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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > Wisconsin (WI)
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Incorporate in Wisconsin (WI)

Learn the basic facts about Wisconsin corporations and Wisconsin limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Wisconsin corporations and Wisconsin LLCs and learn about Wisconsin rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.

Forming a Wisconsin Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)

There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Wisconsin business. The most advantageous entities to form in Wisconsin are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Wisconsin. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Wisconsin, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.

Get Started

If you decide that a Wisconsin corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Wisconsin, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:

$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
  • Preliminary Name Check with State
  • Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
  • BizComply Online Compliance Tool
  • 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.


Incorporating in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Corporate Name Endings
Wisconsin Corporation Requirements
Wisconsin Corporate Taxes and Fees
Wisconsin Business License Requirements


Wisconsin Corporate Name Endings

The name of the corporation shall contain the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof, or words or abbreviations of words with similar meanings in another language. The name may not contain language stating or implying the corporation is organized for a purpose other than as permitted. The corporate name must be distinguishable upon the records of the Secretary of State from other corporations, LLCs, and other business entities authorized to use the name in the state.


Wisconsin Corporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number: One or more.
  • Residence Requirements: No provision.
  • Age Requirements: None.
  • Directors are required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Officer Information

  • Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Stock Information

  • An increase in shares will not cause an increase in initial filing fees.

    Corporate Records

  • The corporation is required to kept records; however, no location is specified.


    Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit www.dor.state.wi.us.

    S Corporation

    S Corporation status is recognized by the State of Wisconsin. A separate state election from the federal election is not required.


    License Requirements

    Wisconsin requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. The following is a partial list:
  • Collection agencies
  • Dairy products
  • Detectives
  • Employment agents
  • Fishermen
  • Food processing plants
  • Insurance agents
  • Interior designers
  • Landscape architects
  • Pharmacies
  • Real estate brokers
  • Restaurants
    Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin LLC Name Endings
    Wisconsin LLC Requirements
    Wisconsin LLC Taxes and Fees
    Wisconsin Business License Requirements


    LLC Name Endings

    The LLC name must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."


    Wisconsin LLC Requirements

    Member/Manager Information

  • Minimum Number: one or more
  • Residence Requirements: no provision
  • Age Requirements: no provision
  • Members/Managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization


    Wisconsin Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit www.dor.state.wi.us.


    License Requirements

    Wisconsin requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Registered Agents in Wisconsin

    Wisconsin corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.

    A Wisconsin registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Wisconsin. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Wisconsin.

    If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Wisconsin. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Wisconsin, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.

    Large companies in Wisconsin benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Wisconsin. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Wisconsin benefit by providing a consistent Wisconsin address.

    Another advantage to using another company as your Wisconsin registered agent is that the information of your Wisconsin registered agent is public record.

    Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Wisconsin.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    There are few restrictions on who can be an owner of an LLC or how many owners an LLC may have.


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