How to Start a Business in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers four ways of forming your business, which we cover in detail below. Review these closely and pick the one that fits your business best.

For LLCs and corporations, you will need to verify that your business name is different from the names of other businesses already registered with the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). You can check if your name is available by searching the business name database.

For sole proprietorships or partnerships, if your business name doesn't include the owner/s name or surname, you can file a Registration of Firm Names with the Register of Deeds in the county where your business is situated.

Nearly all businesses will need to register for federal taxes by applying for an employer identification number.

Once you've chosen the appropriate legal structure, you must register your business with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

If you're forming an LLC in Wisconsin, you need to file Articles of Organization and pay a filing fee of $130.00. If you choose to file by mail, it will cost you $170.00. Corporations follow a similar process. However, their documents are called Articles of Incorporation and the filing fee is $100.00.

To legally operate your business, you may need licenses and permits. For example, if you plan on selling liquor at your business, you need a liquor license.

Most Common Permits in Wisconsin:

• Seller's Permit.
• Consumer’s Use Tax Certificate.
• Use Tax Certificate.
• Withholding Tax Number.

To learn about or apply for tax-related licenses, you can contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. However, other regulatory licenses and permits are managed through the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Health Services. For information about Wisconsin licenses and permits, check the websites for any cities or counties where your business will be located.

Businesses that offer professional and occupational services are required to obtain special licenses and permits from various departments. To find out about the different state licenses and permits for professional services, visit the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). On the DSPS website, you'll find different sections with information including Business Professions, Health Professions, and Trades Professions.

If your business is selling goods, you need to register for sales tax with the Department of Revenue (DOR). This tax applies to any individual, partnership, corporation, or other business that's make sales through rentals, leases, and retail products.

You must apply for a seller's permit at least three weeks before opening. If you're buying a franchise or established business, you are not allowed to take over the previous owner's seller's permit. You must apply for a new permit.

If you plan on hiring employees, you will also need to register for employer withholding taxes with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If you feel that you do not meet the state's requirements to pay withholding tax, verify by checking the state's withholding tax criteria.

You can register online using your My Tax Account or you can complete an Application for Business Registration. There is a filing fee of $20.00.

Premier resort area tax refers to a local retail sales tax that ranges between 0.5% and 1.25%, depending on your municipality. The premier resort area tax applies to those who sell, license, lease, or rent taxable products and/or services. These include department stores, amusement parks, gasoline services, retail bakeries, variety stores, and more.

You can report and pay your premier resort tax using the My Tax Account platform. For information, check out the premier resort area tax instructions.

Federal and state law require that Wisconsin employers report all new and re-hired employees to the Wisconsin New Hire Reporting Center. Whether your employees are full-time, part-time, or temporary, you need to report them within 20 days. If an employee has been separated from your business for 60 consecutive days, you need to report them as a new employee.

This process has to be repeated with every new employee.

Wisconsin employers who hire one or more employees are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. Under Wisconsin law, this applies to all employees. For more detailed information about exemptions and general workers' compensation information, visit the Department of Workforce Development.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development requires all businesses to display mandatory posters that share important information about employee benefits, wages, and more.

Mandatory State Business Posters:

• Employee Rights Under Wisconsin's Business Closing/Mass Layoff Law.
• Hours and Days of Work Minors May Work in Wisconsin.
• Employee Protections Against Use of Honesty Testing Devices.
• Fair Employment Law.
• Family and Medical Leave Law.
• Wisconsin Bone Marrow And Organ Donation Leave Act.
• Minimum Wage Rates.
• Workers With Disabilities Paid At Special Minimum Wage.
• Notification Required for Cessation of Health Care Benefits.
• Retaliation Protection For Health Care Workers.
• Notice to Employees About Applying for Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits.
• Public Employee Safety and Health.
• Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace.