Start an LLC in Wisconsin in 5 Simple Steps
Step 1. Identify Your Wisconsin LLC
Step 2. Select a Registered Agent
Step 3. Keep the Articles of Organization on file.
Step 4. Make a Business Agreement
Step 5. Obtain an EIN
Table of Contents
It is simple to form an LLC in Wisconsin.
To establish a Wisconsin LLC, you must submit Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, which costs $130 online. You may apply both online and by mail. The Articles of Organization are the legally binding documents that establish your Wisconsin Limited Liability Company.
STEP 1: Give your Wisconsin LLC a name.
The first and most crucial step in establishing your Wisconsin LLC is to choose a name that conforms with Wisconsin naming laws and is readily searched by prospective customers.
1. Follow the naming conventions:
The word “limited liability corporation” or one of its acronyms must be in your name (LLC or L.L.C.).
Your LLC’s name cannot include terms that may be confused with a government organization (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
Restricted terms (e.g., bank, attorney, university) may need extra documentation and the participation of a licensed professional, such as a doctor or lawyer, in your LLC.
Your name must be distinct from any Wisconsin LLC, corporation, limited liability partnership (LLP), or limited partnership (LP).
2. Is the surname legal in Wisconsin? Make sure the name you choose isn’t already in use by using the State of Wisconsin’s Business Entity Search.
Read our whole guide on finding a Wisconsin LLC name to learn more.
3. Is the URL still available? We suggest checking online to see whether your company name is accessible as a web domain. Even if you don’t intend to create a company website right away, you may wish to purchase the URL to prevent others from doing so.
STEP 2: Select a Wisconsin Registered Agent
You must name a registered agent in Wisconsin for your LLC.
What exactly is a Registered Agent? A registered agent is a person or corporate organization that accepts vital legal papers on your behalf. Consider your registered agent to be your company’s point of contact with the state.
Who is eligible to be a Registered Agent? A Registered Agent must be a Wisconsin citizen or a firm, such as a registered agent service, that is permitted to do business in Wisconsin. You may choose someone from your organization, even yourself.
STEP 3: Submit the Wisconsin LLC Articles of Organization to the Secretary of State.
You must submit the Articles of Organization with the Department of Financial Institutions to register a Wisconsin LLC. You may apply both online and by mail.
STEP 4: Draft an Operating Agreement for a Wisconsin LLC.
An operating agreement is not necessary for a Wisconsin LLC, but it is recommended.
What exactly is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines an LLC’s ownership and running processes.
Why are operating agreements necessary? A detailed operating agreement guarantees that all firm owners are on the same page and decreases the likelihood of future disagreement.
STEP 5: Apply for a Wisconsin LLC EIN.
What exactly is an EIN? EIN is an acronym that stands for Employer Identification Number. EINs are nine-digit numbers provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to companies to assist them be identified for tax reasons. It is basically a business’s Social Security number.
An EIN is also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) (FTIN).
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is necessary in order to:
Establish a business bank account.
Filing and managing federal and state income taxes
Hire employees
What if my single proprietorship already has an EIN?
When transitioning a sole proprietorship to an LLC, the IRS demands a new EIN.
Where can I get an EIN? The IRS will provide you an EIN for free. Obtaining an EIN is a simple procedure that may be completed online or by mail.
