Report Fee ($25)
If you own a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Wisconsin, it is necessary for you to file an annual report with the Department of Financial Institutions before the quarter ends from when your LLC was established. This can be quickly completed on the official website of The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Foreign Wisconsin LLC Filing Fee ($100)
Have you already established an LLC in another state and want to extend your operations into Wisconsin? You can do so by registering as a foreign LLC in the Badger State. The cost is only $100, which you can pay when filing Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Certificate of Registration (Form 521). Make sure that your business is compliant with all necessary regulations and reap the rewards of expanding into this vibrant market!
Wisconsin Registered Agent Fee ($39 or $125/year)
When forming your LLC in Wisconsin, you must designate a Registered Agent to receive legal documents and state notices on behalf of the LLC. This agent must have a physical address located within the state and should be available during normal business hours. Fortunately, becoming or choosing someone as your own Registered Agent is absolutely free — no additional costs are required!
Here are our recommended Agent service providers:
- Northwest Registered Agent services are the perfect choice for those seeking to establish a new business and gain access to a registered agent, with a full LLC creation package starting at only $39 + state fees.
OR:
- When you only require a professional registered agent service, Northwest is the perfect solution. Their exceptional RA service comes at an unbeatable price of $125/year!
LLC Operating Agreement Fee ($0)
Developing a Wisconsin LLC Operating Agreement is an essential document for any Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC; it outlines who owns the company, how to manage it, and how profits should be divided.
It’s crucial that Members keep this agreement in their business records and provide each Member with a copy of the written contract. While most websites charge $50 – $200 for such documents, there are other more cost-effective options available on the market today!
LLC EIN Number Fee ($0)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) or a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), commonly known as an EIN, is necessary for filing income taxes and opening an LLC Business bank account.
Not to mention, it’s also required if you plan on hiring employees. While several websites charge service fees to help get your business one of these numbers, acquiring yours from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can be done quickly and free of charge!
All you need to do is complete their online form within minutes.
Other LLC Filing Costs (Optional)
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation ($15)
Before forming your LLC, secure your name for a maximum of 120 days by filing (Form 1) and paying the $15 fee.
“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name ($15)
Register a trade name online and pay the nominal fee of $15 in order to come up with an alias that differs from your legitimate LLC business title.
Certified Document Copies ($10)
Secure a certified copy of your Wisconsin business records by ordering through the Department of Financial Institutions at an affordable cost of only $10!
Certificate of Status ($10)
Known as the Wisconsin Certificate of Good Standing, you may obtain this document from the Department of Financial Institutions for a fee of $10. It is often required by financial institutions and banks when applying for loans or other services.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
| Wisconsin | Domestic LLC | Foreign LLC |
| Online Filing | $130 | $100 |
| Annual Report | $25 | $25 |
| Name Reservation fee | $15 | $15 |
| By Mail | By mail: Fill out the Application Form PDF and submit it to the following address, State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293. Costs $170 | By mail: Fill out the Application Form PDF and submit it to the following address, State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293.Costs $100 |
Wisconsin Business Licenses and Permits Fees (varies)
To ensure that your LLC is compliant in Wisconsin, you may need to acquire a Business License or permit. For instance, if your business requires the sale of goods directly to consumers, then it’s likely necessary for you to obtain a Sales Tax license from the state. Obtaining such documentation will help guarantee that all products are properly registered and taxed as required by law.
The amount you must pay for a business license or permit will change based on your locality and the sector of commerce, but typically the fees are low. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services issues some licenses/permits at the state level, while others come from municipal governments (towns, cities, or counties).
LLC Taxes (varies)
There are many different types of Wisconsin LLC taxes that owners must pay, so this annual cost varies widely.
Some of the taxes LLC owners pay include:
- Federal income tax
- State and Local income tax
- Business taxes
- Self-employment taxes
- Sales and use tax
When it comes to your Wisconsin LLC taxes, the amount is highly influenced by what type of industry you operate in and how much turnover you have. As every business has its own individual characteristics, one size does not fit all when it comes to taxation. It’s best for us not to provide an estimate here but rather let our advisors tailor a solution that meets your unique needs.
Costs Change Often. Where Can I Find the Most Up-to-date Cost & Tax Info?
