Business Formation / LLC Wisconsin

How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Wisconsin?

🏁 Initial Formation Costs

• Articles of Organization:
  – $130 online; $170 by mail (includes $40 extra paper fee) 

• Name Reservation (optional):
  – $15 for a 120-day hold 

• DBA (Assumed Name):
  – $15, valid for up to 10 years 

• Registered Agent:
  – $0 if self-appointed; $49–$125/year for a service 

• Operating Agreement:
  – Free if self-drafted; may cost $50–$200+ with legal service EIN (Federal Tax ID):
  – $0 via IRS.

🔄 Ongoing Annual & Optional Costs

• Annual Report:
  – $25 for domestic LLCs; due each year by the end of your formation-quarter 

• Expedited Processing (optional):
  – $25 for faster service 

• Certificate of Status (Good Standing):
  – $10 

• Certified Document Copies:
  – $10 + per-page charges 

• Foreign LLC Registration (if applicable):
  – $100 to register an out-of-state LLC 

💰 Total Estimated Costs

🌟 Key Takeaways

1. Formation fee is $130 online, $170 by mail, the highest impact on startup cost 

2. Annual report fee is $25/year, filed quarterly based on your formation date 

3. No mandatory franchise or state income tax specific to LLCs in Wisconsin.

4. Optional extras—like DBA, registered agent services, and certified documents—add flexibility (and cost).

✅ Recommended Steps

1. File Articles of Organization ($130 online).

2. Optionally reserve your LLC name ($15).

3. Appoint a Registered Agent (self or paid).

4. Draft an Operating Agreement (DIY or legal).

5. Apply for your free EIN.

6. File your Annual Report each year ($25).

7. Obtain any optional filings or certifications if needed.

🛑 What additional costs am I responsible for?

In addition to our fee, you will be potentially responsible for the costs of some or all of the items below if applicable.

1. Licenses 
   
2. Filing Fees
3. Reports
4. Name Reservations
5. Articles of Organization