What is A Wisconsin Amendment?
In Wisconsin, businesses have to formalize the changes that they make to the items originally listed on the Articles of Incorporation/Organization. The state requires the filing of the proper paperwork. This process is called an amendment.
Reasons Why You Need To File An Amendment
There are various paperwork and processes, so you may find them confusing. Generally, if the changes that your Wisconsin company plans on making will affect the formal entity structure of your company, you will need to file an amendment.
A. Changing The Company Name –
- LLCs
No matter what your reason is in changing the name of your Wisconsin LLC, you have to go through the legal process. Submit an amendment to the Department of Financial Institutions to inform the state about your plan. Additionally, you will also have to update all government and state records.
- Corporations
Conducting business in Wisconsin using a new name requires you to file an amendment with the Department of Financial Institutions. Doing this will help make sure that the use of the new company name is legal. Aside from this, you will also have to change official and legal records.
B. Changing Members Of The Business –
- LLCs
Unlike other states, Wisconsin does not require LLCs to include information about members and/or managers on the Articles of Organization. That is why you do not have to file an amendment even if there are changes to the names, addresses, or contact information of these officials. You can update them in the annual report.
- Corporations
Likewise, Wisconsin corporations do not report the names, addresses, and contact information of their officers and directors on the Articles of Incorporation. Your company does not have to worry about filing an amendment in case there are changes to these pieces of information. You can just update the changes in the annual report of your corporation.
C. Changing Address Related To The Business – Wisconsin does not allow businesses to use an amendment form to report changes in their office addresses. Your company does not have to file an amendment even if its office moves to a different location. You are expected to change the information on the annual report of your company.
D. Changing Contact Information –
- LLCs
The contact information of your Wisconsin LLC can help the state reach your company. You have to report any changes. The Articles of Amendment form has a section for contact information, which includes the phone number and email address.
- Corporations
If you decide to change the contact information of your Wisconsin corporation, inform the state. This way, the state can easily contact your company in case it has concerns or queries. You can include the update on the phone number and email address on the Articles of Amendment.
E. Changing The Number Of Shares That A Corporation Is Authorized To Issue – Wisconsin LLCs do not issue shares. This type of amendment does not affect them. But, if your Wisconsin corporation decides to change the number of shares that it is authorized to sell, you will have to file an amendment. Not only will it inform the state, but it will also formalize your decision.
What Is Needed To File An Amendment?
LLC
Making amendments to the Articles of Organization of your LLC in Wisconsin requires the submission of a completed Articles of Amendment – Limited Liability Company form. File it with the Department of Financial Institutions by mail, commercial delivery, or in person. You can download the form from their website or draft your articles if you do not want to use the form. You also need to pay a $40 filing fee.
Corporation
Wisconsin corporations need to file a completed Articles of Amendment – Stock, For-Profit Corporation form. You can either download the form or draft your own. Submit these forms to the Department of Financial Institutions by mail, commercial delivery, or in person. The filing comes with a $40 filing fee.
How Can DoMyLLC Assist With Streamlining The Process?
Making changes to a company’s formation documents require proper completion and filing of paperwork. Depending on the changes, you may also have to take care of other documents. To help ease the process, you can turn to a reliable document filing company like DoMyLLC. Our team can provide support and assistance to Wisconsin business owners who need help in handling formalities to ensure compliance with the state.
Wisconsin Amendment FAQs
Is There A Filing Fee For The Amendment?
The filing fee for an amendment in Wisconsin is $40. If you want expedited service, you will have to pay an additional $25.
What Information Is Required For The Articles Of Amendment?
LLCs have to provide the following information:
- Name of the company
- Exact text of the amendment
- The date of execution
- Authorized signature
- Return address
Corporations have to provide the following information:
- Name of the company
- Exact text of the amendment
- Effective date
- Authorized signature
- Return address
How Long Does It Take The State To Process The Amendment?
The Department of Financial Institutions normally takes 5 business days to finish the processing of an amendment. If you choose expedited service, you can expect them to finish the processing by the end of the next business day.
Do You Receive A Copy Of The Certified Amendment From The State?
The Department of Financial Institutions will return a stamped copy of the document to your company if you submitted 2 copies of the articles.
Wisconsin Business Resources
Wisconsin Office of Secretary of State
Phone:
(608) 261-7577
Address:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
PO Box 93348
Milwaukee, WI 53293-0348
If you’re interested in more info on filing an amendment, call 888-366-9552.