What Does It Cost to Form & Maintain an LLC in Wisconsin in 2025?

Starting a Wisconsin LLC costs $130 online (or $170 by mail) for the Articles of Organization, with most founders also grabbing an EIN for $0 directly from the IRS. After formation, your only mandatory recurring state fee is the $25 online annual report (paper totals $40 because of a $15 surcharge) due by the end of your anniversary quarter. Optional costs, like a registered agent service (~$99–$300/yr), trade name/DBA ($15 for 10 years), or expedited processing (+$25) – depend on your privacy, timing, and branding needs. Below you’ll find a source-backed breakdown of startup and ongoing costs.

Wisconsin LLC Cost Summary (Start-up & Ongoing Fees)

Below is a quick-reference summary of what you’ll pay to form your llc and keep it compliant in business in wisconsin. Amounts are current per state sources and major agencies; notes after the table link to the official pages.

Helpful tax context: Wisconsin doesn’t charge an LLC-specific franchise tax. By default, most limited liability companies are pass-throughs; however, if your LLC elects corporate taxation (C-corp or S-corp), Wisconsin imposes the corporate franchise/income tax (7.9%) at the entity level. Talk with an accountant about tax treatment before you file your tax return.

Initial Formation Costs Unique to Wisconsin

At formation, Wisconsin keeps state fees fairly low, especially if you file online and handle simple tasks yourself. Still, many new owners forget small-but-common add-ons like reserving a name or ordering a Certificate of Status. To avoid surprises, budget for the items below.

Before you file, use the Wisconsin business search to confirm your LLC name is available.

Articles of Organization Filing Fee – $130 Online / $170 by Mail

To establish an LLC in Wisconsin, you must file your articles of organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Filing online through the state’s One Stop Business Portal costs $130, while filing by mail costs $170. It is quicker to file on the internet with a $1 penalty for having a portal. 

Regardless of whether you're forming a single member llc or a multi-member llc, a non-refundable, one-time filing fee is required. Your articles must have important details like your business address, registered agent, and limited liability company purpose. 

Pro tip: Double-check spelling of your legal name before you pay the filing fee, a typo means another filing (and another fee).

Name Reservation Fee – $15 (120-Day Reservation)

Not ready to file yet, but found the perfect name? You can reserve it for 120 days for $15. Helpful when you’re still finalizing partners, an operating budget, or branding. If you’re ready to file now, skip this, your name is locked in when the Articles are approved. If you’re still sketching things out, you can form an LLC without a business plan.

DBA (“Trade Name”) filing (optional)

Want to market under a brand that’s different from your LLC’s legal name? Register a Trade Name (DBA) through DFI’s trademark/ tradename program:

• Cost: $15 per name/design
• Term: 10 years (renewable)
• Use cases: E-commerce storefront name, product line, or a shorter public name
• Reminder: A DBA does not create a new business entity; it simply lets your LLC operate under another public-facing name.

Registered Agent Service Costs – $0 (Self-Service) or $100–$300/Year (Professional)

Wisconsin requires every LLC to keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state (no P.O. Boxes) who’s available during normal business hours to receive lawsuits and government mail.

• Cost options:
  • $0 if you (or a member/manager) serve at a Wisconsin street address you control.
  • $99–$300/year for a professional registered agent service (privacy, statewide presence, and mail forwarding).
• Changing agents later: Online filing of a Statement of Change is typically $10 (paper changes cost more).

Which should you choose? Hire a service if you want privacy, plan to move offices, or can’t guarantee daytime availability. If you’d like to compare providers and pricing, see best registered agent services in Wisconsin.

EIN Application – Free via IRS vs. $50+ through Service Providers

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, acts as an ID number for your business entity, just like a Social Security Number does for you. You will need one if you plan to hire employees, set up a business bank account or operate as more than a single member llc. The quickest and least expensive method to obtain an IRS EIN is from the IRS itself, where it is free. 

However, some LLC formation firms charge $50 to $100 to get it for you during setup. It is convenient to use a third-party service, but most business owners can fill out the EIN application themselves in minutes through the IRS online portal. 

Simply fill out Form SS-4, and you will instantly get your EIN as soon as you submit online. Before applying, you must have your articles of organization and a U.S. mailing address. If you have a single-member LLC, it is taxed as a disregarded entity and the income must be reported on your tax return. Discover everything you need to know about this classification and its consequences in our complete guide to disregarded entity status.

Operating Agreement – Free to $1,200+

An operating agreement sets ownership, voting, profit splits, and rules. It’s internal (not filed with DFI), but banks and partners often ask for it.

• DIY cost: $0–$50 using a reputable template you tailor to your structure.
• Attorney-drafted: Commonly $300–$1,200+ depending on complexity (multi-member, buy-sell terms, investor rights).
• Minimums to include: ownership percentages, capital contributions, manager/member powers, tax treatment selection, dispute/resignation process, and signature blocks.

Even single-member limited liability companies should keep a written LLC operating agreement to reinforce liability protection.

If you are wondering whether legal help is worth it then read this detailed LLC attorney fees article. It covers average prices, what you get for the price, when a lawyer is worth it.

Certified Copies & Certificate of Status

Banks, vendors, or investors may ask you to prove “good standing” or provide stamped copies. Wisconsin offers:

Delivery is typically by email; mail and pick-up options are also available.

Annual Report & Ongoing Costs

You’ve launched, nice. Now keep your business entity compliant and predictable with this quick, scannable view of what repeats each year (or two). We’ll start with the must-do state filing, then cover renewals you’ll likely see as you operate and grow.

Snapshot: recurring costs at a glance

Annual Report: fee, due date, how to file

What it is: The yearly update that keeps your Wisconsin LLC in good standing. You’ll confirm or update your registered agent, principal office address, and contacts, then file an annual report with DFI.

Cost & method: The annual report fee is $25 when you use online filing (DFI portal). Paper filings add a $15 surcharge under DFI rules, so paper totals $40.

Due date: Wisconsin uses a quarter-based system tied to your formation anniversary. Your report is due by the last day of the quarter that contains your LLC’s anniversary date (e.g., approvals in Jan–Mar → due Mar 31; Apr–Jun → Jun 30; Jul–Sep → Sep 30; Oct–Dec → Dec 31). This applies each year after the calendar year you organized.

How to file (5 quick steps):

1. Go to DFI’s File Online page (or Wisconsin One Stop). Look up your company.
2. Open the Annual Report, verify your registered agent name and physical address.
3. Update your principal office address and email.
4. Review officers/managers (if any) and submit.
5. Pay $25 by card (or file by mail at $40 total).

Registered Agent Renewal Costs

Wisconsin requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a Wisconsin physical address during normal business hours. If you hire a registered agent service, plan on ~$99–$199 per year. Representative current pricing: Northwest $125/yr, InCorp $129/yr (multi-year discounts), ZenBusiness $199/yr renewal (often promo $99 first year). If you need to switch agents later, DFI’s Statement of Change is $10 when filed online.

DIY option: You (or a member/manager) can serve as agent at a street address you control to save cash, just be reliably available 9–5 for legal mail.

Licenses & Permits that renew (state & local)

There’s no single statewide “general business license.” Instead, renew the credentials that apply to your activity:

• Seller’s permit (sales/use tax): Issued through DOR’s Business Tax Registration. $20 initial (covers two years), then $10 every two years. You’ll handle filings in My Tax Account.
• Professional/occupational licenses (DSPS): Health, trades, and other regulated fields renew on cycles set by statute/board. Track and renew in LicensE.
• Local operating licenses: Cities/counties can require renewals for activities (e.g., alcohol, food service, mobile vending). Check your local clerk’s page, Milwaukee posts forms and annual renewal schedules online.
• Reference hubs: Wisconsin One Stop and the SBA’s Wisconsin district page point you to the right agencies for your business type and location.

Keep a one-page “renewal sheet” in your operating agreement binder with logins, account numbers, and due dates – handy if an owner takes leave or you hire staff.

Other Recurring Tools (domain, website, bookkeeping, insurance)

Not state fees, but they show up on every founder’s budget. Plan for:

• Domain + website: Domain (often $10–$20/yr) and hosting ($5–$25/mo for starter plans). Add a basic site builder or lightweight CMS if you’re not hiring a developer.
• Bookkeeping & payroll: Cloud bookkeeping ($25–$60/mo for starter tiers) scales with users and add-ons; payroll quotes start near $40–$50/mo + per-employee. If you want benefits and HR compliance bundled with payroll, compare the best Wisconsin PEO companies.
• Payments: Card processors commonly take 2.6%–3.5% + 10–30¢ per transaction; negotiate as volume grows.
• Business insurance: Budget for general liability (WI averages around $44/mo) and add what your risk profile demands (E&O, cyber, workers’ comp). Use the state’s consumer guide to understand coverages before you buy.
• Banking: Many online banks offer $0 monthly bank account plans; watch transaction and cash-deposit limits.

Pro move: Put renewals on a single card with alerts set 30/14/7 days out, and store PDFs (policies, invoices, state receipts) in one “Compliance” folder.

Taxes & Licenses for Wisconsin LLCs

Running a business in Wisconsin means two ongoing compliance lanes: (1) how your LLC is taxed and (2) which licenses/permits you must keep current. Below is a crisp, source-backed guide you can act on today.

Wisconsin LLC Taxes (Pass-Through, S-/C-Corp, Sales & Employer)

TL;DR: Default pass-through (members pay on their personal tax return). Optional S-corp can reduce self-employment taxes if payroll makes sense. C-corp pays WI entity tax (7.9%). If you sell taxable items, collect sales tax; employers must open withholding + unemployment accounts.

Your tax options at a glance

Sales & use tax: State rate 5%; some counties/cities add local surtaxes (e.g., City of Milwaukee 2%). Always check DOR’s rate lookup before invoicing to charge the right total.

Register & file: If you collect sales tax, register through the Business Tax Registration and file in My Tax Account. Most IDs issue within 1–2 business days.

Employer taxes:

• Withholding tax: Register with the wisconsin department of revenue and file in My Tax Account.
• Unemployment insurance: Register with DWD Unemployment Insurance online.
• New-hire reporting: Report new/rehired employees within 20 days.

Quick win: Model S-corp payroll vs. default pass-through with your CPA so the savings exceed payroll and compliance costs.

Licenses & Permits (statewide and local; how to verify requirements)

There isn’t a single statewide “general business license.” Instead, you’ll register tax accounts and then pick up any activity-specific licenses your line of business needs.

State-level checkpoints:

• Seller’s Permit / BTR: Required for most sellers of taxable products/services. Start here if you’ll collect sales tax.
• Professional/occupational licenses: Health/trades/other regulated fields renew via DSPS License; use the credential lookup and renewal portal to confirm your exact license and cycle.
• One-Stop portal: Wisconsin’s One-Stop walks you through registration across DFI, DOR, and DWD and links to permits you may need.

Local permits (examples & how to check):

• City of Milwaukee: License Division centralizes business licenses (food dealer, public passenger vehicle, etc.) and renewals. Start at the city’s licensing pages or the renewal portal.
• City of Madison: No generic license; you only license what’s regulated (e.g., restaurants, pools). Check the Clerk’s licensing list before you open.

5-minute verification flow:

1. Search your NAICS on DOR’s site to confirm sales/use obligations; then open My Tax Account if required.
2. Check DSPS LicensE for any professional credential and renewal cadence.
3. Check your city/county licensing page (Milwaukee or Madison examples above) for local permits.
4. Add renewal dates to your compliance calendar and store PDFs (permits and receipts) in a shared “Licenses” folder.

Penalties & Late Fees

Skipping a small filing can snowball. Here’s exactly what happens in Wisconsin if you miss an annual report, let your registered agent lapse, or need to get reinstated, plus the real fees you’ll pay and how to fix issues fast.

Missed annual report (late fees & status impact)

Good news: Wisconsin does not assess a monetary late fee if you miss your LLC’s annual report deadline. Instead, the state escalates toward administrative dissolution if you don’t file for several years. When DFI starts that process, your company appears on a Notice of Administrative Dissolution; if you still don’t file, DFI issues a Certificate of Administrative Dissolution about 60 days later. There are no late fees or penalties, but you lose good standing and the state can dissolve the entity.

Practical risks of missing reports

• Loss of “good standing” (banks/partners often require it).
• Inability to register in other states or update filings.
• If administratively dissolved, you may not carry on business except to wind up; your name protection can lapse.

Action to take: File the overdue annual report online right away. Domestic LLCs pay $25 online (paper totals $40 with the $15 paper surcharge).

Failure to maintain registered agent (risks & notices)

Wisconsin law requires every LLC (domestic and foreign) to designate and maintain a registered agent at a physical address in the state (no P.O. Boxes). If your agent resigns or becomes invalid and you don’t appoint a replacement, DFI can initiate administrative dissolution for noncompliance.

