How to start an Wisconsin LLC

An LLC is a type of business that helps protect its owners (called members). This means that if the business owes money or gets sued, the members’ personal assets, like their house or car, are usually safe. 

In the state of Wisconsin, an LLC is defined as “an entity formed under [Chapter 183] or which becomes subject to this chapter under subch. X or s. 183.0110” (Chapter 183.0102(8)). That means an LLC in Wisconsin is a company created within the state or a company that becomes subject to Wisconsin’s state regulations surrounding LLCs (Chapter 183).

If that sounds like a lot of legal jargon – that’s because it is! What you need to know is that LLCs are popular with business owners because they are simple and flexible to run. They have fewer rules compared to comportations and the owners can choose if they want to manage the business themselves or appoint managers to do it. 

Another benefit is how taxes work: LLC owners can pay taxes through their own personal tax returns, or they can choose to have the business pay taxes separately, like a corporation. This gives owners more choices in how they handle taxes as their business grows.

Why should I register for an LLC in Wisconsin?

You may want to register for an LLC in Wisconsin when:

• You own or want to start a business in Wisconsin, or want to expand an existing business into Wisconsin, and want to stay legally compliant. 
• You own or want to start a business, and want more flexibility on how you will manage the business or pay taxes than a corporation would provide.
• You want to protect your personal assets from potential liability resulting from business you conduct in the state of Wisconsin. 
• You own or want to start a business, and want to register in Wisconsin to open accounts, lease or buy property, secure funding, or hire employees.

Do I need to file my LLC in Wisconsin if I live in another state?

Any LLC that does business in Wisconsin must register with the State of Wisconsin. LLCs based in Wisconsin are called "domestic LLCs," and out-of-state LLCs are called "foreign LLCs." If your LLC was organized and operates outside of Wisconsin, establishing a foreign LLC within Wisconsin will allow for you to conduct business there.

Foreign LLCs and domestic LLCs may have different filing and compliance requirements -- Rocket Lawyer can help you navigate foreign LLC registration, regardless of where you live.

How to start an LLC in Wisconsin

1. Find a unique name for your Wisconsin LLC

The state of Wisconsin requires that the names of all LLCs in the state:

• Must contain the phrase "limited liability company" or "limited company" or the abbreviation "LLC" or "LC" or a variation of these abbreviations that differs only with respect to capitalization of letters or punctuation. "Limited" may be abbreviated as "Ltd.," and "company" may be abbreviated as "Co."
• Not imply that the business has a purpose that is not allowed for LLCs.
• Are not too similar to existing LLCs in the state. You can search the state of Wisconsin's database of business entities in the state to ensure your business' name is unique.

Rocket Lawyer can help you determine whether your business' name is eligible for registration in Wisconsin and may be able to help you reserve the name before you file your LLC.

2. Include your other LLC members (if any)

In Wisconsin, you can in fact form as a one-person LLC. In this case, the LLC would be referred to as a single-member LLC (SMLLC), whereas if there is more than one owner, the LLC may be called a multi-member LLC. 

The main difference between single-member and multi-member LLCs lies in ownership structure and management. With a single-member LLC, you have full control over the business. In contrast, a multi-member LLC has multiple owners, each with a specific percentage of ownership as defined in the operating agreement. This means that in a multi-member LLC, owners share profits, losses, and tax responsibilities based on their ownership percentage.

3. Provide a Wisconsin address

This will be used as your official LLC address. The address that you list may either be your home, an office, or another physical location, but it cannot be a PO box.

4. Choose a Registered Agent

A Registered Agent is the person or business responsible for receiving tax, legal, and government documents during regular business hours. It's important that every business has one. You can either serve as your own registered agent (if you have a Wisconsin address) or choose one to do that service for you (if you are not located in Wisconsin or would like an extra layer of privacy).

5. Register your LLC with the state of Wisconsin

Once you have a business name and registered agent, you can register your business as a Wisconsin LLC with the state of Wisconsin by filing your Articles of Organization. This document may be referred to informally as an LLC's "Articles," or in other states, it may be called a "Certificate of Organization," "Certificate of Filing," or "Certificate of Formation."

6. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Wisconsin LLCs are required to have a Federal EIN tax number. Think of your tax ID as the social security number for your company. It will be important for business contracts, tax filings, and all manner of documents down the line. Every company should have one to remain in good standing.

7. Pay the state filing fee

Every state has different fees for forming an LLC, which can also vary from one year to another.

Congratulations! After you have completed all these steps, you have formed your Wisconsin LLC.

What to do after forming a Wisconsin LLC

There are a few steps you need to take to maintain your Wisconsin LLC:

1. Create an Operating Agreement: we can help you create your Wisconsin LLC Operating Agreement online.
2. Hold a meeting: a first meeting with members of an LLC is not required by law, but it is highly suggested in order to get organized. Also, unlike corporations, LLCs are also not required to maintain Meeting Minutes, but these documents are also recommended as they provide records for important decisions made.
3. File your Wisconsin Business Tax Registration: this is done by filling out form BTR-101. You must also renew it every year.
4. Pay taxes according to how you chose to be taxed: traditionally, LLCs are "pass-through entities." This means that you pay your business taxes on your personal tax form. That said, you can elect to be taxed like a corporation, if you choose to do so.
5. File an Annual Report: this is required of all LLCs registered in the state and it is due on the last day of the calendar quarter of the company's anniversary date of formation.

What is needed to keep records for my Wisconsin LLC

Wisconsin has no statutes requiring the recordkeeping of any specific documents pertaining to your LLC, but you'll need to meet the following requirements:

• Members have the right to request any information concerning the company's activities, affairs, financial condition and other circumstances the company knows is proper for members to access.

Still have questions? Rocket Lawyer can help you with the process of forming a Wisconsin LLC. Get started today!

  

Key takeaways Registering an LLC in Wisconsin can give you a lot more flexibility than a corporation, as well as protection for your personal assets from potential liabilities. Even if you live in another state, you must register your LLC in Wisconsin if you do regular business there, like selling things or having employees. After starting your LLC, it’s advisable to create an Operating Agreement and hold a first meeting. You’ll also need to file a Wisconsin Business Tax Registration and file an Annual Report every year. Keep records of your Wisconsin LLC, like the names of all members, tax documents, and your business rules. These help you stay organized and follow the law.

Additional resources

Learning how to enforce a contract is just one step. Explore these additional topics to learn more and take the next steps.

• What is an LLC
• How are LLCs taxed
• How to start an LLC
• Do I Need a Registered Agent?
• How and when to file an Annual Report