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

Forming an LLC in Wisconsin requires more than just paperwork, it involves careful budgeting for every filing, fee, and compliance obligation. Whether you’re starting a brand-new venture or upgrading from a sole proprietorship, understanding the true cost of launching and maintaining a limited liability company helps you avoid surprises and build a strong legal foundation for your business.

In 2025, forming a limited liability company in Wisconsin requires a one-time filing fee of $130 if filed online or $170 by mail. Ongoing costs include a biennial report fee of $25 every two years and optional add-ons like a registered agent service ($100–$300/year), name reservation ($15), EIN setup (free or $50+), and specialized business license fees. You may also pay $10 for a certificate of good standing, plus $5 if rushed.

In this guide, you'll find a precise breakdown of all fees — including articles of organization, biennial reports, registered agent service, permits, optional services, and more. Whether you’re launching a single member llc or managing multiple entities, this guide ensures you’re financially and legally informed at every step. Keep reading to plan smart, stay compliant, and avoid hidden costs as you form your llc in 2025.

Initial Formation Costs Unique to Wisconsin

At the time of formation or filing, many states charge LLC fees. Wisconsin’s Filing Structure is inexpensive if you can do some of the issues for yourself. Nevertheless, most people miss easy-to-forget optional but common expenses like reserving the name of the LLC or getting the certificate of good standing. New Wisconsin business owners should include the following in their budget. 

To form a limited liability company, there are some initial costs required by the state. It's not that expensive to file for divorce in Wisconsin if you do some of it yourself. But don’t forget about the optional but regular expenses, such as reserving your LLC name or ordering a certificate of good standing. New business owners in Wisconsin should budget for these things.

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. 

Once you file and get approval, your LLC becomes a legal business entity. These Days, Most business owners Use The Online Option Because It’s Fast And Cheap – And You Usually Get Confirmation Within 1-2 Business Days.

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

When you aren’t ready for forming your llc but would like to secure the name of your choice, you can reserve it in advance in Wisconsin. A name reservation application can be filed with the Department of Financial Institutions for $15 which will reserve the name for 120 days.

While this step is optional, it can be useful if you’re still getting ready, like working on your llc operating agreement or partner approvals. To file, submit Form 1 through the DFI website or by mail. A name that is not registered by another business entity in Wisconsin and that satisfies all legal requirements. 

Reserving a name does not create or register your limited liability company, it simply allows you some time in which to complete the formation process so that someone else doesn’t take your name.

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

In Wisconsin, every LLC must designate a registered agent who is a person or business authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC. You can act as your own agent for $0. However, many business owners hire a registered agent service for privacy, compliance reminders, and reliability.

Professional services are typically priced between $100 and $300 per year, which widely depends on the service provider and the features. With the help of these services, you won’t miss anything official like your court notices and deadlines for annual reports, which can result in penalties or administrative dissolution. 

Whether you hire a third-party or opt to be your own agent, the agent must have a physical address in Wisconsin (no P.O. Box) and be reachable during regular business hours. When you form an llc, this is a necessary step, and it can impact how easily your LLC stays compliant moving forward.

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 $500+

Although not mandatory in Wisconsin, an operating agreement is strongly advised for all LLCs, especially those with multiple members. Such agreements do not have to be filed with the government. However, they must be written and signed by the people seeking to form the company.

You can either draft one yourself free of charge, use an online template (at a cost of $40–$200) or hire an attorney to make a custom agreement, which will typically cost $500 or more, depending on how complex it is. 

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.

Certificate of Good Standing – $10

A Certificate of Good Standing, sometimes called a Certificate of Status, is an official document issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions confirming your limited liability company is properly registered and in good standing. You do not have to start an LLC or run it. However, some banks, vendors, or contract partners may ask you to prove your business is an LLC. 

In Wisconsin, the fee for the certificate is only $10, which you can do through the DFI’s online portal. You can get a rush certificate at an extra charge of $5, making it all $15 for urgent needs. 

Most business owners will only need it sporadically, usually when they’re getting financing, a license, or going into business.

Biennial Report & Compliance Fees

It is important to keep your limited liability company compliant after it is formed. Reporting systems in Wisconsin are simple, but failure to report on time could lead to a penalty, or suspension. This segment of the article highlights the important filing fees, amendment fees, and charges for keeping your LLC in good standing, new entrepreneur or managing more than one business entity.

Biennial Report Filing Fee – $25 Online / $40 by Mail

Every LLC in Wisconsin has to file a biennial report with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to stay in good standing. Your LLC’s business address, ownership details, and registered agent are confirmed by the report. It costs $25 for filing online and $40 for filing by mailing the form.

If you're interested to see how Wisconsin measures up with other states, check out this detailed guide to LLC formation and annual report fees by state, it helps business owners know where does each state rank in startup and recurring costs.

