Wisconsin LLC Cost

The minimum Wisconsin LLC cost is $130, which covers the processing fee for filing your LLC formation documents, known as the Articles of Organization.

However, the total cost of forming a Wisconsin LLC can vary depending on your specific needs and business preferences.

In our Wisconsin LLC Cost article, we break down everything you need to know about the costs associated with starting and maintaining an LLC in Wisconsin.

More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

How Much Does a Wisconsin LLC Cost 

Below is a summary of the primary requirements and associated fees for forming a Wisconsin LLC.

	LLC Cost Summary
Requirement	Fee
Articles of Organization	$130-$170
Registered Agent	$0-$125+
LLC Name	$0-$30

Wisconsin LLC Filing Fee ($130-$170)

In Wisconsin, all prospective LLC owners must submit their Articles of Organization to the Department of Financial Institutions to officially register with the state. 

• Online Filings: $130
• Mail Submissions: $170

If you’re registering a foreign LLC (i.e., if you’ll be based outside of the state) you’ll need to file form CORP 521 and pay a $100 fee instead. 

If you choose to use an LLC formation service, your total cost will be slightly higher as it will include a small service fee. This can be as low as $29, but will ultimately depend on the provider (and features) you choose. 

Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024. 

Wisconsin Registered Agent ($0-$125+)

When filing your Articles of Organization, you’ll need to appoint a registered agent. This individual or business entity is responsible for receiving legal documents and other official correspondence on behalf of your LLC.

You can act as your own registered agent at no cost, but many business owners prefer to hire a professional service in order to ensure compliance with state regulations and to keep their personal information private. 

The cost of a registered agent service can vary, but it’s generally between $125 and $300 per year. 

Note: Wisconsin law requires registered agents to be physically present at their registered address during normal business hours to receive service of process.

Wisconsin LLC Name ($0-$30)

While the process of naming your Wisconsin LLC doesn’t incur a direct cost, there are two potential expenses to be aware of.

Reserving a Name

If you’ve chosen a name for your LLC but aren’t ready to launch your business, you can reserve it by submitting a Name Reservation Application to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions’ Division of Corporate & Consumer Service. This reservation costs $15 and holds your chosen name for 120 days.

You can search Wisconsin’s Corporate Registration Information System (CRIS) to see if your desired name is available before attempting to reserve it. 

You should also have a look at the name’s corresponding domain, as you’ll want to secure the same (or a similar one) for your business website. 

Doing Business As (DBA) Name

If you plan to operate your LLC under a different name from its legal name, you’ll need to register a Doing Business As (DBA) name. 

This can be done online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions for a $15 fee, and will remain valid for up to 10 years. 

Keep in mind that a $15 renewal fee will need to be paid six months before your DBA is due to expire. 

Optional Wisconsin LLC Formation Costs

Beyond the standard formation costs, there are a few additional costs that you may be required to pay in accordance with your specific circumstances. 

Expedited Wisconsin LLC Filing

If you’re in a hurry, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions offers expedited processing for $25.

This ensures your filing is processed and completed by the end of the next business day after receipt.

Note: If your filing requires acceptance by a statutory agent, expedited processing will begin only after this acceptance is confirmed.

Local Business Licenses

Depending on your LLC’s activities and location, you may need to obtain a local business license, with fees varying based on the municipality you’re in and the nature of your business.

For example, if your LLC operates a food truck in Madison, you’ll need a Street Vending license, which costs $250 per year.

Certificate of Status

A Wisconsin Certificate of Status is often required for opening a business bank account or for use by lenders to confirm that your LLC is properly registered and legally authorized to operate in the state.

You can request a Certificate of Status online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions for $10.

Certified copies of your LLC’s business documents can also be requested for the same cost ($10 per copy). 

Wisconsin LLC Operating Agreement 

While not mandatory, having an operating agreement is highly recommended. This document outlines the roles and responsibilities of your LLC members or managers and can help prevent future disputes.

You can draft the operating agreement yourself at no cost, or hire a service or attorney, which may cost a couple hundred dollars. 

It’s worth noting that this document is for internal use only and does not need to be filed with the state.

Ongoing Costs to Maintain a Wisconsin LLC

Maintaining your LLC can involve several ongoing costs. 

Wisconsin Annual Report

LLCs in Wisconsin must file an annual report by the end of the quarter in which the LLC was originally formed. The filing fee is $25 for domestic LLCs and $65 for foreign LLCs. If you choose to file by mail instead of online, an additional $15 paper filing surcharge will be applied.

To file your annual report, you’ll need:

• Your LLC’s name
• Your registered agent’s information
• Your business email address
• The signature of the person filing the report

Registered Agent Maintenance

If you choose to use a professional registered agent to handle your legal documents, you’ll need to pay an annual fee for their services. 

The cost of this service varies, typically ranging from $125 to $300 per year, depending on the provider and the features you select. While not mandatory, using a professional registered agent service is often recommended for small business owners as it offers increased privacy and flexibility. 

Ready to Get Started?

Have a look at our LLC Wisconsin Guide (DIY Approach)

Let Northwest Registered Agent handle it for you ($29 + State Fees) 

Wisconsin LLC vs Other States

Wisconsin is in the midrange for LLC setup costs, with a minimum filing fee of $130. However, the state’s low annual maintenance fees provide a cost-effective advantage for long-term business operations.

For example, filing an annual report in Delaware costs more than 11 times what Wisconsin charges (of course, Delaware offers other economic advantages). 

Regardless, keep in mind that the best state to form your LLC in is typically the one where you plan to operate from. This simplifies compliance with local regulations and taxes, and ensures that you do not end up paying maintenance and registration fees in more than one state.