Definition

What is an LLC?

A limited liability company (LLC) is a type of legal entity that shields members or owners from any of the LLC’s debts, obligations, and liabilities. The structure allows each LLC member to limit their financial responsibility independently should the LLC face a lawsuit or experience bankruptcy. An LLC offers more flexibility in terms of its organizational structure than traditional corporations, allowing members to determine their financial contributions, ownership percentages, and other operational aspects. 

Sample ownership structures include single-member LLCs; multi-member LLCs; series LLCs (allowing separate businesses within an existing larger business entity); multi-layered LLCs; and manager-managed operations. Furthermore, depending on the state laws where it is formed, an LLC may also provide variations in taxation structures ranging from a sole proprietorship to an S corporation status.

Advantages

Advantages Of an LLC In Georgia

The Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a popular corporate structure for small businesses. This business entity provides its owners with many advantages, including limited liability protection, flexibility in ownership, perpetual succession, and more. But before you decide to form an LLC, it’s important to understand how it can benefit your business. Here are just some of the benefits of forming an LLC in Wisconsin:

Disadvantages

Disadvantages of Starting a Georgia LLC

While there are many benefits to forming an LLC in any state, the few existing drawbacks should also be considered before making a decision.

LLC Formation

How to Form an LLC in Georgia

You might have considered starting an LLC in Wisconsin for its benefits in protecting your personal assets, reducing your tax burden, and providing much-needed structure for your business. Whatever the reason, forming an LLC in Wisconsin is relatively simple and can be completed with a few easy steps.

To ensure smooth sailing, here are the basic steps you need to go through when forming an LLC in Wisconsin:

1. Choose a unique name for Wisconsin LLC
2. Hire a registered agent
3. File an Article of Organization
4. Produce an Operating Agreement
5. Apply for EIN

Choose a unique name for Wisconsin LLC

Naming your Wisconsin LLC is the first crucial step in the process, as it will be used on official documents, including your articles of organization. Ensure the name is distinguishable from other LLCs and businesses, easy to remember, and distinctively associated with you or your service. It is also important that the name falls within the naming guidelines established by the Wisconsin Secretary of State (SOS). 

Here are some of the naming guidelines that you must follow: 

• When naming your Wisconsin LLC, include “limited liability corporation” or one of its derivatives (e.g., LLC or L.L.C.). 
• To avoid confusion with governmental entities, steer clear of words such as FBI and Treasury in your title selection. 
• Using restricted language such as a bank, lawyer/attorney, or university will require special documentation plus a licensed professional’s involvement in forming the company.
• Above all else: ensure this name is distinctly different from other limited liability companies operating within state borders.

To ensure you can establish the business of your dreams, it is wise to do a name search on Wisconsin’s State Website and afterward reserve that same name with their Secretary of State. Doing so will keep others from using an identical title before your LLC is complete.

By searching the company database and ensuring the name is available, you can reserve this special moniker for up to 120 days with a $15 filing fee. This essential form guarantees that your desired name will still be there waiting for you when other processes are completed.

Hire a Registered Agent

Appointing a registered agent is an integral step in forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Wisconsin. By appointing a registered agent, you are selecting the individual or business entity responsible for receiving and processing legal documents for your company. These documents include official correspondence from Wisconsin state agencies, tax forms, the process of service of litigation (such as summons and subpoenas), annual report notifications, etc. 

It is important to note that appointing a registered agent is legally required to form an LLC and maintain good standing with the state. 

Additionally, registered agents must have an address located within Wisconsin – meaning you are investing in your state’s economy by appointing one of these professionals. The registered agent can be either an individual who resides in the state with their business office matching their registered office or an entity such as a corporation, non-stock company, limited partnership, or LLC. 

Furthermore, foreign entities are also authorized to act as Wisconsin’s Registered Agents if they can transact business within the state and correspondingly match up both of those offices. When researching potential registered agents for your LLC, look closely at track record experience, customer feedback, and satisfaction ratings before making a final decision.

File an Article Of Organization

Ready to get your LLC in Wisconsin officially registered? File the Wisconsin LLC Articles of Organization to make it legal. The $130 filing fee for e-filing your Articles can be done quickly and easily if you are comfortable with technology. However, for those who want to send their application documents by mail, the filing fee is $170. Additionally, submitting your articles helps the state ensure that the LLC meets all regulations and requirements.

When filing an article of organization, it is essential to have the following information ready. It’s important to note that all data included in your Articles of Organization will be considered public record: The name of the proposed LLC; designation and address details regarding its registered agent; selection between member-managed or manager-managed management options; organizer names/addresses along with at least one other organizer drafting up this document for a preferred effective date (up until 90 days). Lastly, don’t forget contact info on how you can reach out. 

Additionally, to ensure your LLC’s long-term success, it is essential to maintain current Articles of Organization information with the state. When filing Wisconsin Articles of Amendment after making changes, you’ll be charged a fee, but this small cost will prevent more serious roadblocks when trying to get Certificates of Status and attract members or investors in your business. Don’t let yourself fall behind on required filings; by staying up to date now, you can unlock greater growth potential later!

Produce an Operating Agreement

Creating a Wisconsin operating agreement between members is vital for those looking to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Wisconsin. This document should contain all the necessary information, such as the details of each member’s ownership interests, management structure, and how profits and liabilities are allocated among members. It makes the company more legitimate in the eyes of investors, banks, business partners, and courts while ensuring that all members agree on how they will conduct their affairs. 

Though signing an operating agreement isn’t legally required by Wisconsin law, without one, your LLC may be governed by state regulations which might not reflect everyone’s wishes or needs. However, once signed off, it becomes binding, providing a useful layer of protection to those involved with your limited liability corporation – no need to file with government offices either, as you can simply keep this important legal tool safe along with other documents associated with running your business effectively.

Apply for an EIN

The final step is to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN allows an LLC to pay taxes, hire employees, open a business bank account, and more; it is an essential part of any new legal business entity.

Luckily, the application process can be completed quickly. All prospective LLC owners must visit the IRS website or contact their local Internal Revenue Service branch office. With a few pieces of the required information on hand, this paperwork should be able to be filed in just a few minutes!

Types of LLC

Which type of LLC is ideal for me?

If you’re considering forming an LLC in Wisconsin, there are several types to choose from, each designed to suit your specific needs. Here’s a quick rundown of the various LLC structures you can explore:

1. Single-Member LLC: Perfect if you’re the sole owner of the business. It provides limited liability protection and allows you to report your business income and expenses on your personal tax return.
2. Multi-Member LLC: Ideal for businesses with two or more owners. You can choose between a member-managed or manager-managed structure. Just like a single-member LLC, the owners enjoy limited liability protection and pass-through taxation.
3. Member-Managed LLC: If you and your fellow owners prefer to be hands-on and actively involved in managing the business, this is the way to go. Each member has the authority to enter into contracts and make decisions on behalf of the company.
4. Manager-Managed LLC: If you’d rather have a designated manager or a team of managers to handle the day-to-day operations, this structure is for you. The managers can be members themselves or hired from outside the company, while the other members act as passive investors.
5. Professional LLC (PLLC): Tailored for licensed professionals like doctors, lawyers, architects, and accountants. Make sure all members hold the appropriate professional licenses and adhere to the specific regulations for your profession.
6. Series LLC: Although not explicitly recognized in Wisconsin, you can form a Series LLC in another state and register it as a foreign LLC in Wisconsin. This structure allows for separate “series” or divisions within a single LLC, each with its own assets, liabilities, and management.

Keep in mind that requirements for forming and maintaining an LLC in Wisconsin may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney or a business professional to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.

LLC Taxes

Applicable LLC Taxes In Wisconsin

Any LLC conducting business within Wisconsin is subject to several tax regulations outlined by the state’s taxation classifications. These organizations need to remain up-to-date on their required payments to avoid potential issues down the line.

Income Tax

As an LLC operating in Wisconsin, you must pay income taxes on your business’s earnings. This is based upon Vermont’s normal tax rates, which vary between 3.54 and 7.65 percent depending on your total revenue for the year – so it pays to stay organized and keep a record of all receipts! All earnings need to be annually reported when completing income tax returns too.

Use Tax 

Wisconsin residents are subject to varying levels of sales tax depending on where a purchase is made. The state government levies the standard 5% rate, while localities and special districts have their respective taxes ranging from 0-0.50%, resulting in an overall range of 5%-5.6%. Be aware: Purchasing items may involve more than one additional type of taxation!

Self Employment Tax

As a member or administrator of an LLC based in Wisconsin, it is important to know that any profit you make must consider the 15.3% Federal Self-Employment Tax to ensure your business remains compliant with local regulations. The best way to estimate what your LLC owes each tax period is by deducting all expenses from total profits allowing for accurate calculation of self-employment taxes owed annually.

Costs

Costs Of Forming An LLC in Wisconsin

Operating an LLC in Wisconsin can be budget-friendly, ranging from $20 to $100+ annually, depending on the size and scope of your business. To keep your business up-to-date and legally compliant, the annual report must be filed online or by mail for $25. 

Also, to stay fully compliant in Wisconsin, LLC owners must pay an annual fee of $25 plus a range of taxes. These include state income tax from 3.54% to 7.65%, sales and use tax at 5%, and all applicable federal taxes. Although the cost may vary based on size and additional services purchased, running your own LLC could fit into any budget overall.

Comparisons

Is LLC The Best Entity For Me?

Maybe, LLC isn’t the right entity for you. Maybe it is a C-Corp. Only way to find out is to directly compare them all.