Wisconsin LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $130. Ongoing annual report fee: $25 (annual). No state franchise tax.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official Wisconsin database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) registry before submitting your $130 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Wisconsin?
An LLC in Wisconsin costs $130 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $25 per year in annual report fees. The estimated total 5-year cost is $425, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $130 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $25 | annual | Due Quarter of formation anniversary | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $0 | None | No franchise tax | N/A |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $130 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
Wisconsin LLC 5-Year Cost Model
WIChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($130) + registered agent
Annual report ($25/yr)
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in Wisconsin.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $1695-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your Wisconsin filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Wisconsin LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
Wisconsin LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
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.
Appoint a Wisconsin Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in Wisconsin (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($130 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI). Approval is typically granted within 1-2 business days online.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Quarter of formation anniversary)
Submit the annual report with the $25 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
Wisconsin LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Wisconsin.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Wisconsin?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in Wisconsin is $130, paid to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr), expect to pay approximately $169 in your first year.
What is the Wisconsin LLC filing fee for 2026?
The Wisconsin LLC filing fee is $130. This is a one-time fee paid to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $25. Normal processing time is 1-2 business days online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin charges a annual report fee of $25, due Quarter of formation anniversary. There is no state franchise tax for standard LLCs in Wisconsin, making ongoing costs relatively low.
How much does it cost to maintain a Wisconsin LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a Wisconsin LLC includes the annual report fee ($25), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $425.
Does Wisconsin have a franchise tax for LLCs?
No. Wisconsin does not impose a franchise tax or entity-level tax on standard domestic LLCs. This makes Wisconsin one of the more affordable states for LLC maintenance.
Can I form an LLC in Wisconsin if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in Wisconsin regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In Wisconsin, foreign LLC registration costs $100 plus $65/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare Wisconsin with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: