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Form Your Wisconsin LLC

State filing fee: $130 Processing: 5-7 business days

Start Your Wisconsin LLC in America's Heartland

Wisconsin offers entrepreneurs a stable business environment with strong manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors. With low business costs, skilled workforce, and strategic Midwest location, Wisconsin provides excellent opportunities for business growth.

Low annual report fee ($25)
5-7 business day formation
Strong manufacturing base
Strategic Midwest location

Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services

ServicePriceProcessing TimeRegistered Agent
ZenBusiness
Best Overall Value
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 1 day
$199/yr
Bizee
Fastest Formation
$0
+ state fees
3 weeks
Expedited: 1 day
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
Inc Authority
Free Formation
$0
+ state fees
7-10 days
Expedited: 2 days
Free Year 1
Then $119/yr
LegalZoom
Best for Legal Support
$0
+ state fees
5-14 days
Expedited: 1 day
$249/yr
Rocket Lawyer
Legal Documents
$99.99
+ state fees
5-7 days
Expedited: Not available
$149/yr

Top 3 Recommended Services for Wisconsin

Best Overall
#1
ZenBusiness logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.9/5

ZenBusiness

Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price

ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.

Pros:

  • Starter package is $0 plus state fees
  • Registered agent and compliance services
  • Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
  • Fast 1-day processing time available
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
  • Award-winning customer support

Cons:

  • Some features require upgraded plans
  • More expensive Registered Agent service
Fastest Formation
#2
Bizee logo
$0 + state fees
★★★★⯨ 4.6/5

Bizee

Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation

Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.

Pros:

  • $0 basic formation package
  • Same-day processing available
  • Free registered agent for first year
  • Compliance alerts included
  • Dashboard for document management
  • Free business tools and templates

Cons:

  • Operating agreement not included in basic package
  • Limited customer support hours
Best for Branding
#3
Tailor Brands logo
$49 + state fees
★★★★☆ 4.3/5

Tailor Brands

Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding

Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.

Pros:

  • Includes logo design and branding
  • Website builder included
  • Business card designs
  • Mobile app available
  • Operating agreement included
  • EIN service included

Cons:

  • No rush processing available
  • Monthly subscription required
  • Customer service via chat/email only

Wisconsin LLC Formation Costs

Wisconsin LLC Cost Breakdown

State Filing Fee
$130
Annual Report Fee
$25
Total First Year Cost $155

Additional Costs to Consider:

  • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
  • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
  • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Standard Processing Time: 5-7 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

The Wisconsin LLC formation fee is $130 when filed online with the Department of Financial Institutions. Wisconsin requires an annual report with a minimal fee of $25, due by the end of the calendar quarter in which the LLC anniversary falls. This makes Wisconsin one of the most affordable states for ongoing LLC operations. Additional costs may include registered agent service ($99-$299/year) and optional services.

Wisconsin LLC formation typically takes:
  • Standard online filing: 5-7 business days
  • Paper filing: 7-10 business days
  • No expedited service available from the state
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions processes filings efficiently through their online portal, providing electronic confirmations upon completion.

Wisconsin requires all LLCs to file an annual report with a $25 fee. The report is due by the end of the calendar quarter in which the LLC's anniversary date falls. For example, if your LLC was formed in March, the annual report is due by June 30th. This low-cost requirement helps maintain good standing with minimal administrative burden.

Yes, Wisconsin law requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a Wisconsin address. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Wisconsin address, or hire a professional service for reliability and privacy.

Wisconsin attracts businesses with its combination of low operating costs, skilled workforce, and central location. The state has strong sectors in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, and healthcare. Wisconsin's location provides access to major Midwest markets, while cities like Milwaukee and Madison offer growing entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Wisconsin offers several business benefits:
  • Low annual report fee ($25)
  • No franchise tax for LLCs
  • Various business tax credits available
  • Manufacturing and agriculture tax incentives
  • R&D tax credits for qualifying activities
Wisconsin maintains competitive business tax rates while offering incentives for manufacturing and innovation.

Wisconsin doesn't legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but it's highly recommended. An operating agreement establishes ownership structure, management procedures, and operational guidelines. It's particularly important for multi-member LLCs to prevent disputes and is often required by banks for business accounts.

Wisconsin LLCs must maintain:
  • Annual report filing ($25) due by quarter-end of anniversary
  • Registered agent with Wisconsin address
  • Basic company records and operating agreement
  • Current business licenses as required
  • Workers' compensation insurance if applicable
Wisconsin has straightforward compliance requirements with minimal fees.

Yes, non-US residents can form and own a Wisconsin LLC with no citizenship or residency requirements. You must maintain a Wisconsin registered agent and obtain necessary tax identification numbers. Non-residents should consult with tax professionals regarding potential tax obligations and reporting requirements.

License requirements vary by business type and location:
  • Local business licenses (varies by municipality)
  • State licenses for regulated industries
  • Professional licenses for licensed occupations
  • Sales tax permit for taxable goods
  • Employer identification for hiring employees
  • Industry-specific permits and certifications
Check with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for specific licensing requirements.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is free from the IRS:
  • Apply online at IRS.gov (immediate approval)
  • Apply by fax (4 business days)
  • Apply by mail (4-5 weeks)
  • Use a formation service ($99-$159)
An EIN is necessary for business banking, hiring employees, and filing tax returns.
Wisconsin maintains a business-friendly environment with:
  • Competitive operating costs
  • Skilled manufacturing workforce
  • Strong agricultural economy
  • Growing technology sector in Madison
  • Excellent transportation infrastructure
  • Pro-business government policies
The state consistently ranks well for manufacturing and offers strong support for agricultural businesses.
Wisconsin offers several business entity options:
  • S Corporation: May provide tax savings for profitable businesses
  • C Corporation: Better for raising capital with multiple investors
  • Limited Partnership: Suitable for investment structures
  • Sole Proprietorship: Simplest but no liability protection
  • Cooperative: For member-owned businesses
Each structure has different tax implications, liability protection, and operational requirements. Consult with professionals to determine the best choice for your situation.

Ready to Start Your Wisconsin LLC?

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Formation starting at $0 + state fees