How notices work? DFI first addresses written notice to your registered agent. If undeliverable, DFI re-sends to your principal office; if that also fails, DFI posts public notice on its website. You have 60 days to cure after the notice takes effect.

Why it matters? During dissolution proceedings, you can still be served via your last registered agent of record; lawsuits and state mail won’t wait.

Quick fix: File a Statement of Change online to appoint a new agent ($10 online). A professional registered agent service prevents lapses and keeps your business in wisconsin reachable during business hours.

Reinstatement after administrative dissolution (steps & costs)

If your LLC is administratively dissolved, you can come back into compliance. Expect these costs and a simple fix.

Costs at a glance:

• Reinstatement application: $100
• Past-due annual reports: $25 each (domestic) / $80 each (foreign)
• Registered agent change (if needed): $10 online

What to do?
Request the reinstatement packet from DFI, fix the cause (e.g., file an annual report or appoint a valid agent), submit the application, and pay.

Effect:
Once approved, status is retroactive to the dissolution date, treated as if the company was never dissolved.

Foreign LLC note:
If revoked for missing the March 31 report, you generally have 6 months to reinstate; file overdue reports and request reinstatement within that window.

Quick reference:

Cost Comparison: Wisconsin LLC vs. Other Business Structures

The business entity you choose has an impact on your startup costs and ongoing costs along with your legal protection. Forming an llc in Wisconsin is relatively inexpensive compared to a corporation. However, both have pros and cons in terms of filing fees, tax treatment and management requirements. This section compares real costs of an LLC with a sole proprietor, corporation, and partnership respectively. It helps you choose the right structure according to your goal and budget.

Ever wonder how Wisconsin compares to other states for starting a business? Find out the best states to start an LLC, which breaks down filing fees, tax perks and other startup friendly regulations: ideal for entrepreneurs eyeing multi-state operations or selective locations.

LLC vs. Sole Proprietorship – $130 vs. No State Filing Fee

The simplest way to run a business in Wisconsin is to operate as a sole proprietorship. There is no state registration or filing fee. However, your assets are not protected in any way. If your business is sued, your personal assets might be at risk. 

Whereas, to form an llc in Wisconsin, you must file articles of organization, paying a $130 online filing fee. In return, you will gain a separate legal identity. Also, with that you will gain the benefits of a limited liability company. And these benefits are: tax flexibility, as well as asset protection.

Although it may be less expensive to form a sole proprietorship, an LLC provides better credibility, protects your personal finances, and is often better suited for business owners who plan to grow their business or hire employees.

LLC vs. Wisconsin Corporation – $130 vs. $100 Filing Fee

To incorporate your corporation in Wisconsin, you must file articles of incorporation with the Department of Financial Institutions, which has a $100 online filing fee. Establishing an LLC in Wisconsin requires somewhat of a higher cost to file the articles of organization, $130 online.

However, costs alone don’t tell the full story. Corporations are required to maintain very strict formalities. They must issue stock, and hold shareholders’ meetings each annual and filing annual reports which entails more paperwork. An LLC offers flexible management, less complicated compliance, and strong liability protection for the business owner. 

Most small to mid-sized businesses will benefit from an LLC. It mainly balances better control, ease, and costs. On the other hand, a corporation suits those wanting outside investment or going public. 

LLC vs. Partnership – Reporting & Licensing Differences

While a partnership is easy to start in Wisconsin with no formal filing fee, it doesn’t provide the legal separation or liability protection of an llc. In Wisconsin, two or more people who run a business and don’t register as a specific business entity may inadvertently form a partnership. 

In contrast to a corporation that must submit articles of incorporation to the state, an llc must submit articles of organization to the state and pay the $130 online filing fee. The llc provides far greater flexibility, particularly with respect to the llc operating agreement. Partnerships do not have the continuity and formality of an LLC that deals with ownership changes, taxes, or disputes. 

If your business is going to be long term, take on risk, or involve property, setting up an LLC is a better and safer choice for any business owner in Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin LLC Costs

Navigating the costs of starting and maintaining an LLC in Wisconsin can be confusing, especially with optional services, state fees, and recurring compliance obligations. This FAQ answers the most common cost-related questions about forming and running a limited liability company in Wisconsin, helping you avoid surprises and stay on budget.