How to Start an LLC in Wisconsin (WI)

A Limited Liability Company is a great option for any type of business in Wisconsin. Forming an LLC allows you to separate business and personal assets, protecting you in case your business runs into legal or financial troubles. It also does not interfere with your ability to freely conduct your business as if you were a sole proprietor. Essentially, it gives you the protection of a corporation without going through as much paperwork. 

It costs $130 to apply for an LLC in Wisconsin (or $170 by mail) and takes about 5 business days to be processed and approved. 

To form an LLC  in Wisconsin, follow our step-by-step instructions: 

How to Form an LLC in Wisconsin – A Step by Step Guide

You can apply for your LLC on your own or through a professional service. While filing on your own isn’t complicated and doesn’t take too much time, you still want to make sure you complete each step as outlined below, ensuring your LLC is set up correctly the first time around.

If you’d rather not handle your business’s legal side, we suggest hiring experts to file all your business paperwork for you (a more worry-free approach).

Otherwise, if you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person, follow these 5 initial steps:  

1. Name your Wisconsin LLC 

To form an LLC in Wisconsin, you need to follow specific name requirements set by state law. Your business name needs to be unique, meaning no other company has a similar name. 

Name Requirements

Before checking to see if the business name you’d like is available, to abide by Wisconsin LLC law, make sure the name of your company contains one of the following:

• Limited Liability Company
• Limited Liability Co.
• LLC
• L.L.C

Your LLC name can be your business name, like Plumbing King L.L.C, or the name of one of your LLC’s members, such as Joe Smith LLC.  

Check Name Availability

Once you’ve decided on your name, you need to check to see if it’s available and there’s no other company in Wisconsin using it. The quick and easy way to do this is through a quick google search using your desired name.

If you don’t find any competing companies, you can move onto the next step – checking your business’s potential name through the Wisconsin business name search. 

If you do find a name you like you’re allowed to reserve it for up to 120 days, for $15, by filling out a Name Reservation Application and mailing it to the state. 

Using a Fictitious Name

If you don’t want to use LLC in your business name, then you can add a fictitious name once your business is registered. Also known as DBA (“doing business as,”) or a trade name, a fictitious name allows you to run your business under a name that’s not the legal LLC registered name. 

You can also use a fictitious name if you plan on running several different businesses under your LLC formation.

To file a fictitious name in Wisconsin, you need to complete a Registration of Trade Name/Trademark so you can legally operate under that name. Keep in mind that registering a trade name does not grant you ownership to that name, but does inform others looking to create an LLC that the name is already in use.  

Once you’ve figured out what your business name is and you’ve made sure it’s still available, the next step is to choose a registered agent who will help you with the legal side of your business. 

2. Choose a Wisconsin Registered Agent

A registered agent is anyone who receives and sends legal documents on behalf of your company. They are the main point of contact between your company and the Secretary of State.

In Wisconsin, an LLC must have a registered agent who lives in Wisconsin and has a valid street address (not a P.O. box).

An LLC registered agent can be:

• Yourself 
• A family member or friend 
• A Commercial Registered Agent  

Why you should use a registered agent

While the easier route seems to have yourself, or one of your LLC’s members, act as the registered agent, there are some benefits in hiring a professional. A registered agent will ensure your business is always in good standing with the state, helping you stay organized and up-to-date. It also adds a layer of protection since they’ll help you in the case of a lawsuit or any penalties/fines.

Once you’ve decided who’s the best person to be your registered agent the next step is to submit your LLC application. 

3. File a Wisconsin LLC Articles of Organization

You need to file an ‘Articles of Organization’ with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to have your LLC approved. 

Be prepared to include the following information on your application: 

• Your LLC’s name
• The name and address of your LLC’s registered agent
• Whether the LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed
• The name and address of each organizer
• Your LLC’s email and phone number
• The signature of the LLC’s organizer
• The name of the drafter of the articles

What’s the difference between member-managed or manager-managed? 

Member-managed is if you (and the other owners of your LLC) are responsible for everyday business activities. In contrast, manager-managed is if you decide to hire someone who is not a member to manage your business’s day-to-day activities.

Member-managed is more common for smaller businesses, while larger companies typically use manager-managed. You’d usually only choose manager-managed if you are a passive investor and aren’t involved much in the business.  

You can submit your application online or by mail. Filing online costs $130 and takes approximately 2 days to get approval, while filing by mail costs $170 and can take 5 business days to process. For an additional $25 fee, you can have your LLC approved within 24 hours. 

Once you get approval, you can move onto step 4 – creating an LLC Operating Agreement. If you’re operating your LLC by yourself, skip to step 5. 

4. Create a Wisconsin LLC Operating Agreement

If your LLC has two or more members, it should have an operating agreement. Although it’s not required in Wisconsin, we suggest creating one to outline how the business is structured and how it will operate among its members (and/or managers). 

Some of the sections you’ll typically find covered in an operating agreement include:

• Organization
• Management
• Voting
• Capital distributions
• Distributions
• Dissolution

Again, while this is not a necessary step, as you don’t have to mail it to the secretary of state, it is recommended if your LLC has more than 2 members. It helps clarify the rules of your LLC and makes sure they are legally documented.

After you’ve agreed and created an LLC Operating Agreement, the next step is to create your unique employer identification number. 

5. Apply for your Wisconsin LLC Employer Identification Number (EIN

Once your LLC is approved, you’ll need to get an employer identification number (EIN).
An EIN is a federal tax ID number that registers you with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This number identifies your company when filing taxes.

How to register for an EIN:

– Apply online or,
– fill out the Employer Identification Number form and fax it to 855-641-6935, or mail it to:

Internal Revenue Service,
Attn: EIN Operation,
Cincinnati,
OH, 45999

If you apply online, you’ll get instant approval. If you apply by fax, it takes up to 4 business days, whereas mailing can take up to 4 weeks. Applying for your EIN is completely free! 

Wisconsin LLC Registration – Final Checklist & Summary

Ready to get started? Use this simple checklist to make sure you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s! 

1. Name your LLC  – Your business name must have ‘Limited Liability Company’ or ‘Limited Liability Co.’ (or a similar abbreviation), so it can be classified as an LLC in Wisconsin. The name must be distinguishable from other LLCs in the state, so use the Wisconsin Business Name Database to ensure your desired name is unique.
2. Choose a Registered Office – A registered agent is a person who receives and sends legal documents on behalf of your company. It can be you, a friend or family member, or a commercial registered agent. 
3. File a Wisconsin LLC Articles of Organization – To form an LLC, you must submit an ‘articles of organization’ and submit it online or by mail to the Wisconsin state. It should take less than a week to get it approved. It costs $130 to file online or $170 to file by mail. 
4. Apply for your Wisconsin LLC Employer Identification Number (EIN) & File your Tax Registration Form – Once you get approval for your LLC, you need to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) through the IRS. This number identities your company when filing taxes. You can apply online for free, and approval is instant.
5. Create Wisconsin LLC Operating Agreement – If your LLC has two or more members, you should create an LLC operating agreement that outlines how the business is structured, who is responsible for what, and how much of the LLC each person owns. You don’t have to send your operating agreement to the Wisconsin state, but you should have one, so everything is documented and signed by all members.

Always double-check your LLC information is correct before submitting any paperwork. You want to avoid simple mistakes and ensure your business is set up correctly from the get-go. If it’s within your budget, we recommend using a formation service to help form your LLC. They can act as your registered agent and make sure your company is always in good standing. Just make sure you do your homework and choose one of the best LLC services for your business.

Our first recommendation is to go with ZenBusiness, an LLC creation service that holds your hand from start to finish. Packages start as low as $49. 

How To Apply for a Wisconsin LLC Online

Now that you know the exact steps on what’s needed to form your LLC, it’s time to start the application process. There are two ways of going about this:

1. Do it Yourself 

Taking the DIY route is a good option if your budget is tight or you’ve previously opened an LLC and understand how it works.

2. Use an Online Formation Company

Using an online formation company is a better option if it’s your first time opening up an LLC and if it’s within your budget (formation services cost anywhere between $49 – $199). This is typically a better choice if you want to avoid headaches and have peace of mind knowing professionals handle everything for you. 

If using a professional service is more up your alley, here are our top 3 recommendations: 

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness built its platform to meet the needs of your business throughout its lifetime. When you pay for their services, you’ll receive a personalized dashboard for your business to store documents, receive alerts, and manage your website.

ZenBusiness charges work on a tier system. There are three different tiers with pricing as follows:

• The Starter = $49 annually
• The Pro = $199 annually
• The Premium = $299 annually

Visit ZenBusiness and File Your LLC Today

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IncFile

IncFile provides you with a full suite offering startup services to best support your business formation.

Their pricing model also depends on the state you are filling. You can generate a personalized quote on their website by entering the necessary information about your business.

Visit IncFile and file your LLC today

IncFile Review

Legal Zoom

LegalZoom is an online legal service provider that helps you to be able to create legal documents without having to pay the expensive lawyer fees. Some of the services they provide assistance to includes business formation, copyrights, and trademarks.

LegalZoom has many different pricing options available. For their LLC service, pricing begins at $79 + the allotted state fee.

Visit LegalZoom and file your LLC Today

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After Starting Your Wisconsin LLC

You’re approved – now what? The journey doesn’t stop here – there’s still a handful of things you need to do to get your business off the ground. We recommend ticking off the following items to make sure your LLC gets off on the right foot. 

Purchase A Domain For Your Business

Even if your business is local, having an online presence is essential in creating trust, professionalism, and a way for people to find you. If you haven’t already thought about getting a website, now’s the time. In a tech-saturated world, you need a domain to not only attract new customers but help create a good first visual impression of what your business does and how it can help. 

Get A Business Phone Number

Since your business is now an approved Wisconsin LLC, you should think about getting a business phone number. Having a business number is a great way to show professionalism to your clients and customers. It makes you more serious and, more importantly – more trustworthy.

There are various online phone services you can go with, or you could go the traditional route and open an account through a local branch. You can get a local number or a 1-800; the options are endless!  

Open Your Wisconsin LLC Business Bank Account

You’ll want to open a business account that’s separate from your personal banking. This will not only make accounting easier, but you won’t have to worry about your finances mixing in with your business finances.

USA Business Bank Accounts

If you already have online banking, it might be easier to open a business account through your current bank, so all your banking (although in separate accounts) will be accessible in the same place. If you prefer to open something new, keep these checking accounts in mind: 

Chase – Free checking account with no extra fees – as long as you keep a $1,500 minimum balance.

BlueVine – Free checking account with mobile banking and a debit MasterCard. 

Bank Novo – Open a free checking account with Free transfers and free ATM fees.

Wisconsin Bank and Trust – Open a small business checking account or a commercial checking account with access to your own financial team. 

State Bank – Open a checking account and work alongside a local business banker to make sure your business runs smoothly.

Along with your business checking account, you should apply for a business credit card too. Having a business credit card is an excellent way to establish your business credit score (which may help if you ever need a loan). It also makes it easier for online purchases, and again, it will keep your personal and business finances separate. 

Find Accountant/Buy Accounting Software

Taxes get complicated fast and can be a burden to handle. We recommend getting an accountant or using accounting software to ensure all your spending actions are tracked (payroll, bills, invoices, receipts, etc.). Here are some popular options to look into:

Wave – Free invoicing & accounting software with credit card processing & payroll services.

Intuit Quickbooks – Online accounting software to track expenses, customize invoices, and run reports.

Freshbooks – Accounting software to send invoices, track time, manage receipts, expenses, and accept credit cards.

Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credential – If you want to use a local tax specialist, you can search for a certified public accountant (CPA) through the IRS online directory.

Having all of your business reports in one spot is highly beneficial, so you can keep an eye on your cash flow. To run a successful business, you will need to analyze how your business performs and narrow down what’s working or what isn’t working. Finding areas for growth will ensure success. 

Don’t Forget to File an Annual Report

The Department of Financial Institutions requires all LLCs in Wisconsin to submit an annual report. An annual report keeps your LLC active with the state and updates any business information they currently have on file. The report is filed online at the department’s website.

Your report is due at the end of the calendar quarter of the anniversary month of your LLC’s creation. Each quarter has its own deadline, which are:

– March 31st,(first quarter)
– June 30th, (second quarter)
– September 30th, (third quarter)
– December 31st. (fourth quarter)

For example, if your LLC was approved in July, then your annual report must be sent each year before September 30th.

Expect to pay a $25 filing fee. 

Notify Wisconsin Of Any Changes You Make To Your LLC

If at any time you make changes to your LLC you need to inform the state. If you’re using a registered agent they can do this for you. If you’re going about this alone, you can update changes through Wisconsini’s business portal or through your registered agent. 

8 Benefits of Forming an LLC in Wisconsin

Setting up an LLC in Wisconsin makes sure your business finances stay separate from any personal finances and that each member’s personal possessions are safe.

It’s a great business entity for small, medium or large businesses as it gives you the freedom of a sole proprietorship or partnership with the protection of a corporation. Best of all, it’s easy to get (approval is instant), and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Some of its major benefits include:

1. Protect Your Personal Assets

The LLC will have its liability that does not automatically extend to the owners, unlike a sole proprietor, where you are legally responsible for everything. That means Wisconsin LLC protects the liabilities and debts incurred by the business. In most situations, your assets, such as your car, home, or savings, will never be at risk if your Wisconsin LLC is faced with lawsuits or bankruptcy.

2. Benefit From Business Profit Taxation

In an LLC in Wisconsin, your profits and losses can pass through to your income without having to have corporate taxation.

3. Simple to Create and Maintain

The formation of a Wisconsin LLC requires minimal paperwork and requirements. They are known for being easy to start and simple to maintain.

4. Minimal Restrictions

Your business matters can be managed by more than one owner or member while still being one main business to the public. This means all decisions and transactions behind the scenes can be equitably distributed while presenting one entity as you move forward.

5. Heighten Your Credibility

As you move forward, your Wisconsin LLC will continuously be recognized as an entity. People and other businesses prefer doing business with a legitimate entity because it shows your level of professionalism.

6. Gain Access to Business Loans

When you form your Wisconsin LLC, you will obtain a DUNS number and build your business credit, helping you to further build upon your business.

7. Benefit From Flexible Profit Distribution

In an LLC, you are not required to spread the distribution of profits equally across the owners. You have complete control over profit distribution in your Wisconsin LLC.

8. Good For Any Kind Of Business

An LLC business structure in Wisconsin is an excellent choice for both medium and higher-risk level businesses. You might always want to consider opting to go with an LLC if you have a significant amount of personal assets to protect from your company. And lastly, LLCs are great for owners who are interested in paying lower tax rates than corporations.

Conclusion 

Forming a Limited Liability Company in Wisconsin is a quick and easy process. For $130, you can have your LLC processed and approved in less than 2 days, giving you the security protecting your personal assets from any business’s debts and liabilities, as well as protecting yourself from any legal trouble your LLC runs into. An LLC is a great step in helping to legitimize business operations and maintaining the freedom and flexibility to conduct your business how you see fit. 

Keep in mind that it’s important that the ‘Articles of Organization’, and later your annual reports, are submitted accurately, as your LLC is a legal entity. Failure to do so can cause problems in your LLC’s creation.

If you need help, we recommend using ZenBusiness, an affordable formation service, to help you file all legal paperwork. They can also act as your registered agent, and ensure all the filings are done correctly. 

File Your Dream Business with ZenBusiness

FAQ – Forming Wisconsin LLC

There are several different steps you’ll need to take to form your LLC legally. It’s a lot of information to take in and can get confusing. To help out, we’ve compiled some answers to the most frequently asked questions: