Start a Business in Wisconsin

Helpful Tools

LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp?
Choose which one is right for you.

Limiting Your Liability
Do you need liability insurance, limited liability protection, or both?

Welcome to Our Community

We're committed to publishing free informational resources such as this how-to guide. Our resources have been shared by important industry organizations including:

This guide on starting your business in Wisconsin provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than Wisconsin, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
Wisconsin Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form 502: Articles of Organization - Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form BTR-101: Application for Business Tax Registration FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Formation: $170 paper or $130 online. Optional $25 expedite fee by either filing method. Wisconsin business tax registration: $20	Formation: ~4-7 business days. ~1 business day for $25 expedite fee.
Wisconsin Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Form 2: Articles of Incorporation - Stock For-Profit Corporation Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form BTR-101: Application for Business Tax Registration FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $100 + optional $25 expedite fee Wisconsin tax registration: $20	Incorporation: ~4-7 business days. ~1 business day for $25 expedite fee.
Wisconsin Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Form 102: Articles of Incorporation - Nonstock Corporations Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application IRS Determination Letter Form BTR-101: Application for Business Tax Registration Form S-103: Application for Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exempt Status (CES) URS Charitable Registration, if applicable Form 296: Charitable Organization Registration Statement FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $35 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee Wisconsin business tax registration: $20 Wisconsin charitable registration: $15 ($0 if exempt)	Incorporation: ~4-7 business days 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Wisconsin

The corporation registrar in Wisconsin is the Department of Financial Institutions (WDFI).
When filing with the WDFI by mail, submit original and one copy. The copy will be marked "FILED" and returned as evidence of filing.
Wisconsin offers a consolidated registration application for new business state tax registration. Business Tax Registration (BTR) must be renewed after 2 years for a fee of $10.
A corporate designator is required in your LLC or corporate name.
Corporations and LLCs must file annual reports with WDFI. The form is mailed from WDFI to your registered agent.

Compliance Software

Compliance Services

Start a Business in Wisconsin

Helpful Tools

Welcome to Our Community

Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Wisconsin