How much does it cost to start an LLC in Wisconsin in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Wisconsin requires a one-time initial filing fee of $130 paid to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $169.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Wisconsin LLC?

Wisconsin charges an annual report fee of $25 filed on a annual basis (due Quarter of formation anniversary). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Wisconsin.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Wisconsin LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Wisconsin LLC is approximately $425. This includes initial formation ($130), recurring annual reports ($25), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Wisconsin?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Wisconsin, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, the foreign qualification filing fee is $100 plus ongoing maintenance of $65/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Wisconsin LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $130. Ongoing annual report fee: $25 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Wisconsin vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Wisconsin costs $130 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $25/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Wisconsin LLC costs an estimated $425.

Initial State Filing$130One-time payment

Annual Report$25Due Quarter of formation anniversary

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Wisconsin LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $130

Approval speed: 1-2 business days online•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Wisconsin Tax Rule: Pass-through LLCs pay no state franchise tax.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Expedited State Processing (+$25)

Accelerates state filing from 1-2 business days online to 24-48 hours.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Wisconsin vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$169

Initial formation fee ($130) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$64 /yr avg

Annual report ($25/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$425(~$7/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Wisconsin.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($169)

$169

Year 1Formation

$64

Year 2Renewal

$64

Year 3Renewal

$64

Year 4Renewal

$64

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $169

State Filing$130

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$130

31% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$100

24% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

46% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Founder Cost-Reduction Tip

Save on your Wisconsin filing fees & protect your personal privacy

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Wisconsin LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateQuarter of formation anniversaryFrequency: ANNUAL

Normal Turnaround1-2 business days onlineExpedited: +$25

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax3.5% to 7.65%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Wisconsin Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Pass-through LLCs pay no state franchise tax.

Advantages of a Wisconsin LLC

Low ongoing cost ($25/year)
Quick electronic processing

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

$130 initial filing fee

Founder Pro-Tip for Wisconsin

File online through the DFI website for $130 (paper is $170).

Step-by-Step Wisconsin LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) registry.