Need help to understand the financial obligations of establishing a Wisconsin LLC? Reach out to DFI’s knowledgeable team by dialing 608-261-7577 from 8am to 5pm Central Time, Monday through Friday. With their expertise, you can confidently plan accordingly and move forward with your business venture!
You can Also Visit the Secretary of State Wisconsin Website for the latest Cost and Fee updates regarding LLCs in the state.
How to Start Your Own LLC in Wisconsin (Quick Guide)
After you are done allocating the budget for your LLC. Here are the basic steps that you can follow to set up your LLC in Wisconsin.
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your LLC
According to Wisconsin law, any LLC name must include either the words “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Liability Co.,” or end with abbreviations such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.” Furthermore, your LLC’s name needs to be unique compared to other businesses that have already been registered in the state. You can easily make sure of this by verifying its availability on the official business database at The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website!
Secure your desired business name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation Application (Form 1) with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Simply mail off the paperwork to guarantee a reservation over this extended period!
Appoint a Registered Agent
In Wisconsin, all domestic and foreign LLCs are required to appoint an agent for the service of the process with a physical street address in the state. This appointed individual or business entity has agreed to accept legal papers on behalf of the LLC should it become involved in any lawsuits. The registered agent must be either a resident of Wisconsin or an authorized business operating within the state.
File Articles of Organization
From the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, you can form a limited liability company (LLC) by submitting Articles of Organization (Form 502).
Prepare an Operating Agreement
Although not legally mandatory in Wisconsin, drafting an LLC operating agreement is strongly recommended. This document serves as the pillar for governing rights and responsibilities of all members within the LLC itself and between each other. An Operating Agreement ensures that everyone involved knows what expectations must be met to ensure a successful business venture.
The Operating Agreement is an internal document and does not need to be filed with the Secretary of State. If no existing or newly created LLC has adopted one, then their articles of organization, bylaws, member control agreement, or limited liability company agreements will become its operating agreement in entirety!
Comply with Tax and Regulatory Requirements
Your LLC may be subject to additional tax and regulatory obligations. These could include:
- EIN
- Business Licenses
- Department of Revenue
Annual Report
All local and international LLCs operating in Wisconsin must file an annual report with the Department of Financial Institutions. The best way to submit it is by visiting their website, where you can do so online quickly and easily. Your report should be filed on or before the last day of your business formation’s anniversary month – for example, if you formed your LLC on July 15th, then make sure to have that report ready by September 30th!
Your LLC must submit an online filing by the following dates for 2021: March 31st, June 30th, September 30th and December 31st. The Department will alert your registered agent with instructions on how to complete this process; the fee is $25 for a domestic LLC and $80 for a foreign one.
Things To Do After Setting Up Your Own LLC
After setting up your LLC, there are a few key steps that must be taken in order to ensure its success.
These include:
- Filing taxes,
- Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits,
- Creating an operating agreement,
- Opening a bank account with the LLC name and funding it,
- Establishing a good accounting system.
It is advisable to hire experts when completing these steps to make sure everything is done correctly. Properly following each of these procedures will help you get your LLC off the ground quickly so you can begin taking advantage of the benefits that come along with this business structure.
Get Professional Help in Forming an LLC in Wisconsin
It can be difficult and time-consuming to form a Wisconsin LLC all by yourself.
That’s why we decided to give you a few of the best options for professional services that can help you start an LLC in no time & with 0 effort!
#1 – Create an LLC in Wisconsin Using Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest has vast experience in creating LLCs and Corporations. They by far have the best support and client satisfaction rate. We’ve used and tested them ourselves and can guarantee that they’ll do an exceptional job for you.
You can read our Northwest Registered review here.
$39+State Fees
Rating: 4.9/5
Review count: 4850+
Form an LLC today with Nortwest. They have 98% customer satisfaction rating and over 4150+ verified reviews. They will include 1 year of free registered agent service!
#2 – ZenBusiness Will Form an LLC in Wisconsin
ZenBusiness is one of our top-rated LLC services as well. They have a super value-to-price ratio. And it’s perfect for those who are looking for the cheapest option to form their LLCs. When we tested their service — they’ve done a great job, so we can honestly recommend them.
To know more about them — read our ZenBusiness review here.
$0 + State Fees
Rating: 4.8/5
Review count: 4830+
Form an LLC today with ZenBusiness for only $0 + State fees. They Have 98% customer satisfaction rating and over 4830+ verified reviews.