How to start an LLC in Wisconsin
Forming an LLC in Wisconsin costs $130 and online filings are typically approved in usually within a few business days online. Here's the whole process, step by step.
Filing fee
$130
One-time, paid to the state
Approval time
usually within a few business days online
Typical for online filings
Ongoing fee
$25/yr
What the state charges each year
Fees and processing times change — always confirm the current figures with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions before you file.
The 4 steps in Wisconsin
Pick a name that works in Wisconsin
Your name must be distinguishable from other Wisconsin businesses and include a designator such as “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company.” Search DFI's corporate records before filing.
File the paperwork
You file Articles of Organization (Form 502) with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Online filing costs $130; paper filing costs $170 and is slower. The filing fee is $130. Also write a simple operating agreement — it's free, and it keeps your liability protection clear.
Get your free EIN
Apply at IRS.gov and get your Employer Identification Number immediately, for free. You'll need it for taxes and your business bank account.
Open a business bank account
Bring your approved Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement. Keeping business money separate is what makes the liability protection hold.
Optional: name a registered agent service
Every Wisconsin LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can be your own for free — or pay a service to keep your address private. Learn how registered agents work.
Wisconsin's annual report deadline is tied to your formation quarter, not a fixed date — for example, an LLC formed in May files by June 30 each year. Filing online saves $40 upfront.
File directly with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Common questions about Wisconsin LLCs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin filing fee is $130, paid once when you submit your Articles of Organization. Getting your EIN from the IRS is free, and you can be your own registered agent for free. Ongoing, Wisconsin charges $25/yr. Fees change over time, so confirm the current amount on the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website before you file.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Wisconsin?
Online filings are typically approved in usually within a few business days online, though times vary with the state's workload. Mail filings take longer. Check the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website for current processing times.
Do I need a registered agent in Wisconsin?
Yes — every Wisconsin LLC must list a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. You can be your own agent for free, or hire a commercial service (roughly $100–$150 a year) to keep your address off the public record.
Does Wisconsin require an annual report?
Wisconsin LLCs file an annual report by the end of the calendar quarter in which they were formed. The online fee is $25.
Can I form my Wisconsin LLC myself, without a service?
Yes. Filing directly with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions is straightforward: pick a name, submit the Articles of Organization online, and pay the $130 fee. A formation service is optional convenience, not a requirement.
Where to go next
Ready to make your Wisconsin LLC official?
Grab the free checklist so nothing gets missed, or compare formation services.