How to start an LLC in Wisconsin

A limited liability company (LLC) offers liability protection and tax advantages, among other benefits for small businesses.

LLC formation in Wisconsin is easy. Just follow these six steps, and you'll be on your way.

1. Name your Wisconsin LLC

You'll need to choose a name to include in your articles before you can register your LLC.

Names must comply with Wisconsin's naming requirements. The following are the most important requirements to keep in mind:

• Your business name must include the words Limited Liability Company, LLC, or L.L.C.
• Your name must be different from an existing business in the state. You can do a search on the Secretary of State's website to determine if a particular business name is in use. For name availability in Wisconsin, check this link.
• The business name cannot contain words used to name a government agency (i.e., State Department, CIA, FBI, Treasury, etc.)

• Certain restricted words (bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.) may require additional documentation and licensure paperwork.

See a complete listing of Wisconsin's naming rules.

Additional considerations:

• URL availability. Even if you don't think you'll need a web page, you probably will. At the very least, you should reserve the option of having one in the future by buying your domain name now. Before finalizing your LLC name, it's a good idea to check if the URL is available.
• Reserve your name. If you aren't ready to register your LLC but are concerned your name might be taken by someone else, you can reserve it for a small fee. In Wisconsin, names may be reserved for up to 120 days by paying the fee and submitting the proper form to the state authority.

2. Choose your registered agent

Wisconsin requires you to appoint a registered agent for your LLC.

A registered agent is the person or entity authorized to receive service of process and other official legal documents and notices on behalf of your LLC.

A registered agent can be a person (including yourself or an employee of your LLC) or an entity that offers a registered agent service. They must meet the following criteria:

• Entities (or companies) must provide registered agent services.
• The agent must have an address in Wisconsin.
• The agent must be on-site and available to accept documents during regular business hours.

3. Prepare and file articles of organization

The articles of organization is a document that officially establishes your LLC by laying out basic information about it.

Prepare articles of organization and file them with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to register your Wisconsin LLC properly. Though it sounds like a big job, that simply means filling out a relatively simple online form and submitting it. You can also send it by mail.

To prepare your articles, you'll usually need the following information:

• Your LLC name.
• The name and address of your registered agent.
• The name and address of each organizer.
• The LLC's email address and phone number.
• The name of the drafter of the articles.
• Management structure: Will managers or members manage the LLC?
• The person forming the LLC is required to sign the articles.

Once you file your articles, the secretary of state will review the filing. If the articles are approved, the LLC becomes a legal business entity.

4. Receive a certificate from the state

The state will issue you a certificate that confirms the LLC formally exists after the LLC's formation documents are filed and approved.

This certificate will allow the LLC to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), business licenses, and business bank account.

5. Create an operating agreement

An operating agreement is a document that outlines the way your LLC will conduct business.

Wisconsin doesn't require an operating agreement, but it is an essential component of your business. Having a readily accessible, written operating agreement is helpful for various reasons, including settling disputes that may arise over financial agreements and other potential litigation. Without an agreement in place, the courts make determinations based on state law, not necessarily what is in the best interest of the LLC and its members.

The operating agreement can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• LLC's name and principal address
• Duration of the LLC
• Name and address of the registered agent
• Information about the articles of organization
• Purpose of the business
• Members and their contribution
• The way profits and losses will be divided
• Procedure for admitting new members, as well as outgoing members
• Management of the LLC
• Indemnification and liability clauses

6. Get an Employer Identification Number

The nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your LLC for taxes. You can obtain your EIN by mail or online through the IRS.

The purpose of an EIN is to assist with the following:

• File and manage taxes at the state and federal level
• Open a business bank account.
• Hire employees.

Next steps

Registering your LLC gives you a legal foundation to conduct business. Plan to keep your LLC compliant and in active status on the state's website.

All Wisconsin LLC's are required to file an annual report. This can be done online and most LLC's should file an annual report by the end of the calendar quarter of the anniversary month of the LLC's formation. You may need to pay quarterly tax payments and may also need to maintain a registered agent for your business.

A registered LLC also makes it possible for you to do the following:

• Obtain permits or licenses necessary to operate your business, including health department permits, zoning permits, home occupation permits, professional licenses, and more. Some states require a seller's permit to conduct sales.
• Register your business with the state's tax agency.
• Open a business bank account.
• Apply for a business credit card.
• Purchase insurance for your business.
• Protect your name and logo with a trademark.