Resources for Starting and Maintaining a Business in Wisconsin
At CorpNet our mission is to help you start your business and help you keep it in compliance. To assist you in your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions small business owners have about starting and maintaining a business in the state of Wisconsin.
Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop solution for all of your business, payroll tax registrations, and compliance filings. And if we can help you along the way, our team of entity filings and compliance experts is just a call away.
Quick Facts for Starting a Wisconsin Business
Expedited Services Available: Yes
New Business Publishing Required: No
Private Registration Available: No
Registered Agent Required: Yes
Annual Report Required: Yes
Franchise Tax Required: Yes
State Sales Tax: 5%
State Income Tax: 7.9%
Unemployment Insurance: 0% – 12%
DBAs do not require a registered agent.
Franchise tax is dependent on the business type. This is either a franchise tax or corporate income tax.
Wisconsin Business Entity Options
| Business Entity Type | State Registration Fees | Applicable Form |
| Limited Partnership | $70 | Certificate of Limited Partnership – Form 302 |
| Foreign Limited Partnership | $75 | Foreign Registration Statement Limited Partnership (Form 321) |
| Limited Liability Partnership | $100 | Statement of Qualification Limited Liability Partnership (Form 602) |
| Foreign Limited Liability Partnership | $100 | Limited Liability Partnership (Form 621) |
| Business Corporation | $100 | Articles of Incorporation Business Corporation (Form 2) |
| Foreign For-Profit Corporation | $100 | Application for Certificate of Authority Foreign Business Corporation (Form 21) |
| For-Profit Statutory Close Corporation | $100 | Articles of Incorporation for a Statutory Close Corporation |
| Nonstock Corporation | $35 | Articles of Incorporation Nonstock Corporation (Form 102) |
| Foreign Nonstock Corporation | $100 | Application for Certificate of Authority Foreign Nonstock Corporation (Form 121) |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $170 Mail or $130 Online | Articles of Organization (Form 502) |
| Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) | $100 | Foreign Registration Statement Limited Liability Company (Form 521) |
Not Sure Which Type of Business You Need?
Launch CorpNet’s Business Structure Wizard to get suggested entities based on your unique needs. It’s free and easy to use.
Key Wisconsin Government Resources
Wisconsin Secretary of State
P.O. Box 7848
Madison, WI 53707-7848
https://sos.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
4822 Madison Yards Way
North Tower
Madison, WI 53705
https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Feeling Overwhelmed? CorpNet Is Here To Help!
Below are all the ways CorpNet can help you and your business.
Our knowledge team of experts is here to help and all our services are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
Business Formation and Launch
- Business Name Search
- Business Name Reservation
- Form a Wisconsin LLC
- Incorporate in Wisconsin
- File a DBA
- Appoint a Registered Agent in Wisconsin
- Obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN)
- Register for Wisconsin Payroll Taxes
- Request a Permit for Sales and Use Tax
- Research Required Business Licenses
Ongoing Business Compliance
Additional Resources and Articles
Compare Entities
- Business Structures Chart
- Choosing a Business Structure
- Business Structures Wizard
- Sole Proprietorship vs. Partnership
- Sole Proprietorship vs. LLC
- LLC vs. Partnership
- LLC vs. Corporation
- C Corporation vs. S Corporation
- S Corporation vs. LLC
- LLC vs. S Corp vs. C Corp
- DBA vs. LLC
- LLP vs. LLC
- LLC vs. PLLC
- Professional Corporation vs. LLC
- Single Member vs. Multiple Member LLC
- Member vs. Manager-Managed LLC
- Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC
Common Questions
- What is a Certificate of Incorporation?
- What is a Certificate of Registration?
- What is a Statement of Information?
- What are Articles of Incorporation?
- What are Articles of Organization?
- What is an Annual Franchise Tax Report?
- What is a Certificate of Authority?
- What is a Statement of Purpose?
- What Is a Fictitious Name?
- What is a Pass-Through Entity?
- What is the Owner of an LLC Called?
- What is the Role of an LLC Organizer?
- What Is a Registered Agent?
- What is a Statutory Agent?
- What is a Reseller License?
- What is a Corporate Resolution?
- What Is a Letter of Good Standing?
Helpful Templates
Need a Small Business Compliance Checklist?
Business compliance can slip through the cracks! As your existing business evolves, you are required to file notify the state of any changes. Many business owners lose sight of these requirements and fail to realize they haven’t met compliance requirements.
Use our compliance checklist to determine which business filings you need to perform to manage this year’s activities and changes.
