How To Start An LLC In Wisconsin

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to take your business dreams to the next level by starting an LLC in Wisconsin? Starting a limited liability company (LLC) is a great way to protect yourself from personal liability, receive flexible management options, and create additional tax benefits for your business. 

But getting started can be daunting – there’s a lot of paperwork to file, taxes to pay, and legal requirements to meet. Don’t let the overwhelm stop you from achieving your goals; with our guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to start an LLC in Wisconsin.

We’ll walk you through every step, from naming your LLC to filing your paperwork and getting ready for tax season. Plus, learn how to prepare for the future with proper documentation like an operating agreement and more. Let’s get started on making your business dream a reality!

Definition

What is LLC?

Advantages

What are the advantages of an LLC?

Disadvantages

What are the disadvantages of an LLC?

LLC Formation

What are the steps to starting an LLC?

Types of LLC

Which type of LLC is ideal for me?

LLC Taxes

What are my tax obligations?

Costs

What is the cost of forming an LLC?

Comparisons

How does LLC compare to other business entities?

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:

Vast credibility

When you form an LLC, you create a distinct legal entity that has its own bank accounts and credit cards. This gives your business a greater sense of legitimacy when dealing with vendors and customers because they know that your business is separate from you as a person.

Flexible ownership

An LLC allows you to have multiple owners without worrying about complex ownership structures or restrictions. You can also easily transfer ownership interests in your company without having to dissolve the entire organization as in a corporation.

Perpetual succession

An LLC exists separately from its members, so if any member leaves or dies, their interest in the company does not need to be transferred or dissolved for other members to continue running the business. This makes it easier for small businesses with multiple owners to retain control over their operations, even when there are changes in ownership structure. 

Independence

With an LLC, all members are free from any personal liability for debts or liabilities incurred by their company. This means that if one member leaves or another joins the company, they will not be held liable for any actions taken by prior members. Additionally, all members are protected from being liable for any taxes owed by their company since those taxes are passed directly to each member according to their ownership stake.

Limited liability protection

Lastly, forming an LLC gives your business limited liability protection, shielding your personal assets from creditors should your business fail or incur legal action. If someone sues your business, they cannot take away your house, car, retirement savings account, or anything else you own!

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.

Double taxation

One potential downside to forming an LLC in Wisconsin is double taxation. Unlike corporations, which are taxed only once on their income, LLCs pay taxes twice, once on each member’s share of the profits and again on the business’s profits. This can be a significant disadvantage for businesses whose members must pay high tax rates on their individual incomes.

State fee

Another potential downside to forming an LLC in Wisconsin is the cost associated with registering the business with the state. All businesses licensed by the state must pay filing fees, but these fees can vary widely depending on where you live and what type of business you have registered. This fee can be a substantial burden for small business owners who may not have much money to spare.

Not suitable for some businesses

Additionally, forming an LLC may not be suitable or beneficial for all businesses. For instance, if you own a professional services company (e.g., accounting or legal services), you may need to form a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC) instead of an LLC, but this requires additional paperwork and comes with its own set of restrictions and requirements.

Fundraising issue for investors

Finally, it should be noted that investors may be hesitant to invest in your business if it is structured as an LLC due to certain restrictions placed on how funds can be raised and used by such entities. For instance, investors may find that they cannot buy shares directly from your company because it is technically owned by its members rather than shareholders (as is typical with corporations). 

Furthermore, raising capital through debt financing may also be more difficult due to the limited ability of most LLCs to borrow money without incurring personal liability on behalf of its members. 

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.

LLC Costs

Name reservation (optional)

$15

Articles of Organization filing fee (online)

$130

Articles of Organization filing fee (by email)

$170

Annual report fee

$25

Registered Agent fee (if using a service)

Varies

Foreign LLC registration fee (if applicable)

$100

Operating Agreement drafting (optional)

Varies

Business license and permits (if applicable)

Varies

Federal Tax ID Number (EIN)

Free

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.

LLC vs Corporation (C-Corp)

Sole proprietorships and Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are two of the most common business entities for individuals and small businesses. Learn what differentiates the two today.

Read in detail

LLC vs Corporation (C-Corp)

LLC vs S-Corp

Not sure what business structure to choose? Learn about the key differences between LLC and S-Corp today.

Read in detail

LLC vs S-Corp

LLC vs Sole Proprietorship

The primary difference is that an LLC provides limited liability protection for its owners, while a sole proprietorship does not.

Read in detail

LLC vs Sole Proprietorship