Start an LLC in Wisconsin

Step one in starting a Wisconsin LLC is choosing a business name. You can read the complete list of Wisconsin’s rules for LLC names in WI ST § 183.0112, but here are the basics. The name of your LLC must:

• Include “limited liability company,” “L.L.C,” or “LLC.”
• Not include words like “partnership” or “corporation”—anything that may make your business sound like a different type of entity.
• Be unique among other registered Wisconsin businesses.

Got a business name picked out? Check to see if it’s available.

All LLCs in Wisconsin must have a registered agent—an individual or business who accepts legal and state mail on behalf of your company. Your registered agent can be you, someone associated with the business, or a third party like a registered agent company.

Your registered agent’s name and address must be listed on your Articles of Organization, so you’ll need to have one before officially forming your LLC.

Learn why business experts use a registered agent service.

You’ll need to file Articles of Organization to start your Wisconsin LLC. You can submit your articles online or by mail. Paper filings cost $170 and online submissions are $130. Expediting costs an additional $25.

Note: The information on this form will become part of the public record.

Wisconsin Articles of Organization require the following information:

• Company name. Include an indicator like “LLC” or “limited liability company.”
• Registered agent. The person or company designated to accept legal documents on behalf of your business.
• Registered agent address. This must be a street address. PO Boxes are only accepted in addition to a physical address.
• Management structure. Specify whether members or managers will run your LLC.
• Organizer. This is the person filing the document. You must include the organizer’s name, signature, address, and daytime phone number.
• Effective date: You may include a future date (up to 90 days) to delay the start of your LLC or skip.

Your Wisconsin LLC operating agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the rules and provisions all members must follow. It covers how your LLC will handle important events such as potential mergers, votes, conversions, and internal disputes.

Check out our attorney-drafted Wisconsin LLC Operating Agreement.

An EIN—or employer identification number—is like a social security number for your LLC. The IRS assigns the nine-digit, unique number for tax purposes. To obtain an EIN, you can apply through the IRS website or use a paper form. There is no fee.

Learn How to get an EIN for your LLC.

As of January 1st, 2024, most new Wisconsin LLCs will need to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 30 days of company formation. Existing LLCs have until January 1st, 2025. On the BOI Report, you’ll need to provide identifying information about your company applicant and all beneficial owners, as well as some information about the LLC itself.

A Beneficial Owner is anyone with at least 25% membership interest in your LLC or with substantial control over its operations or finances.

Your Company Applicant is the person who filed your Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate and Consumer Services. The company applicant is also called an LLC organizer.

A business bank account is a must-have for your LLC. Why, you ask? Well, LLCs are distinct entities—meaning they’re separate from their owners. So, if you mix your personal and business finances, you could risk losing your liability protection. Nobody wants that.

To open a business bank account, you’ll likely need to provide your bank with the following:

• Wisconsin Articles of Organization (a copy is acceptable)
• the LLC’s operating agreement
• the LLC’s EIN
• an LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account (if your LLC has multiple members).

If your LLC has more than one member, use our free LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account.

You formed your Wisconsin LLC and opened a bank account. Now, it’s time to fund it. Traditionally, this is done through member contributions, which means each member deposits money into the business bank account. However, a member could also contribute valuable property or services instead of money—it just depends on what works best for each member and your LLC. But keep in mind that these types of contributions can set off tax events, so you may want to seek professional advice if you or another member decide to go that specific route.

Wisconsin requires all LLCs to file an annual report with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate and Consumer Services. Your annual report can be filed online or by mail. The filing fee is $25.

Never miss your deadline. Let us file your annual report for you.

*This is informational commentary, not advice. This information is intended strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information is not intended to create, nor does your receipt, viewing, or use of it constitute, an attorney-client relationship. More information is available in our Terms of Service.