WEBVTT 00:00:00.173 --> 00:00:06.173 To start an LLC in Wisconsin, you file Articles of Organization, Form 502, with the 00:00:06.221 --> 00:00:08.813 Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. 00:00:08.993 --> 00:00:14.813 The fee is $130 online, or $170 on paper. 00:00:15.613 --> 00:00:17.933 So online saves $40? 00:00:17.933 --> 00:00:22.093 It does, and online filings are usually accepted on receipt. 00:00:22.093 --> 00:00:24.973 This is The Business Formation Podcast. 00:00:25.066 --> 00:00:30.653 Today, Wisconsin for 2026: six steps, every fee, and the three best ways to have it 00:00:30.706 --> 00:00:32.733 filed for you. Where do we begin? 00:00:33.533 --> 00:00:39.773 Start with the name. It needs the words limited liability company, limited company, 00:00:39.933 --> 00:00:43.053 or the abbreviation LLC or LC. 00:00:43.053 --> 00:00:43.933 Anything else? 00:00:43.933 --> 00:00:47.213 Check that nobody has filed something too close to it. 00:00:47.373 --> 00:00:50.973 The DFI keeps the business entity records you search. 00:00:51.713 --> 00:00:53.533 And if I'm not ready to file? 00:00:53.533 --> 00:00:58.893 A name reservation is $15 and holds the name for 120 days. 00:01:00.037 --> 00:01:01.876 Do I need an agent in Wisconsin? 00:01:01.876 --> 00:01:08.357 Yes. Every Wisconsin LLC names a registered agent, and that agent must be reachable 00:01:08.410 --> 00:01:12.437 at a physical Wisconsin street address, with an email address on file. 00:01:12.437 --> 00:01:15.076 Can I use a P.O. box? 00:01:15.076 --> 00:01:18.277 Not on its own, and a mailbox service doesn't count either. 00:01:18.277 --> 00:01:21.077 I'm Maya, by the way, here with Dan. 00:01:21.077 --> 00:01:27.317 Good to be here, Maya. One more rule people miss: the LLC can't be its own agent. 00:01:28.144 --> 00:01:29.877 So who can serve? 00:01:29.877 --> 00:01:32.917 A Wisconsin resident, or an authorized business. 00:01:33.015 --> 00:01:35.957 Changing the agent later is $10 online. 00:01:36.757 --> 00:01:38.197 Now the filing itself. 00:01:38.197 --> 00:01:41.557 Form 502, the Articles of Organization. 00:01:41.685 --> 00:01:48.597 File online with the DFI for $130, or mail the paper form for $170. 00:01:48.597 --> 00:01:51.077 How fast is online? 00:01:51.077 --> 00:01:55.077 Usually accepted on receipt, so you can have an active LLC the same day. 00:01:55.839 --> 00:01:58.357 Same day, at the standard price? 00:01:58.357 --> 00:02:04.837 Often, yes. If you want it guaranteed by the next day, expedited processing is $100 00:02:04.904 --> 00:02:05.317 extra. 00:02:06.687 --> 00:02:08.847 Is the operating agreement filed with the state? 00:02:08.847 --> 00:02:12.927 No. It stays with your records, and there's no state fee for it. 00:02:12.927 --> 00:02:14.287 Do I even need one? 00:02:14.287 --> 00:02:19.727 Wisconsin treats an LLC as member-managed unless a written operating agreement says 00:02:19.783 --> 00:02:20.367 otherwise. 00:02:21.220 --> 00:02:23.407 So if I want a manager running things? 00:02:23.407 --> 00:02:29.407 Then put it in writing. Cover who owns what, how profits are split, who decides, and 00:02:29.455 --> 00:02:31.167 what happens when a member leaves. 00:02:32.447 --> 00:02:34.047 What about the federal side? 00:02:34.047 --> 00:02:39.967 Apply for your EIN with the IRS at IRS.gov. 00:02:40.074 --> 00:02:44.367 It's free, and if it's approved online, the number is issued right away. 00:02:44.367 --> 00:02:46.047 Is there an ownership report? 00:02:46.047 --> 00:02:50.127 Not for U.S. companies. FinCEN no longer requires one. 00:02:51.229 --> 00:02:53.069 And what does Wisconsin want each year? 00:02:53.069 --> 00:02:56.349 An annual report, starting the year after you form. 00:02:56.536 --> 00:02:58.270 It's $25 online. 00:02:58.270 --> 00:02:58.990 When is it due? 00:02:58.990 --> 00:03:02.430 By the end of the calendar quarter of your formation anniversary. 00:03:02.590 --> 00:03:07.630 Form in May, and your report is due by the end of June of the following year. 00:03:07.806 --> 00:03:08.750 What if I miss it? 00:03:08.750 --> 00:03:14.670 The LLC becomes delinquent. A year overdue can lead to administrative dissolution, 00:03:14.723 --> 00:03:16.110 after a 60-day notice. 00:03:17.309 --> 00:03:18.830 Give me the do-it-yourself total. 00:03:18.830 --> 00:03:23.230 $130 to form the LLC online. The EIN is free. 00:03:23.342 --> 00:03:26.270 Then $25 a year for the annual report. 00:03:26.270 --> 00:03:29.710 So the first year is $130? 00:03:29.710 --> 00:03:33.550 Yes, and the first report isn't due until the year after. 00:03:33.550 --> 00:03:35.550 And the extras? 00:03:35.550 --> 00:03:42.030 A name reservation is $15, an agent change is $10, and next-day expedited 00:03:42.088 --> 00:03:44.110 processing is $100. 00:03:45.773 --> 00:03:49.293 Let's talk about speed. Is there anything faster than online? 00:03:49.293 --> 00:03:53.933 If you're filing in person, there's a 4-hour expedite for $250. 00:03:54.024 --> 00:03:57.132 Online, next-day expedite is $100. 00:03:57.202 --> 00:03:59.212 That's a lot more than the filing fee. 00:03:59.212 --> 00:04:02.333 It is, which is why most owners don't bother. 00:04:02.402 --> 00:04:05.612 Online filings are usually accepted on receipt anyway. 00:04:05.612 --> 00:04:07.212 So when would anyone pay? 00:04:07.212 --> 00:04:12.653 When a bank, a landlord, or a contract has a hard date, and you can't risk a delay. 00:04:13.207 --> 00:04:17.286 Let me go back to the agent. Why does the address rule matter? 00:04:17.286 --> 00:04:19.287 Because legal papers are delivered there. 00:04:19.447 --> 00:04:24.167 The agent has to be someone who's actually available at a Wisconsin street address 00:04:24.224 --> 00:04:25.447 during business hours. 00:04:25.447 --> 00:04:27.927 So I can't list a friend in another state? 00:04:27.927 --> 00:04:31.926 Not unless they're a Wisconsin resident with a real street address. 00:04:32.247 --> 00:04:34.807 And if I move or the agent quits? 00:04:34.807 --> 00:04:36.567 You file a statement of change. 00:04:36.670 --> 00:04:38.407 Online, that's $10. 00:04:38.407 --> 00:04:40.807 What about me serving as my own agent? 00:04:40.807 --> 00:04:45.447 You can, if you live in Wisconsin and you're home during business hours. 00:04:45.527 --> 00:04:49.847 Many owners prefer a service so the papers never land on their doorstep. 00:04:50.496 --> 00:04:52.736 Is there any reason to file on paper? 00:04:52.736 --> 00:04:54.336 Only if you can't file online. 00:04:54.469 --> 00:05:01.376 Paper is $170, which is $40 more than the $130 online fee. 00:05:01.376 --> 00:05:03.616 And is it slower? 00:05:03.616 --> 00:05:08.736 Usually, yes. Online filings are typically accepted on receipt, while a paper form 00:05:08.776 --> 00:05:10.417 has to travel and be processed. 00:05:10.417 --> 00:05:13.697 So online is cheaper and faster. 00:05:13.697 --> 00:05:17.537 For nearly everyone, unless you specifically need to file on paper. 00:05:20.053 --> 00:05:22.933 Back to the report. How do I remember the date? 00:05:22.933 --> 00:05:24.973 Tie it to your anniversary quarter. 00:05:25.120 --> 00:05:29.573 If you form in the first quarter, the report is due by the end of March the 00:05:29.613 --> 00:05:30.613 following year. 00:05:31.173 --> 00:05:32.452 And the fee? 00:05:32.452 --> 00:05:38.613 $25 online. It's small, but a missed one makes the LLC delinquent. 00:05:38.613 --> 00:05:39.813 So set a reminder. 00:05:39.813 --> 00:05:43.253 Set it for the start of the quarter, not the last week. 00:05:43.533 --> 00:05:47.413 A year overdue and the state can begin the dissolution process. 00:05:48.683 --> 00:05:50.363 Order of operations? 00:05:50.363 --> 00:05:52.124 Search the name. Choose your agent. 00:05:52.251 --> 00:05:56.123 File Form 502 online for $130. 00:05:56.123 --> 00:05:57.243 Then? 00:05:57.243 --> 00:06:01.643 Write the operating agreement, get your EIN, and mark your anniversary quarter for 00:06:01.663 --> 00:06:03.803 the $25 annual report. 00:06:04.547 --> 00:06:07.027 What if I'd rather have someone else handle it? 00:06:07.027 --> 00:06:09.587 Here are the three best ways to file in Wisconsin. 00:06:09.838 --> 00:06:16.627 Number one, our pick, is Mainstay Filing, $199 a year plus the 00:06:16.680 --> 00:06:22.627 state fee. With the $130 state fee, checkout comes to $329. 00:06:22.627 --> 00:06:24.067 What's included? 00:06:24.067 --> 00:06:30.547 Your Form 502 filed, your EIN application, and your registered agent every year. 00:06:30.787 --> 00:06:33.827 It renews at the same $199. 00:06:33.827 --> 00:06:35.027 And the annual report? 00:06:35.027 --> 00:06:38.387 Mainstay files it for you in your anniversary quarter. 00:06:38.507 --> 00:06:41.027 You pay only the $25 state fee. 00:06:41.027 --> 00:06:42.227 Number two? 00:06:42.227 --> 00:06:49.187 WI Registered Agent.org. It prepares and files your Articles for $199 00:06:49.251 --> 00:06:53.187 plus the state fee, also $329 at checkout. 00:06:53.327 --> 00:06:58.307 The first year of agent service is free, then $99 a year. 00:06:58.307 --> 00:06:58.947 And three? 00:06:58.947 --> 00:07:02.147 Wisconsin Registered Agent.co. 00:07:02.291 --> 00:07:08.707 Same offer: $199 plus the state fee, first year of agent service free, then 00:07:08.741 --> 00:07:10.067 $99 a year. 00:07:10.067 --> 00:07:11.027 How do I choose? 00:07:11.027 --> 00:07:16.307 If you'll file the annual report yourself, numbers two and three cost less from year 00:07:16.407 --> 00:07:19.947 two, at $99 a year for the agent alone. 00:07:20.037 --> 00:07:22.947 The $25 state fee is the same either way. 00:07:24.971 --> 00:07:26.331 Give me the three-year view. 00:07:26.331 --> 00:07:31.851 Mainstay is $199 a year, so $597. 00:07:31.885 --> 00:07:38.571 Number two or three is $199 in year one, then $99 for each of the next two 00:07:38.664 --> 00:07:42.011 years, so $397. 00:07:42.011 --> 00:07:43.691 A $200 gap. 00:07:43.691 --> 00:07:49.371 Yes. With Mainstay, that gap pays for your annual report to be filed for you. 00:07:50.646 --> 00:07:51.606 Can you recap? 00:07:51.606 --> 00:07:56.486 Choose a name ending in LLC, pick a Wisconsin registered agent with a street 00:07:56.546 --> 00:08:02.726 address, file Form 502 online for $130, write an operating 00:08:02.774 --> 00:08:09.206 agreement, get your free EIN, and file your $25 annual report by the end of your 00:08:09.259 --> 00:08:10.247 anniversary quarter. 00:08:10.247 --> 00:08:14.646 The links to all three services and every official source are in the show notes. 00:08:14.703 --> 00:08:18.326 Thanks for listening to The Business Formation Podcast, and good luck with your new 00:08:18.382 --> 00:08:19.766 Wisconsin LLC.