Filing a Wisconsin LLC
The fact that you don’t have much business experience shouldn’t stop you if you have a fantastic idea. It’s easy to set up a Wisconsin LLC, as the process requires following a few steps and completing a bit of paperwork. Additionally, the LLC structure can protect you from corporate liabilities, giving you peace of mind as you try to grow your business.
Steps To Filing a Wisconsin LLC
Choose A Name
To begin forming your Wisconsin LLC, you must first select a name. When doing so, you must include an indicator in your company name, such as “Limited Liability Company” or “LLC.” If you do not add this, the state of Wisconsin will not accept your application. Additionally, each business in Wisconsin must have a name that’s unique to them. To ensure that you do not pick a name that is already in use by another entity, feel free to use the DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page.
Choose A Registered Agent
After choosing a name for your Wisconsin LLC, you’ll need to select a registered agent. Many new business owners fail to see that a registered agent could be a useful tool when growing a company. Agents are responsible for accepting legal correspondence on the company’s behalf. You should ensure that you find someone trustworthy and dependable to serve as your registered agent. More and more Wisconsin LLCs have been hiring professional third-parties such as DoMyLLC to serve as their registered agent.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
Once you have selected your name and registered agent, you can begin filing the Articles of Organization. You must submit these forms, along with a $130 filing fee, to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. If you provide the forms by paper, the filing fee jumps to $170. Companies will need to provide critical information to the state of Wisconsin, such as:
- Name of the company
- Name of the registered agent
- Street address of the initial registered office
- Where the management is vested
- Organizer’s signature
File Initial Report
When you first form your Wisconsin LLC, you are not subject to having to complete an Initial Report.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
The new business will likely find it beneficial to formulate an operating agreement. This will clarify the role of company members and allow you to hold meetings correctly.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
Multiple financial transactions require Employer Identification Numbers, including filing taxes and opening a business bank account.
File State Required Annual Reports
The state of Wisconsin requires LLCs to submit an annual report each year. Owners must submit these forms annually by the end of the registration quarter to the Department of Financial Institutions. There is a $25 filing fee as well. Additionally, if you do not file on time, the state could dissolve our entity, where businesses would then have to pay a reinstatement fee. The Wisconsin Annual Reports page offers more.
Ongoing Maintenance
Not only must Wisconsin LLCs file Annual Reports, but they must offer pay taxes and renew their business licenses each year.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
If you are looking for help starting your new business, DoMyLLC is here for you every step of the way, offering services such as:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
No longer does a lack of business background need to prevent you from bringing your idea or dream to market again. Be sure to contact DoMyLLC to learn more.