Wisconsin LLC Cost

For a basic LLC, the cost to start a business in Wisconsin is reasonable.

Wisconsin LLC Filing Fee – $130

The nonrefundable LLC filing fee is $130 unless you file online, in which case it’s $170. We can help you get it fast with our rush service.

Name Reservation – $15

You may choose a business name on your Articles of Organization form. If you want to reserve a name before forming your LLC, you can file a Name Reservation Application separately for $15 (plus an extra $25 if you want to expedite it).

Registered Agent and Registered Office Fees – Free

There is no fee to designate a registered agent or registered office or to change your registered agent. But if your registered agent resigns or you change your registered office, there is a $10 fee.

You may need to pay a few more fees depending on what kind of business you have. Be sure to pay attention to whether these are one-time fees or annual fees.

Annual Report

Wisconsin requires LLCs to file an annual report every year. The fee is $25.

Foreign LLC Registration

If you already have an LLC in another state and want to expand your business to Wisconsin, you need to file a Foreign Limited Liability Company Application for Certificate of Registration. The filing fee is $100.

Foreign LLC Annual Report

Foreign LLCs registered in Wisconsin also must file annual reports, but their fee is $80.

Fictitious Name

If an LLC wishes to use a name other than its official business name, it may register a fictitious name (also known as a trade name) with the Department of Financial Institutions. The registration costs $15 and lasts for 10 years.

Foreign LLC Name Registration

If a foreign LLC’s name is already taken in Wisconsin, the foreign LLC must choose a new name. This is done by filing a name registration form for $50. An annual renewal fee of $50 is required to maintain the registration.

Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on the type of business you form, Wisconsin may require you to obtain the following:

• Business tax registration
• Seller’s permit
• Consumer’s use tax certificate
• Use Tax certificate
• Wisconsin withholding tax number
• Other permits (e.g. for alcohol, fuel, tobacco)

Wisconsin also may require you to register for unemployment insurance. If you aren’t sure which filing requirements apply to your business, we can run a Business License Report for you. The report will tell you which licenses your business needs to operate legally at the federal, state, county, and local levels.

For just $0, we can form your Wisconsin LLC for you in just minutes. No LegalZoom promo code required: Pay just $0 plus filing fees for fast LLC formation in Wisconsin. 

If you fail to pay fees on time — particularly the annual report fee — you may have to pay late fees. Eventually, the Department of Financial Institutions will administratively dissolve your LLC. This may leave you without the liability protection you sought in forming an LLC instead of a sole proprietorship.

We know it’s hard to keep track of ongoing filing obligations when you’re busy running a new business. Our Worry-Free Compliance Service can remind you of these deadlines and put your mind at ease.

The Wisconsin government won’t file any document that isn’t submitted together with the appropriate fee.

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

The $130 (or $170 if paid by mail) for your Articles of Organization will be your largest fee.

Wisconsin accepts payments via cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.