You have to submit this report once every two years in the third quarter of the year your LLC was formed. If you fail to file then late penalties can apply or your entity may be administratively dissolved. Fortunately, the state sends out an email reminder and allows you to submit online by way of DFI’s portal. 

Make sure to file your LLC’s biennial report on time to keep it in good standing. To learn everything you need about LLC annual and biennial reports, including how to file them, deadlines, and penalties—this comprehensive guide covers the essentials across all states.

Articles of Amendment & Restatement Filing – $30

If your LLC has a new business address, new ownership, or change in its business purpose, you will need to file Articles of Amendment or Restatement with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The filing fee for either document is $30. 

You can submit these changes either by mail or online and your documents are added to the state’s official filings. Submitting amendments on time is beneficial to keep your entity compliant and save it from any legal or tax issue in the future. 

Many business owners change their records whenever there is an internal change or updated llc operating agreement. Having up-to-date documents allows banks, state agencies, and partners to rely on the current information about your LLC.

Late Filing Penalty – $25 Plus Reinstatement Fee

If you miss your biennial report in Wisconsin, your LLC will be subject to a late filing penalty of $25. If your LLC is administratively dissolved, you may also have to pay a reinstatement fee. In case your business entity fails to file in the proper calendar quarter or ignores reminder notices from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, this can happen.

Make sure you take a look at this guide on renewing or reactivating an LLC. This article walks through the filing procedures and deadlines. It will also help you restore your business’s status to avoid delays or costly reinstatement. 

To reinstate your LLC, you will need to file Form 53, pay your outstanding filing fees and request reinstatement. This request usually requires an extra $100 fee. Timely compliance is important as late filings can impair your ability to obtain financing, contract deals or keep your license.

Registered Agent Change Fee – $10

In Wisconsin, you must file a formal change with the Department of Financial Institutions if you want to change your registered agent or their business address. Costing just $10 to file, this amendment is one of the cheapest you will file as a business owner.

This change can be submitted online or by mail. The information of your registered agent service must be up to date. Otherwise, it can miss important legal notices. This causes delay in filings. There is also a risk of your limited liability company getting administratively dissolved. Make sure your public records have accurate, up-to-date information when switching from a commercial agent to self-service (or vice versa).

Wisconsin-Specific Licensing & Permit Fees

After you form an llc, some businesses in Wisconsin must get state and local licenses to operate legally. Depending on your location, industry and model, costs can vary greatly. This section covers the most common licensing fees, including seller’s permits, municipal business licenses, and specialized regulatory costs, so you can plan ahead and stay compliant as a Wisconsin business.

Seller’s Permit Registration (Dept. of Revenue) – Free

If your limited liability company sells physical tangible items or taxable services, you must have a seller’s permit from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Registration can be done for free online using the state’s One Stop Business Registration Portal. Check out these business tax resources from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for detailed registration information. 

With a seller’s permit, your business can collect and pay sales tax, which is legally required for most retail and service-based businesses in Wisconsin. To apply, you will require your employer identification number (EIN), projected monthly sales volume, and your business classification (NAICS code). 

Single-member LLCs that make taxable sales must also register with the state. After getting the approval for your permit, it will remain valid as long as your business entity continues to be active and tax reporting is compliant. Staying compliant with this is vital to avoid fines from state tax authorities.

County & Municipal Business License Costs – $25–$200+

Most local jurisdictions in Wisconsin, including cities, towns, and counties, require LLCs to get a license or permit. The content will help you know more. You'll normally pay from $25 to more than $200 each year for a license, depending on your business type and location and how many employees you have. 

For a wider view of the costs of business licenses in various states and what is required for popular industries and municipalities, check this national license cost guide. For more help with licensing requirements, check out this federal resource for business licenses and permits. 

For example, according to the City of Madison, licensing requirements apply to many types of retail, food service and home-based business entities. Also, the costs may vary depending on the inspection requirement and permits required locally. While not licensed in every county, failed to obtain a license in the event one is required could cost a fine or halt of business. 

Contact your city clerk’s office or county business division to confirm licensing requirements. A lot of businesspeople go to their municipality’s website to either apply directly or find renewal deadlines.

Industry-Specific Regulatory Fees (Liquor, Construction, etc.)

Various industries within Wisconsin incur further regulatory fees, which can increase your initial and continuing costs substantially. You probably need permits from state agencies, or federal agencies if your LLC works in alcohol distribution, food service, health care, construction and so on. To get specifics on the licensing requirements and how to apply, visit this Wisconsin professional and business licensing requirements portal. 

For Example, a retail establishment dealing with alcohol may require a Class A or Class B license. The cost varies from $100 to over $1,000 annually based on the municipality. In Wisconsin, contractors are required to apply to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, which comes with an application fee along with renewal fees after some time. 

The latest forms and fees can be obtained by calling the applicable licensing board or by visiting dsps.wi.gov. Professional fees, inspection, and insurance requirements vary by industry. Failure to comply with these can disrupt your business entity launch and create compliance issues. 

Expedited Filing & Professional Add-Ons

If time is of the essence, or you wish for a professional to assist you during formation, Wisconsin provides expedited filing options, as well as allowing third-party assistance. Although they are not necessary but these additional services can make complex steps simpler, and minimize mistakes and time wastage, particularly good for first-time business owners or those forming multiple limited liability companies. The below are added expenditures that might be worth it if you want speed, support or convenience that goes beyond basic do-it-yourself filing.

DFI Expedited Filing Fee – $25 for 2-Business-Day Service

If you need to form your LLC quickly, Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions gives you the option of expedited filing with an add-on of $25. This service reduces standard processing to only two business days, compared to the usual turnaround time of 5–7 days for standard online filing or longer for paper submissions. 

Expedited processing available for articles of organization, name changes, and reinstatements and similar documents. During the process of filing, you can request it by ticking the box on the online or post form. You pay this fee in addition to your normal filing fee, per document. 

Although not mandatory, many entrepreneurs opt for this additional service when a contract deadline is approaching, license application is needed or there is a launch of a business. When starting a limited liability company in Wisconsin, you can enjoy increased speed and predictability, and relatively low cost.

Rush Certificate of Good Standing – $10 + $5 Rush Fee

Need proof your LLC is active for a loan or contract? You can request a Certificate of Good Standing through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions for a fee of $10, or take the rush option for a $5 upcharge. 

A certificate of good standing is often required by banks, government agencies or large clients to verify that your limited liability company is legally in compliance and current on filings. If requested online, then rush version usually send the certificate in one business day. 

Certificate isn't necessary to run your business but if your certificate is current it can be used as a short-cut and shows you mean business. Many business owners apply when applying for financing, renewing licenses, or expanding into new states as a foreign llc.

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. 

To explore LLC formation and upkeep costs, including filing fees, yearly reports and optional services, explore this complete guide to LLC formation and maintenance expenses.

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.

How to Form an LLC in Wisconsin (High-Level Overview)

Setting up a limited liability company in Wisconsin is a simple process, and it can occur entirely online. The steps are generally the same whether you are forming a single member llc or a multi-member business. Before you begin, it’s helpful to understand different business structures and how they compare. For a comprehensive overview, see the SBA’s guide to choosing a business structure.

This section provides a quick overview, but if you want a complete, step-by-step guide to forming an LLC in Wisconsin, including screenshots, name selection tips, and legal forms, check out this detailed resource.

Step-by-Step Process to Start Your Wisconsin LLC:

• Step 1: Choose a unique name for your LLC (check availability with the Department of Financial Institutions)
• Step 2: Designate a registered agent with a physical address in Wisconsin
• Step 3: File your articles of organization online or by mail
• Step 4: Create an llc operating agreement (recommended, especially for multi-member LLCs)
• Step 5: Apply for an employer identification number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service
• Step 6: Register for taxes or local business licenses if required
• Step 7: Open a business bank account to separate personal and business finances

Wisconsin makes the process simple with its One Stop Business Portal, where you can file most documents electronically. While many entrepreneurs DIY the process, others choose a registered agent service or professional formation provider for added convenience.

Following these steps ensures your business entity is compliant, legally formed, and ready to operate across the state. For a nationwide perspective, this resource on how to start an LLC in the U.S. covers state-by-state variations in naming rules, filing documents, EIN registration, and post-formation compliance — useful if you’re researching other states or expanding beyond 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.

Resources for Wisconsin LLC Owners

Whether you're filing for the first time or managing ongoing requirements, these official resources will help you navigate LLC costs, compliance, and formation in Wisconsin with confidence.

• Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) – Corporate Registration (dfi.wi.gov): File your articles of organization, submit biennial reports, and access forms related to amendments and compliance.
• Wisconsin One Stop Business Portal (onestop.wi.gov): Complete LLC formation steps, register for taxes, and apply for local licenses in a centralized online platform.
• Wisconsin Department of Revenue – Business Taxes & Seller’s Permits (revenue.wi.gov): Register for sales tax, obtain a seller’s permit, and explore small business tax obligations.
• IRS – Apply for an EIN Online (irs.gov): Secure your Employer Identification Number (EIN) for free—required for tax reporting and business banking.
• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) (wedc.org): Access grants, local economic development programs, and support for small business owners in Wisconsin.
• Wikipedia – Limited Liability Company (en.wikipedia.org): Understand the LLC structure, tax treatment, and legal context behind forming an LLC.
• 2023 SBA Small Business Economic Profile – Wisconsin (advocacy.sba.gov): Review detailed statistics about small business impact, employment, and startup activity in Wisconsin.

Bookmark these tools to stay compliant, save money, and grow your business with confidence—whether you're a solo entrepreneur or managing multiple LLCs.