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Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in Wisconsin. People assume that starting an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Wisconsin.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Wisconsin LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Wisconsin.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The Wisconsin Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Wisconsin Domestic LLC
- Online Filing costs $130
- Annual Report Fee costs $25
- Name Reservation fee costs $15
- By mail: Fill out the Application Form PDF and submit it to the following address, State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293. costs $170
Wisconsin Foreign LLC
- Online filing costs $100
- Annual Report Fee costs $25
- Name Reservation fee costs $15
- By mail: Fill out the Application Form PDF and submit it to the following address, State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293.
You can visit the Official Wisconsin Department of Revenue website to learn more about Business filings.
Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Department of Revenue office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.
Wisconsin LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Wisconsin, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
LLC Service | Our Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 TOP PICK  | $0 + State Fees |
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Business Permits and Licenses
The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Wisconsin LLC Taxes to Be Paid
The business LLCs in the State are subject to different tax filing obligations. Though the taxes may vary among cities and counties.
Wisconsin State Income Tax
This is the State Tax levied on any income you pay to yourself. The tax rate varies between 3.54% to 7.65%, depending on the total amount of taxable income.
Wisconsin Sales tax
The standard rate of sales tax applicable is at the rate of 5.00% and the rate can go higher up to 5.6% after the addition of local county tax.
Wisconsin Federal Self-Employment tax
Any profit that Wisconsin LLC Business members draw out from the business is liable to pay self-employment tax. The standard tax rate is 15.3%.
Employer Payroll Tax Withholding
If you hire employees in Wisconsin, you must withhold payroll tax from their salaries. The standard rate of withholding is 7.65% of the taxable salary of the employees.
Wisconsin Property Tax
The State imposes one of the highest property taxes in the country. The State’s average property tax is 1.68% which generally applies to furnishings and equipment owned by businesses in the State.
Cost Comparison Among States
Every state has different costs of filing for an LLC to their respective State Authorities. If you wish to gain a better understanding of the costs of opening an LLC in a different state in comparison to Wisconsin, read the table below:
| State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee/Biennial Fee | Sales tax |
| Wisconsin LLC | $130 | $25 (annual) | 5.00% |
| Minnesota LLC | $135 (mail)$155 (online) | $0 | 6.875% |
| Michigan LLC | $50 | $25 (annual) | 6% |
| Illinois LLC | $150 | $75 (annual) | 6.25% |
| Iowa LLC | $50 | $45 (Biennial) | 6% |
The contributing sectors to Wisconsin’s economy are manufacturing, agriculture, and health care. Other sectors include tourism and information technology. The State falls in the higher income states in the United States.
Other Costs
- Wisconsin Name Reservation: $15 for filing by mail
- Doing Business As (DBA): $15 for online filling
- Certified Document Copies: $10
- Certified of Good Standing: $10
- Business Domain Name and Website: depend on your preference, but domain name could be as low as $2.99/yr at NameCheap, and web hosting is at least $30/mo at Kinsta.
- Online workspace: at least $4.20/mo for GSuite.
- Business Insurance: would vary depending on insurance type–whether general liability insurance or professional liability insurance–and coverage.
- Dissolution of Wisconsin LLC: $20
F.A.Qs
It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.
It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.
The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Wisconsin
To maintain an LLC in Wisconsin you will need to pay an annual fee of $25 along with state income tax at 3.54% to 7.65%, sales & use tax at 5%, and federal taxes.
One of the primary costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Wisconsin is the annual report filing fee. Each year, LLCs are required to file an annual report with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to update the state on the company’s relevant information, such as the registered agent, members, and managers. This annual report filing fee must be paid to ensure that the LLC remains in compliance with state regulations and retains its good standing status.
Another cost that LLCs in Wisconsin may face is the fee for obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is a unique identifier for a business entity that is necessary for tax purposes, hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and other operational requirements. While obtaining an EIN is free of charge, it is essential for LLCs to have one to conduct business legally and efficiently.
Furthermore, LLCs in Wisconsin may incur costs related to business licenses and permits. Depending on the nature of the business, certain industries or activities may require specific licenses or permits to operate legally in the state. Obtaining these licenses and permits typically involves application fees, processing fees, and renewal fees, adding to the overall cost of maintaining the LLC.
In addition to the aforementioned costs, LLCs in Wisconsin should also consider the expense of having a registered agent. A registered agent is an individual or entity designated to receive official correspondence and legal notices on behalf of the LLC. While some business owners may choose to act as their own registered agent, others may prefer to hire a professional registered agent service for convenience and compliance purposes. This service typically incurs an annual fee, which should be factored into the overall cost of maintaining the LLC.
Overall, maintaining an LLC in Wisconsin involves various costs that are essential for the proper functioning and legal compliance of the business entity. By understanding and budgeting for these costs, business owners can ensure that their LLC remains in good standing and can focus on growing and running their business effectively. It is crucial for LLCs to consider these expenses as part of their overall business plan and financial strategy to avoid any potential setbacks or compliance issues in the future.
In Conclusion
The cost of Wisconsin is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.