Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Wisconsin?
Forming an LLC in Wisconsin means filing the Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. The calculator below separates official government fees from estimates, and fixed costs from variable ones.
An S corporation is a federal tax election, not a state entity type — both LLCs and corporations may qualify for it.
First-year government fees — Wisconsin LLC
$130
First-year government fees for a Wisconsin LLC: $130
Official state fees
Ongoing fixed fees
≈ $40/yr annualized for comparison — actual payment schedule shown above.
Five-year outlook
Educational estimate based on official fee schedules verified July 12, 2026 — not legal or tax advice. Fees, rules, and processing times change; confirm with the state or a qualified professional before relying on them.
The numbers behind this page
Every figure comes from the typed data record for Wisconsin, verified July 12, 2026 against the sources listed at the bottom of this page.
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee Online fee; paper filings cost $170. | $130 | One-time | Official state fee |
| Fee | Amount | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual report fee | $40 | AnnualDue each year at the end of the calendar quarter of the formation anniversary, beginning the year after formation | Official state fee |
Filing process & processing times
File online through the DFI's One Stop Business portal ($130) or on paper ($170).
| Option | Typical turnaround | Added fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard processing | 0–5 business days | None | Online filings are processed immediately to within a few days |
Processing times are estimates based on currently available official guidance and change with filing volume — they are not guaranteed.
Registered agent costs
Every Wisconsin LLCmust continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Acting as your own agent costs $0 where you meet the state's eligibility rules; commercial services typically run $100–$300 per year. The calculator uses $200 — the midpoint of that range — when you choose a hired service.
Midpoint of the typical advertised price range for national commercial registered-agent services as of July 2026 (e.g. Northwest Registered Agent $125/yr, ZenBusiness $199/yr, LegalZoom $249/yr). Budget providers advertise below this range and premium corporate-service firms above it. Serving as your own agent costs $0 where you meet state eligibility rules.
Worth knowing about Wisconsin
- Wisconsin annual reports are due by calendar quarter rather than an exact anniversary date, and online formation saves $40 over paper.
Wisconsin LLC cost FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions charges $130 to file the Articles of Organization. That figure excludes optional services and any variable taxes, which depend on your circumstances.
What are the ongoing costs of an LLC in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin LLCs generally must pay the annual report fee of $40 per year (due each year at the end of the calendar quarter of the formation anniversary, beginning the year after formation).
How long does it take to form an LLC in Wisconsin?
Online filings are often processed the same day. Wisconsin does not currently offer a paid expedited tier for this filing. Processing times change with filing volume, so confirm current turnaround with the state before relying on a date.
Do I need a registered agent for an LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes. Every Wisconsin LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and official mail. You can generally act as your own agent at no cost if you meet the state's eligibility rules, or hire a commercial service — typically $100–$300 per year. Whether serving as your own agent is practical depends on your circumstances, including privacy and availability during business hours.
When is the Wisconsin annual report fee due?
Due each year at the end of the calendar quarter of the formation anniversary, beginning the year after formation. Missing the deadline can trigger late fees or administrative dissolution, so put the date on your compliance calendar.
What this page doesn't cover
- Federal, state, and local taxes beyond the fixed fees shown — income-dependent taxes are listed as variable obligations and never included in exact totals.
- Business licenses, local permits, industry-specific registrations, and DBA filings.
- Attorney, accountant, or filing-service fees beyond the labeled registered-agent estimate.
- Whether an LLC — or Wisconsin — is the right choice for your situation. FormedIn provides general educational information, not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice, and nothing here recommends an entity type or formation state for any specific person.
Fees, rules, deadlines, and processing times change. Confirm current requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional about your specific circumstances.
Sources
Wisconsin data last verified July 12, 2026.
- Corporation Fees— Wisconsin Department of Financial InstitutionsOfficialaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost? 2026 Guide— RegisteredAgentCost.comaccessed July 12, 2026
- How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?— ZenBusinessaccessed July 12, 2026
Keep going
- Wisconsin corporation costs →
- Compare Wisconsin with other states →
- What a Registered Agent Actually Does (and Being Your Own) →
- Annual Compliance Checklist by Entity Type →
- How to Choose Your Formation State (Delaware Isn't a Default) →
- Operating Agreements Explained →
- Official source: Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions →